There are many causes for roof defects, but the good news is catching most roofing problems early can help you avoid costly roof replacement. Here are some of the most common roof problems.
Dipping or Sagging
If your roof is sagging or dipping, it’s a sign that there is a problem that needs your immediate attention. If you ignore the sagging, there is a chance your roof can collapse. In this case, you will likely bear the full cost of replacement as most insurance companies require that you mitigate damage.
A few common reasons for a sagging roof: the materials are faulty, it has suffered serious water damage, or it’s bearing too much weight. Sometimes ceiling joints actually pull away from the roof rafters and cause the outer material to sag. In some cases, roofing problems with shingles look worse than they are. It’s possible that the shingles are the problem if they seem warped or the sagging started after the shingles were installed. If the shingles seem to run in straight lines, the structure itself could be bowing.
Leaks
A leak is an obvious sign that there is something wrong with your roof, such as damaged flashing, shingles, or tiles. While you may be tempted to ignore a minor leak for a while, there are several dangers a leaky roof can pose.
- Damage to the ceiling and attic. The water will cause stains on the ceiling and damage paint, fans, and lights. More importantly, the drywall in your ceiling will quickly absorb the water and become structurally weak. This can cause your ceiling to collapse without warning.
- Mold and mildew. Mold spores can germinate in 12 to 48 hours with the right conditions, such as moisture and darkness. Once mold begins to grow behind your ceiling and walls, it can spread through your HVAC system.
- Fire hazard. A leaking roof can pose a serious fire hazard if the water reaches any electrical wiring and causes a short.
- Higher utility costs. The water intrusion will damage insulation. This makes it harder to keep your home air conditioned. This means higher cooling bills in the hot Texas summers.
- Compromised integrity of the roof. Of course, a leak can also damage the rafters, joists, wall framing, fascia boards, and trim of your home and roof. The longer the leak continues, the greater the damage and the eventual repair cost. In a worst-case scenario, a leak can also cause your roof to collapse.
Fascia Damage
Fascia is the flat material, typically made of wood or vinyl, that covers the ends of your rafters. Besides making the exterior of your home more attractive, fascia protects your home and roof from water. When fascia damage is still minor, it can usually be repaired. If you ignore the problem, you can give water an easy way into your home. The water can also go under the roof and lead to even greater damage.
Missing Shingles in the Valleys of Your Roof
Any damaged or missing shingle poses a problem. Some roofing problems are more serious than others. The valleys are the most critical areas of your roof. This is because rain flows through the valleys and gets directed into the gutters. If the valley of your roof is compromised, it’s at high risk of leaking.
Chimney and chimney flashing damage
It’s not only your roof that needs attention. Sometimes we blame a leak on the roof, but it originates in the chimney. Cracks in the chimney crown, or the cement on top of the chimney, can allow rain to flow right into the chimney. Damaged chimney flashing is also a common source of roof leaks. The flashing is the material that prevents water from entering where the brick chimney structure meets the roof. The flashing is usually aluminum and should be replaced right away if you notice loose flashing joints, holes, or rusting areas.
Shingle Granules in Your Gutters
Check your gutters to see if they have accumulated granules from your shingles. It can be hard to tell from the ground when your shingles are becoming bald. The gutters are usually where these granules end up as they are washed away by the rain. Shingles lose more granules as they reach the end of their life. Granule loss is also common after serious hail damage, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Without granules, your shingles are much more porous and are likely to begin leaking soon.
Flat Roof Roughness
Flat roofs often come with unique problems that aren’t present with sloped roofs. Some problems are very serious, such as ponding water, but you may not realize that “alligatoring”, or cracking of the asphalt, can be just as urgent. Alligatoring is a phenomenon in which the asphalt ages and loses elasticity. When your roof begins to crack, it’s no longer protecting the building and water can easily make its way in. Flat roofs can pose so many unique challenges, we encourage you to learn more about flat roof problems and solutions from a licensed roofing contractor.
At James Kate Roofing & Construction, we strive to the best roofing company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We work to find the most cost-effective way to address roofing problems and solutions. We have a dedication to customer service and reliable roof repair service in Flower Mound TX. Contact us today for a free estimate on your roof project.