It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it’s not the best idea to tackle roof repair in howling winds and torrential rain. So, before the weather gets really bad, check for telltale signs of problems – damp stains on ceilings and walls, sagging and leaks.
Inspect the flashing (thin metal sheeting that seals areas around penetrations like pipes) for cracks or loosening. If it’s bent, try to bend it back into place and reseal. For professional help, contact Glacier Roofing.
If rain or snow leaks into a building, it can quickly lead to damage and unforeseen expenses. Water damage is responsible for 15% of all commercial insurance claims, so it’s important to protect your business from water damage by maintaining a well-maintained roof and ensuring proper drainage.
A leaking roof can lead to water damage in a number of ways, but the most common is through the ceiling. Ceiling stains are a telltale sign of an underlying problem, and if left untreated can lead to rotted framing and sheathing, mold, and damaged insulation. If you notice a stain on your ceiling, call a professional roofer right away.
Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage if it’s sudden and accidental, like a storm or a fallen tree that damages the roof and lets in rainwater. But it isn’t usually covered if the rainwater enters through a preexisting hole, such as one caused by a shingle that is already damaged or worn down.
Even if your roof is not yet showing any signs of leaks, regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent water damage. A good inspection should include checking the flashing and the area around the vents, chimney, and dormers for cracks and looseness. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect all drains designed to handle rain runoff and clean them as needed.
Roof leaks can also cause problems inside the building, such as sagging or crooked ceilings. If you have a sagging or crooked ceiling, you may need to replace some of the joists or supports to prevent further damage.
Leaks and roof damage can also impact energy efficiency in the building. The rot and mold that develop from a leaky roof can damage insulation, causing it to clump and become ineffective at keeping cool or warm air in during different seasons.
In addition, leaks can also cause water damage to the interior of the building. If water seeps through the floor, walls, and ceiling, it can ruin furnishings and contents, and create a health hazard for anyone living in or visiting the building.
Sagging
A sagging roof isn’t just unsightly, but it also poses serious structural risks for your home or business. It can cause water damage and put your building at risk of collapse, which is why sagging or deteriorating roofs should be repaired immediately.
A small amount of sag may not necessarily be a huge problem or an emergency, but you should never ignore it or attempt to fix it yourself. This usually leads to pricier roof repairs down the road, so it’s best to get in touch with a roofing professional to have it assessed and repaired as soon as possible.
The most common reason for roof sagging is excess weight on the structure. This can include heavy snowfall or the weight of equipment on the roof. It can also be caused by improper or inadequate bracing, which is a common issue in older homes. This is usually due to undersized or weak structural components, such as rafters or collar ties.
In a stick frame sloped roof, this can often be remedied by re-engaging the collar ties or adding additional rafters. In a prefabricated or panelized roof, this can be more difficult and expensive to remedy.
Another common cause of sagging is poor construction. This can include a lack of proper framing, undersized sheathing or incorrectly placed and secured collar ties and rafters. This can be a result of poor workmanship or simply an oversight in the original building plan.
Sagging or deteriorating roofs can also be caused by the aging of the materials, which can result in weakening of the wood and a loss of structural integrity. This can also be exacerbated by storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, which can cause damage to the shingles, framework and trusses of the roof.
If you’ve noticed that the ridge of your roof is beginning to dip in the middle, you have a sagging or dipping roof. Sagging or dipping roofs are not just unsightly, but they can also pose serious safety and structural risks for your home or business. Sagging or dipping roofs should be assessed by a roofing professional and promptly repaired to ensure the integrity of your building.
Leaks
While you may think that a leak in the roof is just an inconvenience, it can cause a lot of damage over time. Water leaks lead to mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. If you see signs of a leak, it’s important to have the repair done as soon as possible so that the problem doesn’t escalate.
Leaks are caused by many factors including poor installation, age of the roof, and even the weather. It is important to have your roof inspected regularly and fixed by an experienced roofing professional to help prevent leaks.
One of the most common causes of a leak is an improperly sealed roof valley. This is often due to a lack of regular roof maintenance and debris buildup in the valley. When debris accumulates in a roof valley, it can create a dam that prevents rainwater from flowing down the roof properly. It can also allow water to back up into the attic and damage drywall, paint and plaster.
Another common source of a leak is through the flashing, which connects the roof to walls and other structures. Flashing is generally made of metal and can be susceptible to corrosion or other problems that cause leaking. It is important to inspect the flashing regularly and have it replaced as needed.
Water stains in the ceiling are also a sign that there is a leak. Typically, these stains have a dark ring around them and are discolored. It is also important to note if you notice a musty odor in your home, as this is an indication that there is moisture in the attic and early mold development.
A good way to determine the location of a leak is by accessing your attic and looking for water stains in the insulation. You can also use a flashlight to check the attic for a wet spot on the roof decking or rafters. If you can locate a wet spot, track it back to the source of the leak.
If you can’t find the source of a leak, a tarp can be used to cover the affected area until a professional can come and do a full inspection and repair. It is important to use a thick tarp that extends a minimum of four feet in every direction, tucking it under the shingles to provide an airtight seal.
Damaged Flashing
The integrity of a roof is inextricably linked to the flashing that protects the edges of seams and penetration points. Without properly functioning flashing, water can penetrate these areas and cause extensive and costly damage to the shingles, insulation, and other components of the home. Flashing deterioration can result from several factors, including age, weather exposure, and poor installation or repair work. By recognizing signs of flashing damage, homeowners can prevent problems and protect the value of their homes.
Water Stains and Mold Growth
Mold and mildew growth in the attic or walls of the house is a sign that the flashing is failing, allowing water to infiltrate the home. This issue should be treated as a serious concern that may warrant a roof replacement or repair, as it can lead to mold and structural damage.
Flashing is a series of metal strips that are installed at points on the roof prone to leaks, such as around skylights, chimneys, and vents. The purpose of flashing is to direct water away from these penetrations and towards gutters or off the roof. Poorly executed roof repair or a lack of maintenance can lead to flashing failure and leaks in these vulnerable areas.
Roof flashing is often fabricated from materials that are resistant to corrosion, but it can also be affected by weather and other environmental conditions. Flashing is prone to wear and tear due to temperature fluctuations, rust, and condensation. Poorly executed repairs can also lead to deterioration, particularly when the caulking or roofing cement is not nailed correctly.
Failed flashing can allow water to infiltrate the roof, leading to damage to shingles and the underlying wood structure of the home. This can lead to sagging and warped ceilings, as well as mold or mildew growth.
In order to avoid flashing damage, it is important to regularly inspect your roof and gutter system for debris buildup and to keep tree limbs trimmed. Regular roof inspections can help to catch potential issues before they develop into major problems, and can help homeowners determine whether a simple repair or a full roof replacement is needed.