Warning Signs: Is Your Roof Telling You Something?

If you are not a professional roofing contractor, it’s difficult to recognize the warning signs your roof sends you when it needs help.

Below are a variety of roof issues. Look for the issues that you have become aware of that are affecting your home. Addressing these issues earlier than later can save you a ton of grief.

General Roof Issues

Wet spots on ceiling – If you are seeing brown spots on your ceiling, or if water is dripping into home from the ceiling it could be a problem with your roof or roof ventilation. If moisture becomes visible TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY. Typically moisture would have to pass through wood, insulation, and plaster. By the time it becomes visible, there could be other damage. Because it could be from many possibilities it would be best to have a professional inspect the roof inside and out. Our Roof Audit is thorough and efficient. It will determine the cause, and help you to learn about your solutions so you can choose what is best for you. Schedule a Free Roof Evaluation »

Damaged flashing – Wherever you have a penetration coming through your roof like a skylight, chimney, vent pipe, or even a dormer you need roof flashing to keep your roof from leaking. If your flashing is corroded, worn out, or improperly installed there is a strong possibility for leaks. Repairing flashing issues can be very simple for a trained professional. If your flashing does not look right, or if you are unsure of it’s condition contact us for a free inspection.

Asphalt Roof Issues

Missing Granules – With a new roof it is common to lose some granules. However if your roof has been on for a while, and there are excessive granules in your gutters it could be an indication that your roof is nearing the end of it’s life. As the roof ages the asphalt dries out. This causes the granules to be dislodged. This is a big issue because the granules act as a UV protector for the shingle. When they are missing the UV penetrates the shingle and the breakdown happens very rapidly. This leaves the roof vulnerable to blow off, and leaking. Our Roof Audit inspection will find all of your roofing issues so you can determine what is best for you.

Buckled Shingles – Buckled shingles could fracture and cause leaking. This could also be a symptom of a much more serious moisture issue. This can be related to shingle failure, or buckling of the sheeting beneath the roof. If you have buckling in your roof contact a professional for an inspection and diagnosis. Our Roof Audit inspection will find all of your roofing issues so you can determine what is best for you.

Missing Shingles – Missing shingles are commonly caused by windy conditions if the shingles are either old, or possibly they were not installed properly. Missing shingles can cause leaking. Missing shingles are a serious issue. However they are easily repaired. If you have missing shingles and need a repair contact us for a quick and easy roof repair. Our Roof Audit inspection will find all of your roofing issues so you can determine what is best for you.

Curling Shingles – When shingles reach the end of their life the roofing reinforcement can contract and cause the roof to “Curl”. If the roof is over 15 years old and the shingles are curling it could be a sign that it is time to replace the roof. If the roof has been recently installed and the shingles are curling it could be a sign of a roofing manufacturer defect and should be inspected for determination. Our Roof Audit inspection will find all of your roofing issues so you can determine what is best for you.

Needles and Leaves – A common Northwest issue. Not only does this look terrible, but organic matter left on the roof is a haven for moss and algae to root in and destroy your roof. Periodic roof maintenance and preservation goes a long, long way towards keeping the roofer away. Be Careful! Pressure washing destroys roofs, and takes years off of their life. Contact us to learn more about our Non Abrasive, Non Poisonous method of cleaning and preservation.

Algae Staining – Algae is the dingy stain that makes the roof look dirty. Algae is a small plant. If left on the roof, it’s small roots can dislodge granules, and accelerate roof decay. In addition to this, moss feeds on algae. When moss grows on shingles it attaches to granules. When moss is removed from the roof it takes granules that reflect UV rays with it. This exposes waterproofing asphalt, and shortens the roofs life. Contact us to learn more about our convenient, gentle, bio degradable treatment process.

Cedar Shake Roof Issues

Missing Shakes – Missing shakes are a serious issue. If the shakes are missing, your chances for leaking are very likely. If the shakes are not in place, the only thing keeping water out is tar paper which is sensitive to UV rays, and decomposes rapidly. Shakes blow off for different reasons. Either they were fastened improperly, the shakes have rotted around the fastener which has weakened the shake, or the shake has curled. Depending on the age and maintenance of the roof, you may be able to simply repair the areas that have blown off. If the roof is over 15 years old you may consider having the roof inspected for replacement. For either service contact us and request our Roof Audit. This will help you to determine what is best for you.

Curling shakes – Curling shakes occur from either defective shakes, or shakes near the end of their roof life. Curling shakes are weak, and much more likely to be blown off in a wind storm. This can make your roof vulnerable to leaking. If the roof was recently installed and there are some curled shakes they should be able to be easily repaired. If the roof is over 15 years old you may consider having the roof inspected for replacement. For either service contact us and request our Roof Audit. This will help you to determine what is best for you.

Splitting Shakes – When shakes age they lose their natural oils that give the roof its durability. This makes the shakes more brittle which can cause natural splitting. Excessive foot traffic on the roof can also cause roof splitting. Splitting can cause leaking, it can be a sign that the roof is meeting the end of it’s life. Depending on the age of the roof, and how it has been maintained, splitting shakes could be repairable. For either service contact us and request our Roof Audit. This will help you to determine what is best for you.

Moss/Algae Growth – Moss and algae love organic products to feed on like wood shakes. This can cause rapid degradation of the roof. If your roof was recently installed and you have algae and moss on your wood shake roof it is recommended to get it cleaned. Please use caution before using a high pressure wash. We try to never pressure wash, and have devised a non abrasive, non poisonous method of roof cleaning and preservation.

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If you are looking for a roof repair contractor please call us today at 877-926-9966 or complete our online service request form.