The roof of a home doesn’t usually get as much attention as other components since most of it isn’t visible from the ground. It’s a lot harder to see any damage casually. However, if you’re a homeowner, you need to know when something is going wrong with this key part of your home. Since it’s costly to replace a roof, it’s best to extend the life of your current structure for as long as you can. To do this, you need to identify problems in the early stages and take steps to rectify them. Some signs of roof damage are obvious even to an untrained eye but there are other things that only a Greenville roofer will usually notice. However, they are certain signs you may be able to spot if you know where to look.
You may assume that your roof will leak if it is damaged. However, there are other ways in which moisture can cause problems. Even if your attic is well insulated, hot, humid air can make its way into space and the moisture can cause mold to grow. If this isn’t addressed, your roof decking could suffer damage.
To prevent moisture from forming in your attic, you need to have proper ventilation so the air can escape. Otherwise, both heat and ventilation will cause problems. If you notice mold or other indicators of moisture, you need to have your ventilation checked.
Moisture in the attic can also mean that water is coming in from outside the home. If your ceiling or attic walls are wet, it may be due to damaged shingles, loose flashing, or another external problem. If you can’t figure out where the moisture is coming from, you should contact a roofing contractor.
Your attic can also tell you if your roof’s decking is damaged. The decking is the layer of material that sits under the top layer of shingles. Even if you don’t notice moisture, you may see sagging or misshapen wood if the wood is rotting. Also, if you push against the ceiling of your attic, you may find that it’s weak. Take note of the areas where the boards seem to give and call a roofer so they can check for damaged shingles in the corresponding areas on the roof.
Damaged decking may also result in:
A blanket of moss can be beautiful but if you have one on your roof, you have a problem. Moss thrives in damp locations with lots of shade. Since it puts down roots on the roof, it gradually causes the material to degrade. The roots can also cause the shingles to lift, making the roof vulnerable to mold and bacteria. Eventually, the roof will leak, and you may have to deal with costly repairs. If you notice mold growing on your roof, you need to remove it and prevent it from growing back. If a water hose and hand-scraping don’t get rid of it, you should call in the professionals. Power washing can cause further damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you look up and see tiny shards of light coming into your home, you’ll want to investigate further. Look for signs of water damage where the light is getting in. If it has rained recently, the area may be damp. Otherwise, you may notice mold, water stains, or other signs that water got in previously. If your house has a shake roof, some sunlight is normal. However, you should still check to see if there’s water damage or if the gap is so large that pests could enter. If you’re concerned, you should call a roofing contractor so they can go up on the roof and see if the external roofing materials are still in good condition.
It’s not always easy to tell what’s happening with your roof. If you suspect that it’s damaged in some way, contact our roofing contractors at Lanier Roofing in Greenville, SC, and schedule a professional inspection. We’ll let you know what’s wrong and advise you on what you can do to get your roof back in optimum shape. We offer both roof repair and replacement services and you can be sure that your home will be in good hands. Don’t delay in giving your roof the attention it deserves.
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