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Every property owner dreads roof damage because it can shorten the roof's lifespan and cause other property damage. In this article, we will take you through some common signs of roof damage and how you can quickly fix these damages.
Whether your roof is getting older or you just experienced a severe storm, you might be wondering if your roof has gotten damaged. We will go through the common types of roof damage, signs of roof damage, and how to fix these damages.
Common Types of Roof Damage
Many factors can cause major damage to your roof, and some common ones include animals, plants, and storm damage. Here's a quick overview of some of the most common roof damage you'll likely experience.
Wind damage
Wind damage usually causes shingles to flap in the wind, even as it's attached to the roof. It can also cause the shingles to go missing. You can notice wind damage along the joints and seams, particularly areas where it's likely to cause the flashing to buckle or tear.
Hail damage
This type of damage is only sometimes visible unless the hail is severe. If you notice dents or dimples on the downspouts of your roof or the HVAC units, it could be a sign of hail damage. Even though it's not advisable to climb on the roof to check the damage yourself, there are a couple of things you can do to identify the damage, depending on the type of roof.
This includes:
- For metal roofs, you will notice dents on the metal sheet.
- On asphalt shingles, hail damage is usually visible as dark spots on the granules that are brushed off.
- The first sign of roof damage on cedar shake is chipping in the downspouts, gutters, and wood splinters.
Rodent damage
This type of damage is not always expected, but cedar shakes and asphalt roofs are likely to experience damage from rodents like raccoons, squirrels, and others. To access the attic, these rodents bore holes in the shingles or around the roof edges. The good thing is that you can easily spot the damage, even without climbing the roof.
Tree damage
This damage is also straightforward to identify, and it's common on properties with trees close to them. The branches or trees will likely fall on the roof or hang over the gutter, blocking the water flow. It's advisable always to inspect the property to check for potential signs of tree damage on the roof.
Moss damage
The growth of moss on the roof can alter the structural integrity of your shingles. This is easily visible by the presence of heavy clumps on the surface of the roof. If the damage caused is severe, you might need a roofing replacement immediately.
Ice damage
This type of damage is expected during winter, primarily due to accumulated snow on the roof. The accumulation of snow on the roof increases the weight on the roof and causes damage to critical components of the roof, like the shingles.
Mechanical damage
These damages are caused mainly by human activity like walking on the asphalt, shoveling snow or ice, or cleaning the gutters. You can identify mechanical damage by checking around the skylights, chimneys, or valleys.
Signs of Roof Damage from Inside Your Home
Checking for roof damage is very important, and you can immediately see the signs of the damage in your home. You can get a professional roofer to perform the roof inspection for you. Also, you can skip climbing the roof before you can see some of the signs of damage.
With that said, here are some of the early signs of roof damage to look out for:
Water leaks
Roof damage can cause water to leak under your flashings and shingles and cause damage. Even though this might not be enough to cause significant damage, it can also damage your insulation and lead to mold growth.
Water leaks are a significant concern on roofs because they mostly affect the structural integrity of the building. The problem is often visible once the damage is caused. Sometimes, the leak might have already caused a lot of damage to your property before you even realize anything. A key thing to remember is that not all water damage is due to damage to the roof. Sometimes, it may be from the HVAC systems.
Water stains on ceilings
Another sign of roof damage is the presence of water stains on the ceiling. This is usually in brown patterns or rings on the ceilings or even on your walls. It's an indication of a leak, and it eventually soaks up your ceiling and wall. Identifying these stains usually depends on the color of your property, as it's not generally easy to notice if the color is brown.
Bubbling or peeling of wallpaper or wall paint
The effects of moisture are many, and it can degrade the paste that holds your wallpaper in place. With time, it can cause the wallpaper or wall paint to bubble or peel off. This is due to trapping moisture within the inner layer of your property.
Sagging ceiling
The presence of water puddles in your attic can cause your ceiling to sag over time, and this is due to the added weight of the water. Fortunately, it's very easy to notice this type of damage, and if you ignore it, the water will eventually find its way into your property and cause more damage to your belongings.
Wet or damp framing
Having condensation within your attic is also not good because it can alter the ventilation within your attic and cause moisture to go between the deck and shingles. When water is trapped in your attic, it can cause condensation to occur in the framing, so it's essential to prevent this from happening.
Increased energy bills
A very silent sign that most people ignore is an unusual increase in their energy bills. Absorption of water by the insulation system can cause its R-value to reduce. Waterproofing your fiberglass insulation helps increase its R-value.
Damp or musty smell in your attic or crawl spaces
The accumulation of moisture for an extended period can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in these areas of your home, and this can cause your home to have a damp and unpleasant smell. In many cases, you might not see any visible sign of leakage or damage, so you must also look for wet or musty odors in your home.
What to Do After Observing Roof Damage
Apart from knowing the signs of roof damage to look out for and the different types, it's also important to know what to do when you find roof damage. One of the first things to do is to take a picture of the damage in case you want to make insurance claims.
After that, you may need to call a professional roofer to inspect your roof, determine the level of damage caused and conduct roof repairs. Do not hesitate to notify your insurance company about the damage if it's extensive damage.
However, there's nothing to worry about because most roofers have the experience and can help you with insurance claims. A damaged roof can cause many issues on your property, and it's more than just a leak or drip in your building.
With that said, it's essential to always address the cause of the damage immediately after you notice it before it becomes something serious.
Speak With Expert Roofers
Consulting professional roofers is the best solution when you suspect roof damage. Their proper diagnosis ensures your roof issues are addressed effectively.
By talking to experienced roofers, you can have confidence in the accuracy of the assessment and the quality of the recommended solutions. Don't risk further damage or unsafe practices - contact professional roofers for the expert assistance you need for your suspected roof damage.
