What Are the Most Common Issues with Roofs?
The roof of your home is the best defense between your family and the elements. It is also the part of your home that is most vulnerable to damage and to other issues caused by weather related problems. Most of the issues are not visible from the ground. This is why an annual roof inspection by a professional Cincinnati roofing contractor like Harper Siding and Roofing is so important.
What are the issues that can cause serious problems for homeowners? And what’s your best course of action if they happen to your home?
Weather Damage to Shingles
Shingles are especially prone to wear caused by the elements. Shingle granules, and sometimes even full shingles from the roof can often be seen in gutters and in downspout catch troughs. Strong rains, heavy winds, and accumulated ice can cause the shingles to become weak and damaged. Shingles that have become dislocated can expose the roof underlayment to water damage and rot. When this happens, it can allow water to enter the attic, allowing black mold to grow. Black mold is a serious threat to the health of the home’s occupants.
Gaps Around Roof Openings
Most roofs have some openings to accommodate pipes, vents, skylights, or a chimney. The seals around these areas, which are intended to protect these areas, can become weak and cracked. Once the seals fail and begin to leak, this will also allow water to enter the attic and other areas of the home. Every part of the roof around an opening should be regularly inspected to be sure that the sealant is still doing its job. Some of these areas, typically including the chimney opening, are also protected by flashing, which is a metal material that protects against the opening in the roof from acting as a conduit for water leakage. An inspection of the flashing should also be a part of your annual roof inspection.
Loose Drip Edge
The roofing drip edge can often become dislodged and misplaced out of its protective position. The purpose of a drip edge is to make rainwater flow off of the roof and into the gutters rather than down the side of the house. The drip edge should extend 3/4 inches beyond the fascia board of the house. Water that flows down the side of the home may result in soil erosion around the foundation and eventually a flooded basement. It may also stain the walls and the siding, or leak in around windows.
Check Your Attic
A regular trip up to the attic is a surprisingly important step in checking on the health of your roof, because any area of the roof that is leaking water may show stains on the underside of the roof underlayment or, in a worst case scenario, in wet or moldy areas inside your attic. Any noticeable moisture in your attic should always warrant a call to your trusted, local roof repair company.
Harper: A Cincinnati Roofer for All Roof Related Issues
In addition to your annual roof inspection, we’re here for Cincinnati-area homeowners whenever they notice a roof problem that requires professional attention. Roofing issues need to be addressed promptly to protect the home from damage and its occupants from unhealthy conditions. If you are looking for affordable Cincinnati roofing companies, consider reaching out to Harper Siding and Roofing for a roof repair estimate. Call us at 513.444.6098 or use our online contact form.