A roof that is in good condition paves the way for a strong and sturdy building. Whether you live in an area that is often targeted by powerful storms or heavy rainfall, a good roof should be able to withstand many different kinds of high-pressure situations. However, you will likely run into problems at some point, regardless of how diligent you are in maintaining your roof. From roof leaks caused by water damage to cracked shingles, any sign of trouble that you encounter should be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible. Here are six telltale signs that it’s time to schedule a roof inspection.
1. Damaged Gutters
Your gutters work hard to keep your building in good shape. Besides diverting water away from your property, these channels engage in a number of other vital tasks that keep everything running smoothly, such as preventing leaks, stopping mold growth and minimizing paint damage. Because gutters are so important, any damage that impacts their normal functioning can wreak havoc on many aspects of your building. If you notice a buildup of granules in your gutters caused by severe weather or dramatic changes in temperature, this accumulation may eventually cause your gutters to crack under the weight and lead to serious forms of damage, such as roof leaks. Be sure to take action as soon as you notice signs of granule accumulation inside your gutters.
2. Cracked Shingles
One of the most evident signs of a roof in need of an inspection is cracked shingles. If you notice any wear and tear on your shingles, this could be an indication of more serious roof problems. Oftentimes, cracked shingles are a result of granules being exposed to significant damage from weather events. As soon as you come across cracking or other signs of harm to your shingles, be sure to have them repaired or replaced right away. It’s also important to regularly examine your shingles to ensure that they’re in good condition. Failing to care for your shingles properly can cause them to become more severely cracked or fall off completely.
3. Water Damage
If left unchecked, damage caused by water exposure on your roof can lead to costly repairs and replacements down the road. There are many possible sources of this type of roof damage, including the following:
- Roof leaks
- Leaky water pipes
- Clogged gutters
- Ice dams
Once you identify the cause of your water-damaged roof, you can understand what they tell you about the state of your roof. For example, heavy streaks on the roof’s surface may indicate that there is insufficient drainage outside. In some cases, this lack of proper drainage can cause the foundation to absorb an excess of water and become seriously damaged as a result. When dealing with water damage, it’s best to address the issue as soon as you can before it spreads to other areas of the roof.
4. Ceiling or Wall Stains
Sometimes, the damage on your roof can become visible from the inside. If you come across unexplained stains on your ceiling, the culprit is likely a leak coming from your roof. Any roof leaks warrant immediate attention, so be sure to have them repaired before they lead to additional damage. An unaddressed roof leak can create problems such as mold growth, insulation damage, destroyed framing and significant wear and tear on your ceiling. If the stains you see have begun to spread across your walls, this means that the leak on your roof has already grown in severity. Make sure you take care of the problem appropriately to keep the rest of your assets in safe condition.
5. Mold Growth
When enough water damage builds up on your roof, it can cause mold to grow. Signs of mold growth on your roof are typically a direct result of roof leaks. In other cases, mold may appear in warm or humid climates, which are usually prevalent in the southeast United States. It’s important to take care of any mold growth as soon as you realize that it has become a problem. With time, mold can cause damage to your shingles and negatively affect other areas of your roof. It’s also a good idea to identify the cause of mold so that you can ensure that it doesn’t reappear in the future.
6. Damaged Flashing
If there is damaged flashing on your roof, you need to identify the root of the problem right away. Roof flashing has the vital role of directing water away from the roof, which can help to minimize flooding and prevent water damage from wreaking havoc on different areas of the roof. Damaged flashing can occur because of various issues, such as improper commercial roof installation and drying or cracking. If your roof is particularly old, signs of drying and cracking may be more pronounced. Fortunately, you can repair most defective flashing without having to replace the entire roof. This can help you save time and money while enjoying improved roofing material.
Take Proper Care of Your Roof for Better Results
Commercial roof inspection on a regular basis can help to prevent many of these common problems. However, if something ever goes wrong, it’s crucial to take action as soon as you can. Whether you notice roof leaks or water damage, be sure to schedule a roof inspection to identify the source of the issue and address it appropriately. The more proactive you are, the faster you can ensure that your roof returns to its normal state.