5 Noticeable Signs of Roof Damage
You’re probably aware of the most obvious signs of roof damage — a sagging deck, missing or damaged roof tiles or other roofing material, discolouration, moss growth and water stains. But did you know that many other issues are much easier to identify?
The most important thing to do when attempting to recognise indications of roof damage is to seek out an expert. In the meantime, be sure to look for the following signs:
Inadequate ventilation
Homeowners need to pay close attention to their roofing, especially when it comes to ventilation. It’s important that you take a look at your roof and make sure that everything is in order.
Inadequate ventilation on the roof can lead to a number of problems with the rest of the home. It can also contribute to the growth of algae and moss. These plants are going to be competing for water against your roof structure, which can lead to damage over time. In some cases, this damage may be severe enough that you have to replace entire sections of your roof just in order to get rid of algae and moss.
Infestation of Animals
If it appears that a creature has entered your home, there might be a hole in the roof. Check your attic for rat excrement or other evidence of animals before viewing the roof. You might be able to see where they enter and depart.
Set up a few traps and come back the next day. Check your roof if nothing else comes up, but you still suspect an infestation. You’ll need to block off all possible entrance points. Hire roof restoration experts for your homes to eliminate them, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Roof with Black Spots
Black stains are a telltale sign of roof deterioration. While they may seem like an everyday occurrence, it is important to keep an eye on the status of your roof and make sure that no black spots are appearing.
Tiles covered in black spots are not going to hold up against the elements. If they are not replaced quickly, they can cause much more damage. As well as looking unsightly, black stains on your roof can lead to a number of problems that could be costly to repair.
Corroded/curled flashing
Pay attention to the roof flashing when inspecting your property for roof damage.
Flashings are thin sheets of metal commonly used to link your roof to your chimney. There might be flashing around any vents, skylight windows, valleys, or against the walls of your roof. The goal of flashing is to divert water away from pools where it can gather. This keeps moisture out of the roof and keeps it from rotting.
However, the roof flashing is sometimes prone to curling, cracking, and rusting. It would be best if you also examined any adjacent tiling when inspecting the flashing.
Buckling roofing material
It’s easy to notice missing or cracked tiles on a roof. The damage can cause leaks, which are an immediate problem. After all, a leaky roof can lead to mould and leave your home vulnerable to further damage. If you see water stains on ceiling plaster or cracks in the drywall, there are chances that the source of the problem is a leaky roof.
However, it can be more difficult to spot other kinds of roof damage. For example, if you have buckling tiles or sheets, it might be harder to identify the source of the problem right away, especially if you aren’t on the roof yourself. This hazard is frequently disregarded because people don’t notice it unless they’re up there — and even then, it may not look immediately obvious that there’s a problem.
Conclusion
Catching roof damage early is smart. Hidden problems can quickly turn into major ones if left unchecked.
It’s important to understand the difference between your “normal” annual roof maintenance costs and damage that will require immediate, or at least short notice, attention. Catching damage before it gets out of hand is something most Melbourne homeowners look out for.
Roof repairs can significantly improve the life of your roof and fix the issues on hand. Thus, in case you notice any of the stated or other than stated roofing issues, it’s advisable to get immediate help.
