Is it that time of the year again for your home maintenance works? Do not forget to include your roof in your checklist. Addressing small roofing problems before they lead to bigger ones is imperative in avoiding costly repairs.
Check out our guide for the details on 7 most common roofing issues and what their presence indicates.
BUCKLING/CURLING SHINGLES
One reason this problem occurs is due to poor ventilation. This happens when a new roof was not properly installed or when new shingles are installed on top of old shingles. The lack of ventilation causes moisture to build up between the underlayment and shingles, causing them to buckle inwards or curl outwards. Weather elements are another culprit, as harsh climates can also cause your roof to expand and contract. This will result in the nails holding your shingles down to be forced upwards, causing the shingles to curl.
WATER SPOTS ON YOUR CEILING
Discoloured spots on your ceiling are probably because of water coming from leaks in your roof. The unsightly spots are just the beginning of the problem however; if left ignored, major water damage can occur and you will be facing bigger headaches in having to replace interior home features such as ceilings or drywall.
ROTTING ROOF
Roofs will begin to rot when the moisture has been absorbed moisture all the way to the core of the shingles and it is rotting from the inside out. This episode is a common problem with organic-based shingles. A decaying roof is serious matter that requires the attention of a roofing professional as quickly as possible.
MISSING SHINGLES
Missing shingles are usually the result of high winds or unexceptionally heavy rain. Another possibility is that the shingles were not installed correctly. It is important to call a roofing professional during this instance as an amateur trying to do this on their own can incorrectly replace the shingles, which can cause your roof to leak.
MISSING GRANULES
When a roof is first replaced, it’s normal to have some granules which are small ceramic coated rock specs that cover an asphalt shingles surface, acting as a protector against the sun UV’s rays. Shingles with smooth or bald spots on them means that most of the granules have been dislodged, a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their service life.
BLISTERING
Blisters, which resemble bubbles, occur just under the surface of the shingle’s granules, when moisture becomes trapped in a shingle. However, until the shingle breaks open, it may not require replacing. Once it breaks open, there will be discolouration and water leakage may become an issue.
DAMAGED FLASHING
Roof flashing which is a piece of sheet metal placed on the joints in a roof acts to keep water from seeping into the structure. Installed before the shingles, flashing that is damaged or not installed correctly will cause leaking. In some cases, flashing can be replaced in the damaged area only
