As homeowners venture outside after the long winter, here are signs you should look out for to ensure your home is protected. This blog will review some key danger signals you should look for that your roof may need some attention. Looking for these danger signals encourages proactivity with any issues your roof may be having, possibly preventing even more costly repairs or replacements that will be needed if the issues are left unsolved. When noticing any issues regarding your roof, it is also best to ask a professional contractor, such as Renaissance Roofing, Inc., to evaluate your roofing concerns.
Signs To Look For:
1. Leaking In Attic
After experiencing a strong storm or wind-driven rain, it is important to check your attic for signs of a roof leak/leaks. If you are noticing leakage in your attic, this could be a sign that your roof does not have adequate shingle underlayment or could possibly have an issue with flashing deterioration. Underlayment is meant to be the roof’s waterproof layer; if it is damaged or improperly installed, it allows water to seep through the roof deck, which could potentially seep into your home. Flashing is the aluminum or steel used over roof joints like chimneys or pipes and can cause many issues if they are deteriorated, and they must be replaced. These issues can lead to severe water damage and mold growth if left untreated.
2. Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls: Mold or Mildew Growth
If you are noticing stains or mold growth inside your home, it could be a sign you may have inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment that is allowing water to seep into your home. Another culprit could be a home with inadequate attic ventilation, which causes excessive moisture conditions or high humidity that mold or mildew growth will thrive in. Some common signs of this are condensation, musty odors, and peeling paint.
3. Blistering or Peeling Interior and Exterior Paint
When paint begins to peel off, it is likely caused by trapped moisture in your home due to excessive temperatures or high humidity from poor attic ventilation. The air in your attic needs to be able to flow freely from the soffit to the ridge to reduce humidity. It is important that your home has vents in areas like your kitchen and your bathroom. Dryers should also vent to the outside. To fix issues causing peeling paint and prevent further costly damage, it is crucial to repair leaks, improve ventilation, and take preventative measures to control humidity in your home.
4. Exterior Decay, Sheathing and/or Siding
Sheathing is a structural layer applied to the exterior of a home’s walls to act as a base for siding. Siding is the exterior finish that covers the sheathing, providing a protective layer. Again, poor attic ventilation is often a possible cause, but any condition that is resulting in your home having excess moisture can contribute to exterior decay. One way to combat this problem is by placing a vapor barrier between the insulation and the inside of the house to reduce the amount of moisture that goes into a wall and to help moisture escape from the wall.
5. Missing, Cracked or Curled Shingles
Shingles with curling edges, cracks, and missing granules are a good sign that your roof has reached the end of its lifespan. If you notice that your shingles appear dry or practically break when touched, it is also an indicator that it is time to invest in a new roof.
6. Dark, “Dirty Looking” Areas on Your Roof
If you notice any dark or “dirty looking” areas on your roof, it could mean that your roof has vegetation, fungus, mold, algae growth, or that the protective granules on your shingles have been lost. These issues can typically be caused by overhanging trees, flat roofs with poor drainage, ample shade, or clogged gutters, and they are most prevalent in the spring and summer when there is a lot of rain and humidity. While dark or “dirty looking” areas on your roof do not necessarily mean the roof needs to be replaced, these stains can drastically decrease the curb appeal of your roof. Cleaning your roof shingles is an option, but it can sometimes shorten their lifespan. Luckily, StainGuard® protection is available on many GAF Shingles.
7. Excessive Energy Cost
A possible cause of higher cooling costs could be insufficient attic ventilation, requiring the cooling system to run excessively. In warm weather, inadequate ventilation will trap hot air in the attic, causing air-conditioning systems to work harder, or leaving your home's interior hotter and less comfortable. In both hot and cold weather, moisture in the attic can become trapped and condensed on the rafters if it’s not insulated properly. This moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness, potentially increasing energy costs.
These seven signs are helpful to keep an eye out for on your roof. Checking on your home preemptively is important because it is easier to catch an issue earlier on. If you notice anything on your roof that needs professional attention, please feel free to call Renaissance Roofing, Inc. at 734-495-0996, and we would be happy to help.
