Roofing Problems: Issues You Should Know About

All homes need a reliable roof to safeguard everyone who lives there. As a homeowner, you should always keep an eye on the condition of your home's roof to catch any issues that may arise. The following are issues that may indicate a problem with your roof.

Leaks

One major issue that can happen with a roof is leakage. Moisture in your roof can be catastrophic if you do not catch it early. You can easily monitor your roof for leakage by going into the attic and look for any indication of water damage or leaks.

If you do have leakage, you also need to be concerned about mildew and mold growth. Before you have your roof repaired, you should also have your home's insulation and ventilation checked to ensure both are in good shape.

You need to address both mold and mildew growth as soon as possible. Both can have adverse health effects on yourself and your family. If you do not address the source of the moisture, including a roof leak, mold and mildew can continue to grow and become problematic.

Rot

Roof rot is a serious issue. When parts of a roof begin to rot, the possibility of structural damage is high. As wood is exposed to moisture for a prolonged time, fungus grows. This growth will quickly deteriorate the roof. You should know the signs of roof rot so you can catch any problems before your roof completely deteriorates.

One sign is missing shingles or broken flashing. These structures protect the roof from moisture. If either of these are missing or broken, moisture easily gets inside the wooden structure and will cause the wood to rot.

You can check for roof rot by looking for missing shingles from the ground using binoculars. Look for gaps or tears. You can also have the roof inspected in case you think you may not be able to see all your roof by yourself.

Another item to look for is water stains on the ceilings inside your home. Although the water stains may be a result of a small leak, another likely cause is wood rot. Mold growth can also indicate rot in your roof. Any indication of moisture inside the walls and ceilings of your home can mean you have at least some rot in your roof that needs immediate attention.

Cracks

A cracked roof is also a possibility, especially if you live in a windy climate. Some cracks may just be in a few shingles, which are easy and rather inexpensive to replace. Unfortunately, some cracks can span the entirety of the roof. In these cases, you will likely need a roof replacement.

One way to check for cracks is by turning the lights off in your attic. Look at your roof to check for light shining through. Any light coming in through the cracks will be noticeable in the daylight. Any cracks should be repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage from water and other elements.

Poor Efficiency

If you notice a significant increase in your energy bills each month, the roof may be the cause. In some instances, a home's windows and doors cause an increase in your bill each month. Windows and doors can easily leak air when they are not properly sealed.

However, if you have new windows or doors and are sure they are fully sealed, the issue may be with the roof. If your roof is in poor condition, you may notice hot air more easily seeping into the home, especially if the roof's insulation is not up to par.

If you have any of these issues, you should have your roof inspected as soon as possible. At Cal Roofing Systems Inc., we are happy to help you with all of your roof repair needs.