When you think of problems with your roof, you probably think of leaky roofs, ice damns, or even collapsed roofs.
However, there are many other issues that your roof may face that are much less obvious and can develop over time. The roof is one of the most difficult parts of a house to maintain. The structure needs regular inspection and maintenance because it is exposed to the elements all year round.
Even if you live in an area where the climate isn’t as harsh as some other places, your roof will still need attention regularly to prevent it from developing any problems. There are many different types of roofs, and they each have their own set of issues. From flat roofs that leak to tile roofs that crack or develop mold underneath them, there are many different problems you may face with your roof.
In this article, we’ll go through 7 common roof problems and how to fix them so you can keep yours in good condition for years to come. If you are experiencing any of these issues, please call Nutt Roofing & Siding Inc. today!
1. Leaking Roof
If water is leaking into your home, it’s a sure sign that your roof is damaged and needs repairs. However, roof damage can also be a sign of other roof problems like a build-up of ice on the roof or the roof being too heavily weighed down.
If your roof leaks in heavy rain, it can quickly cause damage to your walls, ceilings, and furniture. The first step in finding the cause of a leak is to determine where it is coming from. You can do this by keeping a look out for rain or watermarks on your walls. Leaking roofs can usually be fixed by having the shingles replaced or by repairing the tear. You can also use roof sealant to fix small leaks. Be sure to use a product that is designed for your roof and will not harm your house.
2. Rotting Roof Framing
If your roof is made of wood, there is a risk of it rotting. Rot is caused by moisture getting into the wood, which happens in areas with high humidity. This can happen on flat roofs or where the roof overhangs. Rotting can be fixed by removing the damaged wood and replacing it with new wood. If you have a flat roof, you can also put in a barrier to protect the wood. To prevent rotting, ensure the roof overhang isn’t touching the wall. You should also ensure that there aren’t any leaks or problems with the gutters, which are responsible for removing excess water from the roof.
3. Mold Issues
Mold is an issue that affects many roofs, particularly those made of shingles. It can be caused by heavy rain and often be found at the bottom of the roof, where there is less ventilation. Mold can be removed with a brush or a strong jet of water. It is best to remove mold as soon as you notice it as it can damage the roof tiles if it isn’t taken care of. Mold requires very humid conditions to thrive.
To prevent it from growing on your roof, you should make sure there are no leaks or problems with the gutters that are responsible for removing excess water from the roof. You should also get the roof vents cleaned regularly.
4. Discolored Roof Tiles
Many roof tiles come with a warranty, but they aren’t immune to discoloration. There are many possible causes of discoloration including minerals in the water, dust, or even algae growing on the tiles. If discoloration is caused by minerals, you can clean the tiles with a mild detergent. If they are covered in dust or algae, you can clean them with a strong jet of water. You can prevent discoloration by using a water softener or by changing the way you deal with excess water on the roof. If the tiles have discoloration, they may still be under warranty. You can clean the tiles yourself and then take photos.
5. Flake Discoloration
Flake discoloration is when tiles with a white finish turn a shade of brown. There are many possible causes of this, including minerals in the water, dust, or algae growing on the tiles. Flake discoloration can be removed by washing the tiles with a mild detergent. You can prevent it by using a water softener or by changing the way you deal with excess water on the roof. If the tiles have discoloration, they may still be under warranty. You can clean the tiles yourself and then take photos.
6. Dark Spots on Roof Tiles
Dark spots can appear on tiles for a number of reasons. They can be caused by minerals in the water, algae, or mold. Dark spots can be removed by scrubbing the tiles with a mixture of bleach and water. You can prevent them by using a water softener or by changing the way you deal with excess water on the roof. If the tiles have discoloration, they may still be under warranty. You can clean the tiles yourself and then take photos.
7. Ice Dams
An ice dam is a buildup of ice on the lower edge of your roof. It is caused by warm air meeting the cold roof and freezing. As the ice accumulates it can push the water back down and cause a leak in the roof. Ice dams are more common in areas that are subject to periodic snowfall. During the winter they are regularly removed by roofers as they are a very common problem.
You can prevent ice dams from forming by using a roof rake to remove the snow from your roof when it’s still soft. If you need to remove an ice dam, you can break it up with an ice pick or a shovel.
Summary
The roof is the most important part of a house. It is the first thing people see when they look at your house, so it’s important that it is in good condition. A leaking or rotting roof can lead to water damage inside the house, which can be incredibly expensive to fix. Unfortunately, roofs are often neglected and are given less attention than other parts of the house. You can reduce the risk of problems by regularly checking for signs of damage and taking care of your roof as soon as something is found.