Roof damage

Your roof is one part of your house that is most exposed to the elements, and as such is one which is most likely easiest to get damaged.

The sun, rain, snow and other external factors can greatly contribute to damages incurred by your roof, and no matter what type of roofing material you have, you will soon see some signs of damage.

The following are some signs that your roof may need some repairs:

Excessive moisture

Excessive moisture build-up is one of the biggest enemies of any roof, as they can cause wooden materials (such as wood shingles and wooden beams) to rot, clay and tiles to soften and break, and metal roofs to rust. This problem can easily be observed through the formation of water droplets on the roof materials, beams, and even on the insulation under the roof, especially during the rainy season and during winter and early spring, when snow and ice dams start to thaw. Aside from weakening your roof structure, excessive moisture can also lead to the development of mold and mildew, which is not only unsightly but also poses health hazards.

Shingle damage

Shingles naturally get damaged over the years, no matter what type of material they are made of. Some of the things to watch out for are chipping, splintering, cracking, and even loosening and falling shingles. When any of these signs appear, it is best to have them repaired or replaced immediately, because neglecting to do so will expose the underside of the roof to water and dirt accumulation, which in turn will cause more problems for you in the future.

Leaks

Leaks and dripping water is another sign that your roof is in trouble. Leaks are pretty evident during the rainy season, and although you may not immediately notice them during winter, you soon will once the warmer season starts to set in and the snow and ice begins to melt. Leaking roofs can be caused by several factors, like broken shingles, or even a loose nail which leaves just enough space for liquid to pass through.

Damaged flashing

Flashing around chimneys, eaves and wall details are also some parts of the roof that is prone to damage, and can be observed in a variety of ways, like an obvious crack in the flashing, or sings of looseness and separation from the corresponding roof structure. These can be caused by excessive dryness which leads to cracks, and even strong winds which tend to lift and separate the flashing.

Once you see any of these signs of roof damage, it is best that you consult a professional roofing company to help you fix them. Doing minor repairs now will definitely help to save you tons of cash for roof repairs and replacement in the near future.