Your roof is a major investment and plays an important role in protecting your home and family against the elements. While roofs don’t require much maintenance, they can occasionally be damaged by weather, old age, or other factors. Make a habit of inspecting your roof several times a year to look for these common signs of trouble. Damaged Shingles Asphalt shingles are easily damaged by hail, animals, and strong winds. Scan your roof periodically to look for points where your shingles have curled up. Luckily, this problem is easy to fix if you catch it early. Just swap out the old shingles for new ones. Missing Shingles Heavy storms can blow large patches of shingles right off your roof. When this happens, it leaves your roof more vulnerable to water damage. It also makes your home less energy efficient. If you act immediately after a storm, you may be able to replace the shingles yourself. However, if you wait too long, the damage may spread deeper into your roof and will require professional repair. Ask a local roofing company for Wichita free roof estimates. Damaged Flashing The flashing is the metal that protects the joints of your roof. It also helps water drain off your roof and into your gutters. It can sometimes get dented or pushed out of place by animals or storms. These problems can be hard to identify from the ground, so you may have to get up onto a ladder or your roof to look more closely. One way to see how your flashing performs is to spray your roof with a garden hose and look for areas where the water is pooling. Rusty flashing is another warning sign and should be replaced as soon as possible. Damaged Gutters Gutters can be damaged by storms or by branches and other debris that build up inside them. They may crack or pull away from your roof altogether. While you’re testing your flashing, watch your gutters as the water runs through them. Look for any leaks and repair them right away. Damaged gutters can cause water damage in your roof, walls, and foundation. Pooling Water Water that gathers in pools on your roof is a common problem that can cause mold and mildew. The water may also seep through your roof into your attic, causing severe water damage. Damaged flashing and clogged gutters aren’t the only causes of pooling water on roofs. HVAC units or lines on the roof can cause pooling if they don’t have a place to drain. Pooling is also a common problem on flat roofs. Moldy Patches When there is too much moisture on a roof, it causes mold and mildew to grow in large patches. This often occurs because of inadequate drainage, but it can also happen if you live in a rainy or humid area. Small patches of mold and mildew should be cleaned by scrubbing your roof thoroughly. If you don’t get rid of them, they will gradually eat away at your roof and cause more permanent damage. Insufficient Insulation Insufficient insulation is a common problem in roofs of all ages. Not only does this make it more expensive to heat and cool your house, it can increase the likelihood of other problems like ice dams. Check with a roofing company to see if your insulation is sufficient for your needs. wichita free roof estimates will give you a good idea what shape your roof is in. Keep in mind that different insulation is needed in different climates, so be sure to work with an experienced contractor who is familiar with your area. A & L Roofing http://www.alroofing.org/ has a staff of licensed, trained, and professional contractors that can handle all your home improvement needs. Contact us for quality workmanship for all your home improvement needs and ask for wichita free roof estimates.
Related Articles -
wichita, free, roof, estimates,
|