Signs of Roof Damage
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you get your roof inspected twice a year. Your roof ’s longevity and ability to remain waterproof is increased if it is properly maintained. Don’t wait for your insurance company to tell you to have your roof inspected. Regular inspections spot damage early caused by weather, rodents and other elements, and prevents minor problems from becoming major repairs.
Shingles Know-How: Hot or altering temperatures cause asphalt shingles to buckle, curl and blister. Proper ventilation is crucial to hydrating shingles. Asphalt shingles are typically made of organic felt or fiberglass and coated with asphalt granules. Over time, the granular surface loosens and wears off, exposing the raw shingle to water damage. As part of an inspection and maintenance package, your licensed roofing contractor seals down curled or bent shingles and replaces loose or missing shingles to keep your roof watertight.
Dislodged shingles or shingles that have blown off your roof ’s surface may indicate that your asphalt shingle is losing its tar seal. While temporary tar sealing will work short term, it is not guaranteed as a permanent fix.
Buckled Roof: Poor roof ventilation and overheating is the main cause of buckling and premature shingle wear. Trapped heat and moisture in an attic causes severe damage to the roof truss system and sheathing deck. Ridge vents and attic fans are efficient, relatively inexpensive solutions.
Animal Damage: Animals can cause a lot of damage to a roof. Wood peckers, nesting birds, squirrels, raccoons, mice and bats can all compromise the integrity of your roof. A roof inspection identifies damage early so you can seal holes and replace chewed off caps and flashing.
Damaged Flashing: Aluminum flashing around chimneys, vents and other penetrating roof objects is designed to keep water out; however damaged flashing lets water seep underneath causing rot or leaks to the interior of your home. The roofing compound that seals the flashing down can also dry out and come loose causing water damage. Inspect flashing around chimneys, vertical walls, skylights and vents for bending, loose nails, or holes and replace seriously damaged flashing altogether.
Gutter Blockages: Gutters and downspouts are designed to channel water away from your roof. If your gutters are poorly maintained or full of debris, water backs up and seeps into the edges of your roof. Over time the extra debris also weighs down the gutter and causes it to pull away from the home and block water flow. Gutter guards are the perfect solution as they prevent debris from building up inside your gutters.
Source: Homepulseonline.com
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