Your roof, much like your siding, serves as a shield that protects your home from the threat of the elements. However, this can take a toll on your roof’s health. Without even realizing it, certain signs of roof damage start developing, some of which tend to get ignored. If left unaddressed, they morph into bigger problems. Let’s look at easy-to-miss roofing problems and why you should take professional inspections seriously.
Granules in the Gutter
One of the signs of roof damage that many homeowners tend to miss out on and would beckon professional attention is the presence of granules inside your gutters. Granules act as a protective layer that reflects the sun’s UV rays. Shingles lose their granules as they age, leaving them vulnerable to weathering. When you start seeing granules in your gutters, it might be time to call the professionals in.
Buckling Shingles
When shingles buckle, it can signify inadequate ventilation or an overloaded roof structure. Shingles can also start to bow due to the dampness from the underside of the roof deck. Often, the culprit is condensation. Call a residential and commercial roofing professional immediately if you notice buckling shingles. The only way to repair buckling shingles is to locate the source of moisture causing the condensation and eliminate it from the equation.
Mold and Moss
Roofs that suffer from inadequate ventilation or have a shallow roof slope are more prone to developing mold or moss. Moisture and shade combine to form the ideal environment for mold or moss to grow. Mold and moss are signs your roof is collecting too much moisture and needs immediate attention. The mold and moss create an area where water can gather, eventually damaging your roof.
Dents and Deformities on the Soft Metals
Damage to the soft metal, such as flashing and valleys, is a sign your roof is firmly rooted in the clutches of age. This can cause water to seep through and cause further damage. Soft metals are more prone to weathering and should be checked regularly to ensure they’re in top condition. These damages can be hard to pinpoint and cause major damage to the roof’s structure if neglected for too long. The only way to repair these deformities is by replacing the metal altogether.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are among the most common signs of roof damage that homeowners overlook. It’s only a matter of time before water starts to seep in through the gaps and damage the roof’s structure. Missing shingles can also encourage the development of mold and moss. Heavy winds and storms are usually the culprits. As such, always check the roof after a storm and do storm damage repairs to ensure none of the shingles have gone astray.
Displaced Nails
Loosened nails are one of the most telling signs of roof damage. The peaks and valleys of a roof can cause nails to become loose over time due to expansion and contraction. This can cause gaps in the roof’s structure and leave it exposed to weathering effects. If you’ve started to see a few nails popping out of the shingles, it’s essential to address them pronto.
Peeling Paint
Peeling paint around the chimney, vents and skylights can point to roofing problems. This usually happens due to higher temperatures on the surface, which can cause the paint to bubble and peel off. Peeling paint can also cause water to seep in and damage the roof’s structure.
Hail Damage
Hail damage is another sign of roof damage that many homeowners overlook. Hail can cause considerable damage not just to the roof shingles but also to your siding, leaving behind marks and bruises. The impact can range from brown spots to broken shingles and everything in between. Left unattended, hail damage can cause major corrosion in the long term.
Rusty Gutters
Though rusting gutters might be hard to spot, they can spell disaster if left unattended. Rusting gutters is a sign of standing water clogging and corroding them from the inside out. Rusting gutters can also be due to excessive exposure to moisture. This can cause water to collect in the gutters and erode them. If you’ve started seeing rust in your gutters, it might be time to get your roof inspected.
Mold on Exterior Walls
Mold doesn’t just limit itself to the roof — it can often spread to the outer walls of your home, accelerating the damage. Moisture trapped in the wall can encourage mold growth, giving it a hint of green or gray. If you’ve started seeing mold or black spots forming on the exterior walls, there’s a high chance water is leaking through the roof.
Ceiling Stains
Even if you’re not noticing any external signs, the interior of your home can give away the condition of your roof. Ceiling stains are one of the most overlooked signs of roof damage. If you’re seeing discolorations on your ceiling, it’s a sign moisture has seeped through the roof’s structure. The longer you leave these stains unattended, the worse the damage becomes. Always inspect your roof for signs of leakage shortly after you notice the ceiling stains. If you’re unlucky, you might have a few water-damaged rafters requiring replacement.
The Need for Regular Professional Roof Inspections
Weather and age can take a toll on the health of your roof. Easy-to-miss signs of roof damage are always lurking in the shadows, from buckling shingles to granules in the gutters. This is why it’s essential to get regular residential and commercial roofing inspections to make sure your roof is in top condition.
Detecting age-related damage and easy-to-miss signs of roof damage requires an experienced eye. For this, working with a reliable contractor who performs thorough assessment of roofing systems is ideal. Quality roofing experts have a knack for spotting subtle signs of damage that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
After a comprehensive examination of your roof, they can recommend the best solution for your roof’s situation. Simple repairs would be enough if the discovered damage is only limited to a few areas of the roof. These are also ideal if your roof is still relatively new. A complete replacement, however, may be required if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and is showing signs of extensive damage throughout your roof.
Trust Hershey Exteriors for Your Roofing Needs
No matter your roofing concern, Hershey Exteriors has you covered. If you’re in Ocean View, DE, or the surrounding areas, contact us at (302) 569-9039 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services, including storm damage repairs!