IS YOUR ROOF AT RISK?

A fter years of being exposed to snow, wind, hail, sun, rain, and the other diverse weather patterns experienced here in South Jersey, the shingles on your roof can start to wear and tear. Torn, damaged, or missing roof shingles can cause permanent damage to your roof and, eventually, the overall structure of your home. Many homeowners are unaware of the potential roof problems they may be experiencing until raindrops are dropping on their head.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year — spring and fall. Whether you are inspecting your roof yourself, or having a professional take a look at your roofing system, be sure to keep an eye out for these 8 red flags.

1. Leakage in Attic After Wind Driven Rain

Leakage in Attic After Wind Driven Rain

Possible Cause:

  • Leaky or Inadequate Shingle Underlayment
  • Deteriorated Flashing

    • High winds can lift shingles’ edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

2. Leakage in Attic After Ice Build Up

Possible Cause:

  • Inadequate Shingle Underlayment

    • Melting snow often refreezes at a roof’s overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.

Leakage in Attic After Ice Build Up

3. Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls or Mold and Mildew Growth

Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls or Mold and Mildew

Possible Cause:

  • Inadequate or Faulty Shingle Underlayment Allowing Leakage

    • When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.

4. Blistering and/ or Peeling of Interior and/or Exterior Paint

Possible Cause:
  • Excessive Temperature
  • High Humidity Due to Poor Attic Ventilation

    • The blistering and/or peeling of paint can be a consequence to excess exposure to condensation. Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Blistering Paint

5. Exterior Decay, Sheathing, and/or Siding

Exterior Decay

Possible Cause:

  • Poor attic ventilation

6. Missing, Cracked or Curled Shingles

Possible Cause:

  • Shingles Have Reached The End of Their Useful Life

    • The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

Damaged Shingles

7. Dark, “Dirty-Looking” Areas on Your Roof (Shingle Deterioration)

Dark Areas on Roof

Possible Cause:
  • Loss of Granules Due to Age of Shingles

    • When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible.

8. Excessive Energy Costs

Possible Cause:
  • Insufficient Attic Ventilation Causes Heating/ Cooling System to Run Excessively
Excessive Energy Costs

Photo Credit: www.gaf.com

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