Roof repairs are critical to the longevity and functionality of any home roof. Your roof protects your house from elements like rain, snow, wind, and extreme sunlight. The roof even plays a role in ventilation and indoor temperature regulation. Given the roof’s constant exposure to the outside elements, this structure can undergo damage that requires repairs. Ignoring the need for repairs can result in costly leaks and even cause damage to the inside of your home. Moreover, natural phenomena like heavy rain and seasonal precipitation on damaged roofs can cause mold problems, rotting, drywall discoloration, and structural weakness. If you wait too long to repair a roof, you may end up needing to replace it altogether.
Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is one of the most common indicators that you need to schedule repairs. Sagging can result from excessive precipitation loads, problems with shingles, water damage to roof parts, or a weakened roof structure. For example, a buildup of ice, snow, or rain can all settle in thinner areas of the roof and cause these portions to sag. Improperly installed shingles that are too large, too heavy, or too numerous for your roof style can also cause issues with sagging. Unfortunately, shingles made from cheap materials can also cause the roof to sag. Finally, water or moisture that works its way into the roof support structure can damage the wood and underlying components. This can make the roof look droopy, bowed, or wilting. Whatever the cause, it is important to reach out to a professional as soon as you notice a sagging roof appearance.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles that are visibly damaged or distorted often signify the need for immediate roof repairs. Look for shingles that are cracked, curled, bent, dented, or missing altogether. Shingles that look suddenly discolored can also indicate that the material has begun to deteriorate. A professional roofer can evaluate your shingles to determine if the damage results from storms or from the quality of the material itself. If you need to replace or upgrade your shingles, it is simpler to plan this project sooner rather than later. Aside from problems visible on your roof, another sign of shingle damage is the accumulation of granules or debris in your gutters. Granules serve as the exterior coating on your shingles and provide your home with an extra layer of protection, and missing granules reduce your roof’s ability to shield the rest of your house from the elements. A trained professional can repair roofs that show these signs of deterioration or granular loss.
Water Leaks
Unfortunately, a damaged roof can let water and moisture into the ceiling or interior of your home. If your roof needs repairs, you may notice leaks from the attics or rafters during rainstorms. You may also notice water stains and discoloration on your ceiling or the highest portions of your walls. Another sign of water damage is the blistering or peeling of exterior paint that results from increased humidity and moisture near the roof line. An expert roofer can evaluate the extent of water damage and devise a plan to fix it before the problem escalates into a major safety hazard.
Biological Growth
A damaged roof can also create the perfect breeding ground for unwanted biological growth. This growth may include the presence of moss, mold, mildew, algae, vines, or fungi on your shingles. Typically, the growth occurs in dark or shaded portions of your roof. Growth usually indicates trapped moisture, and it can also cause the underlying material to rot. Moreover, this growth can harbor dangerous pests or microorganisms. Eventually, the presence of growth can cause large portions of the building structure to fall into disrepair. If you notice large patches of plant life or fungi on your roof, reach out to a professional who can eliminate the invasion safely and effectively. You should never attempt to remove the growth yourself with homemade or commercial chemicals. Not only is the process dangerous, but using the wrong chemicals can damage your roof further and harm healthy plant life like your lawn or trees. A professional has the training to remove unattractive growth like algae or moss without harming the surrounding environment.
Chimney Damage
Roof deterioration often begins with objects or openings like the chimney. Such objects receive the brunt of wear and tear from wind or sunlight. Remain alert for signs of damage to your chimney, skylight, or roof pipes. You should also make a note of any cracks or holes in the flashing around your chimney since this type of damage can cause significant problems in the future. Discoloration or obvious wear around your vents is another sign that you need to schedule repairs. Identifying problems early enough helps ensure that the damage remains confined to the limited chimney area. If you wait too long, however, the degradation can spread to joints and other parts of the roof. This can create widespread problems that can eventually necessitate roof replacement.
Contact Us Today
Protect your home with prompt roof repairs. Stalcup Roofing & Construction offers roofing services in Eagle Creek, OR, and surrounding areas. We provide general maintenance as well as specialized repairs for roof leaks. Our services also include ventilation as well as installation of beautiful Oregon skylights. We can repair your roof after storms and even help protect your gutters from damage. Contact Stalcup Roofing & Construction today for all roofing needs.
