When comes to general roof maintenance, it helps to have focal points. Here are seven things you should be aware of during a basic roof inspection.
1. Wind Damage
There are many types of wind threats. The weakest winds are produced by severe storms. On some occasions, severe storms can generate heavy gusts, and these gusts could pose a minor threat to a roof. Beyond these storms, there are tornados and tropical storms. Tornados can destroy a roof instantly. As for a tropical storm, the results will vary based on the strength of the storm. If a tropical storm becomes a hurricane, the risks will intensify. The wind gusts from a mighty hurricane can tear the shingles off a roof. If a storm lingers over a vulnerable foundation, it will soak up a lot of rain, and it will eventually rot.
2. Heat Damage
In the summer, a roof can deteriorate if it’s exposed to an excessive amount of heat. It’s very easy to recognize the early signs of heat damage because heat causes shingles to buckle. If you climb a ladder and conduct a closer inspection, you’ll could discover more signs of distress, such as bubbles on the surfaces of various shingles.
If your roof has heat damage, you must take action before the sun’s UV rays take a toll on your roof’s foundation. Maintenance begins with a quick survey. First, identify every shingle that has missing granules. Then, replace these shingles with new shingles.
3. Water Damage
Water damage will often follow wind damage. If your roof has any form of water damage, you will notice signs inside your home. These signs will be represented as water spots. You’ll find these spots on your ceilings and walls. If you need more proof, you can conduct a second inspection outside on your roof. During this inspection, carefully scan the roof and look for dips on your shingles. The dips will indicate where the water is coming from on your roof.
Unlike other forms of roof damage, water damage can be a double threat. Besides foundational damage, water damage can create a breeding ground for mold. If mold populates and spreads, it could cause respiratory problems in a home.
4. Flashing Damage
Roof flashing is a metal material that creates a waterproof barrier. It protects the edges of a roof, the area around a chimney, vents, and other zones.
Because flashing is made of metal, it’s very durable. However, in time, it will begin to deteriorate due to harsh weather conditions. For example, heavy rainfall can cause corrosion, and intense heat can make the metal warp.
If your roof has damaged flashing, never try to fix it with caulk. Caulk is only a temporary solution. If you want the best results, you’ll have to replace the damaged flashing with new material.
5. Hail Damage
Hail damage is not a typical threat because it’s a rare occurrence during a severe storm. The severity of the damage from hail will vary based on the size of the ice pellets. If a storm produces light hail, the pellets will not pose a threat. However, if the ice is the size of a baseball, the threat will be greater. Baseball-size hail at a high velocity can smash the shingles on a roof. If you believe that your roof has hail damage, call a roofer, and schedule an appointment for a roof inspection immediately.
6. Structural Damage
When it comes to structural damage, there are a few areas should have on your radar. The first section to be aware of is the fascia. This component is found underneath the gutters. It’s a wooden board that runs along the edge of a roof. Its purpose is to connect the rafter to the roof’s perimeter. During each inspection, observe this area. If it’s vulnerable during storms, it will degrade and decay.
The next component that deserves attention is the soffit. This is a metal piece that lies under the rafter. It distributes air from the roof to an attic. If your soffit is damaged or has missing pieces, it will need to be replaced.
7. Fungus
While you’re searching for structural damage, always be aware of fungus. Fungus may seem harmless, but it is not. In time, a fungus like mold will gradually deteriorate wooden sections on a roof like its plywood foundation.
Fungus is very easy to locate on roof. It will primarily grow in shaded areas that have a moisture.
The Next Step
If your home has any form of roof damage, contact Sowell Roofing, Inc.