Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It protects you from rain, snow, sun, and wind. But like any other part of your house, your roof can be damaged over time. If you don’t catch roof damage early, it can lead to serious problems, such as leaks, mold growth, and even structural damage.
In this blog post by Custom Design Roofing LLC, we’ll discuss how to spot roof damage on your property in University Place, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Fox Island, Port Orchard, and surrounding areas before it becomes a big problem. We’ll cover both exterior and interior signs of roof damage and when to call a professional roofer. We’ll also provide some preventative roof maintenance tips to help you keep your roof in top shape.
Signs of Roof Damage: Exterior Inspection
There are a number of signs that can indicate roof damage. Here are a few things to look for during an exterior inspection of your roof:
1. Missing or damaged shingles
Shingles are the individual elements that are parts of your roof. Ultimately, shingles can become damaged or warped, perhaps wavy or flapping, or absent. If you find any signs of shingles that are either missing or pulled up, you need to repair your roof.
2. Flashing issues
The flashing is the material that is put around the roofs to prevent water from penetrating through the points where there are chimneys, vents, and skylights. The flashing that is installed on the roof can be easily damaged or installed incorrectly, leading to water leakage on the roof.
3. Gutter problems
Your gutters are meant to ensure the water is evacuated from your roof. If blocked or harbouraged, they may become saturated, cause water to leak back under your shingles, and inflict more damage on the roof.
4. Visible moss or algae growth
Lichen and other algae make it difficult for water to drain on the roof and cause shingle aging. When moss or algae start to form on the roof, it must be cleaned as soon as possible since they are bad for the roof.
Signs of Roof Damage: Interior Inspection
In addition to exterior signs of damage, there are also a number of interior signs that can indicate roof damage. Here are a few things to look for:
1. Water stains or leaks
If you detect water stains on your ceiling or walls, that can only mean one thing: you need a professional roof leak repair. Leading roofing inspection, damage, and replacement in Port Orchard reveal that if you notice any signs of water seepage, such as stains on the ceiling, then you should hire a roofing contractor to repair the leaking roof.
2. Cracked or peeling paint or wallpaper
Like every other structure, moisture from a leak can result in cracking, blistering, or peeling of the paint or wallpaper on the ceiling or walls. This is evident in the location directly below the leakage point of the system under consideration. It is not as severe as the previous signs, and this signifies that there is a problem with the roof that needs to be looked into.
3. Mold or mildew growth
Water penetration may lead to mold and mildew formations. If you find molds or mildew on your ceilings or walls, then it is high time you check your roof for leakage.
4. Increased energy bills
A damaged roof thus impacts your home in several ways, including affecting its energy efficiency. Sometimes, your heating or cooling bills appear considerably high, possibly due to leaking or lack of adequate attic ventilation. It is not a unique indication of roof damage but can suggest more investigation and possible roof problems.
5. Sagging ceilings
Ceilings may sag due to wetted roof rafters or trusses. Another area that should make you call a professional roofer is when you discover a sagging ceiling in your home.
6. Unusual or unexplained musty odors
According to the top roofing replacement specialists in University Place, if your house has a constant smell of mold or dampness in the attic or living area, this can indicate hidden mold or water damage behind walls or ceilings. If you identify an odd, pungent smell that cannot be explained, look for the cause and contact a roofing contractor to check for possible leaks.
When to Call a Professional Roofer
There are a number of situations in which you should call a professional roofer. Here are a few:
1. Extensive shingle damage
It requires repair if your roof seems to have many missing shingles or even those with evident damage. One can easily diagnose and suggest the right course of action if they hire a professional roofer, especially from a credible firm like Custom Design Roofing LLC.
2. Unexplained Roof Noises
Any unusual sound, such as popping, crackling, or squeaking on your roof, is usually associated with movement or distortion of its shape. Leading roof damage and replacement experts in University Place reveal that although such sound is not necessarily indicative of crucial problems, it is wise to have the professional check out what may have caused the noise and whether there are developing issues that deserve the attention of a mechanic.
3. Flashing repair or replacement
Every roof is made of several components, but flashing plays an essential role. If the flashing is poorly installed or damaged, it is optimal to consult a professional roofer from a reliable company like Custom Design Roofing LLC to fix or install it. Feel free to contact our team at 253-858-0909 for an accurate estimate.
4. Signs of structural damage
This means that whenever the rafters or trusses are structurally impaired, i.e., they sag, it is high time you call a professional roofer. Structural damage poses risks to the affected property and people and requires correction from an expert.
5. Difficulty or safety concerns in inspecting the roof yourself
According to the top roofing contractors in Gig Harbor, if you’re not comfortable or safe inspecting your roof yourself, it’s always best to call a professional roofer. They have the experience and equipment to inspect your roof and identify potential problems safely.
6. Roof is Nearing the End of Its Expected Lifespan
As for the roofs, most of them have a life expectancy ranging between 15 and 3 years, depending on the type of roof material and how well they have been fixed. For instance, if it has been some time since it was installed or if you have noticed signs of wear and tear that are usually associated with roofs that are older than it is supposed to be, then it is a good idea to consult roofing companies near me to have the roof checked for even the slightest of problems that may be inconspicuous. They can also determine the condition of the roof and signs of a problem that may arise in the future and recommend the measures needed for either repair or replacement of the roof.
7. Peace of Mind
If you feel your roof has a significant issue, it is helpful to contact a roofer for an assessment. A competent roofer can provide an expert opinion to ease your fears and suggest the best way forward.
Preventative Roof Maintenance Tips
The best way to avoid roof damage is to perform regular preventative maintenance. Here are a few tips:
1. Schedule regular roof inspections
According to the leading roof damage, inspection, and replacement experts in Tacoma, it’s wise to have the roof checked by a professional from an accredited company at least once every year. This will enable them to detect such issues at their embryonic stage before they cause much havoc. Custom Design Roofing LLC provides roof inspection as one of its many specialties in roofing.
2. Keep your gutters clean and free of debris
This is normally caused by blocked gutters, which settle water under the shingles, leading to leakage and other related roof problems. Always remember to clear your gutters as soon as you can or when you observe that they are full of water after a rainy or snowy day.
3. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof
Tree branches are also hazardous to your roof in many ways. They can claw their way across the shingles, puncture them, and spread leaves and other debris on your roof. Thisq debris can hold water, thus causing the shingles to wear faster. Our team at Custom Design Roofing LLC advises you to prune tree branches within 10 feet of the roof you service.
4. Ensure proper ventilation
Top roof replacement specialists in Fox Island reveal that fresh air circulation in your attic is very important to avoid the accumulation of moisture and, therefore, adverse effects on the roof. You need to look for signs of ventilation, such as dampness and mold formation. If you have some doubts regarding proper ventilation, it is recommended that you contact a professional roofing company.
Peace of Mind with Custom Design Roofing LLC
While regular roof inspections, replacement, damage, and maintenance are key to a healthy roof, unexpected damage can still occur. That’s why it’s essential to have a trusted roofing company like Custom Design Roofing LLC on your side.
Located in Tacoma, Washington, Custom Design Roofing LLC serves homeowners throughout the Pierce County area, including Fox Island, Gig Harbor, University Place, and Port Orchard. Our team of certified and experienced roofers can handle all your roofing needs, from inspections and repairs to complete roof replacements.
Don’t wait until a small leak becomes a major headache! Contact Custom Design Roofing LLC at 253-858-0909 today for a free roof inspection. We’ll identify any potential problems and provide you with a personalized plan to keep your roof in top shape for years to come.