Your roof is a crucial part of your home. It protects your furniture, appliances, and belongings from water intrusion, helps regulate the temperature inside your home, and prevents pest infestations, mold, and mildew.
Most homeowners’ best-case scenario is that they only need repairs rather than a replacement. However, moderate damage often brings new complexities. Click the Roofing Contractors In Denver to learn more.
- Check the Substrate
As with any construction material, the substrate is key to the longevity of your roof. This is the base layer of your roof system, a high-density fiberboard to which the sheathing and shingles are nailed. If you notice a hole or leak in the roof, examine the substrate to determine what caused it.
The most common substrate is plywood. This is made from thin layers (called plies) of wood glued together to form a flat sheet. It’s an excellent choice for residential roofing because it’s strong, inexpensive, and durable. It’s often used as sheathing on dormers and roof-pitch transition points. It’s also a popular substrate for a shingle roof.
If a roof is leaking, it’s likely due to moisture in the substrate. Vapor always rises, and if it can’t escape through a leak in the membrane or a crevice in the insulation, it’ll cook the sheathing and underlayment underneath. Look for soft spots on the underside of the substrate and for puddles where water can’t drain.
In addition to looking for signs of moisture, check the substrate for any dents or other damage. Run your hand over a shingle to feel for dimples, which may be the result of hail damage.
Check for any holes or damage to the flashing as well. Flashing is a metal strip that directs water away from protrusions like vent pipes, dormers, and chimneys. It’s a vital part of a roof system, so any holes or cracks should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent moisture from bypassing the waterproofing membrane.
- Check the Flashing
Flashing is a metal sleeve used to seal gaps around vents, pipes, chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations. It’s designed to direct rainwater away from these objects and help prevent water leakage into the interior of your home. However, flashing can develop problems due to age or improper installation. It’s important to inspect it on a regular basis and repair it immediately if needed.
Leaks can begin to form if the flashing becomes damaged or if the materials it’s made from start to degrade. The first sign of this is water leaking into your home, usually through a chimney or at the corners of your roof. If you’re unsure about what to look for, it’s always a good idea to have a professional conduct a roof inspection.
During your inspection, pay special attention to the areas of your roof where the flashing is located. This is because the flashing is the most common area for leaks to occur.
When the flashing starts to degrade, it can become rusted or corroded, which creates an ineffective barrier against water. Over time, the flashing can also get warped from dramatic temperature changes and shrink or expand. This can cause it to develop wrinkles that allow water to penetrate your roof and wreak havoc on your interior.
The flashing can also be bent or pried off your roof if it’s exposed to severe weather conditions. This can happen when high winds pick up debris from the surrounding area, including tree branches, shards of glass, and other items.
Once the flashing is damaged, it may start to develop rust spots or corrosion, which can then lead to actual holes in your roof. These holes can let in water, causing damage to the shingles and even the structure of your home.
Other signs of damaged flashing include raised shingles, which indicate the flashing is no longer providing an effective barrier against water. This can also result in mold growth and ceiling stains, which are both very expensive to repair. You should regularly check the flashing for any of these signs, especially after extreme weather events.
- Check the Shingles
During your inspection, be sure to check the shingles for signs of damage. If the shingles are cracked, broken, or missing, they’ll need to be replaced as soon as possible. This will prevent water from getting into the home and causing further problems.
Leaks and water damage may not be apparent immediately, but they can lead to severe problems down the road. If left unaddressed, they can cause mold and mildew, increase energy bills, or even affect the structure of the home. Look for water stains on the ceiling or walls, and pay special attention to areas near chimneys, vents, and skylights.
High wind speeds during storms can knock over trees, splinter windows, and damage roofs. This is especially true of ridge caps, which are located at the highest points on the roof and are particularly susceptible to damage from blowing debris. Look for shingles that have been blown away from these areas, as well as holes in the shingle layer caused by projectiles.
Another common sign of shingle damage is dark spots on the roof, which can indicate the presence of moss or algae. Both of these can weaken shingles, and can also lead to roof leaks if they are allowed to continue growing.
Blistering is a common occurrence with asphalt shingles and can be a result of weather conditions, sun exposure, or general wear and tear. Look for a pattern of slightly darker areas on the roof, and be sure to inspect gutters as well. Squirrels and raccoons can also chew holes in the shingles near ridges or edges, leaving them vulnerable to wind and water damage.
The typical lifespan of shingles is between 20 and 30 years. Be on the lookout for any that are beginning to show signs of aging, such as curling or blistering. Also be sure to inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. This is a common area for water leaks to occur, so it’s important to have any gaps or damage repaired as soon as possible.
- Check for Damage
During a severe storm, wind, hail and falling debris can damage the surface of your roof. It’s important to know how to identify this damage so that you can take the necessary steps to repair it and prevent more extensive damage in the future.
The easiest damage to spot is missing shingles. Look for bare spots on your roof, especially around gable vents and other overhangs. You may also see shingle pieces lying on the ground nearby. If your home has been struck by hail, you may notice dents on your gutters and downspouts as well as damaged or shattered windows.
Leaking and other damage may be more difficult to spot. Check your attic and living spaces for water stains and molds on the ceiling and walls. These signs of moisture infiltration indicate a problem with your roof. If left unchecked, these problems can cause severe and costly structural damage to your home.
You should also take the time to walk the exterior of your home and look for damage from the ground. Check for shingles that have been blown off, especially in the valleys of your roof. Look for dark areas on asphalt shingles, which are caused by the loss of granules. This reveals the underlying asphalt layer, which can deteriorate and lead to leaks.
Lastly, look for rust on metal roof accessories and look at the condition of your gutters. Loose or clogged gutters can create water buildup that can overflow and lead to erosion and other serious problems.
Performing regular inspections after severe weather can help you catch problems before they become worse. Identifying and repairing these problems early on can save you money in the long run and keep your family safe and healthy. It’s especially important to perform interior inspections after stormy weather, as mold and mildew can quickly grow in a damp environment. It’s also a good idea to inspect your attic, living space ceilings and areas around skylights, vents and chimneys for damage and leaks. You should also check the exterior of your home for dents on your roofing accessories and signs of damage to the flashing and substrate.