Under normal circumstances, your roof helps keep you home safe and dry. However, leaks can and will happen, no matter how well-maintained the roofing materials are. Keeping your roof in good condition is vital to preserving the safety and structural integrity of your home. While your trusted Arvada roofers will help maintain or replace your existing roof as long as you own your home, you’ll still want to be able to recognize the signs of damage and water leaks so you can schedule an appointment before the damage becomes severe. Here are a few of the most common signs of roof leaks to keep an eye out for this spring.
Buckling Shingles
Ordinarily, asphalt shingles lay flat against the side of the roof. This helps keep moisture and the elements out of your sub-roofing and attic. However, if the shingles were installed improperly or there’s a flaw in the way the roof felt was installed in the first place, the shingles may start to buckle. Over time, the buckling exposes the sub-roofing to moisture, compromising the condition of the rest of your roof. During the early stages, you may notice that the shingles start changing shape, even if they continue to lay flat against the pitch of the roof. Should you notice any changes, contact your roof repair team for an inspection. Catching buckling early on is the easiest way to prevent leaks in your home.
Mildew and Algae Growth
Shingles come in many different colors, but once you pick one, that color shouldn’t change on its own. If you notice a greenish-gray tint creeping over the majority of your shingles, there could be a buildup of moisture in the materials. The greenish-grey tint is actually mildew and algae growing along the surface. While algae isn’t harmful on its own, it does indicate that the shingles are saturated with moisture. Over time, the moisture can seep into the attic and walls, leading to water leaks inside the home.
Crumbling Shingles
Believe it or not, every type of shingle, except slate, can develop roof rot. This is caused by a buildup of moisture and lack of overall maintenance and care. Once rot has set in, the shingles will start to crumble, crack, or flake off. These damaged shingles need to be replaced quickly in order to preserve the condition of the roof and prevent leaks inside the house.
Water Stains in the Home
When water soaks through the roof and into the walls and ceiling of your home, it often forms water stains and spots on the ceiling. Even with darker colored paint, you’ll likely notice brown streaks, discoloration in the paint, and possibly bubbling or peeling paint at the site of the leak. Should you notice any discoloration or changes to your home’s ceiling, call a roofing contractor immediately. Once leaks are creating water stains, the damage is often extensive and only quick repair work will prevent the damage from spreading to the rest of the area.
Damaged or Missing Flashing
The flashing is a strip of metal that covers open seams in your roof. In most homes, you’ll find flashing around skylights, chimneys, air vents, and any other area where the roof has been cut to accommodate the design of your home. When installed, the metal covers the seams completely, keeping water and pests out of the roof. However, if the flashing is damaged due to old roofing materials or severe weather, it no longer protects your house. Every few months, check the exterior of your home and pay close attention to the space around the chimney, skylights, and air vents. If you notice that flashing looks damaged or rusted, call your roofing contractor, even if there are no other signs of leaks in the home.
Curled Shingles
Just as buckling shingles are a sure sign of moisture intrusion in the sub-roofing, curled shingles are likewise an issue. When the edges start to curl up and in towards the interior of the shingle, it’s often due to water collecting inside the asphalt material. When dried out in the sun, the material starts to shrink, curling into itself. This also exposes the sub-roofing to the elements, increasing the risk of leaks. Every month, check the appearance of your shingles and take note of areas where the edges look like they’re lifting up.
Warped Siding
Believe it or not, your gutters are instrumental in protecting your home from water leaks and damage. When they start to malfunction, either due to damage or clogs, the water is sent directly down the side of your home rather than to the designated drainage area. Over time, the water can soak into your siding, causing the paint to bubble up and the material itself to warp and bend. If you notice any changes in your siding or see paint peeling up off the paneling, call a roofer. You will likely need to have your gutters and roof repaired to address the water damage.
Missing Shingles
Bare patches on the roof are never a good sign. These areas are completely exposed to wind, water, and ice throughout the year, increasing the risk of severe water damage in your home. Every month and after every severe storm, inspect your roof for missing shingles. The faster you have these shingles replaced, the lower your risk is of finding a water leak inside your home. Should you notice missing shingles, take a few moments to inspect your attic space for signs of leaks. Look for mold and discoloration in the insulation and any visible rafters.
The faster you take care of a roof leak, the better off your home will be. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs or are concerned about the way your roof looks, don’t wait to call a roof repair expert! Contact Arvada Roofing & Construction and schedule a free inspection for your home. Our dedicated roofing contractors will thoroughly inspect your roof, inside and out, to make sure leaks will never be a problem.