There are so many reasons that roofs leak. With a leaky roof comes a plethora of problems that you will face, including damage to your possessions, mold growth, and even larger leaks and more damage to your home. However, catching a leak early can save you a lot of time and stress. Here are a few things that you can watch out for to take preventative measures:
Mold
In more humid climates, mold and algae can grow on your roof. This may have an impact on the life of your shingles and it could be an indication of underlying issues that you may have. Mold and algae growth on your roof can start decay of the wood underneath, so if you notice either on your roof, it may be time to get an expert out to fix the situation before it gets worse.
Shingles that Buckle
Having shingles that buckle can be a sign that when they were applied the felt was not applied correctly. It could also be caused by the deck of the roof moving. Having shingles that buckle will allow more moisture to get to the wood in your roof. This will cause the wood to deteriorate, expand, grow mold, or cause leaks. Once you notice you have shingles on your roof that buckle it is a good idea to have them fixed right away to avoid any further issues from occurring.
Curling Shingles
Curling shingles happen when shingles absorb water, or can be caused by hot air in the attic. When this happens, your roof won’t be properly protected from leaks occurring. Curling can also trap water under the shingles causing leaks to happen quicker, or in some cases mold to start growing and cause even larger problems. Once you notice that you have curling shingles, call a well reviewed roofing expert to assess the problem.
Flashing
When you have damaged flashing on your roof it could be caused from improper installation on your new roof, or if it is an older roof it may have dried and cracked. If caught early enough you may be able to get it repaired without replacing your roof. It is best to call an expert to handle this situation before potentially making the issue worse.
Your Attic
Your attic can also be a cause for having a leaky roof. When hot air is trapped inside of your attic, it bakes the roof shingles. This can cause the wood on your roof to expand and deteriorate faster. It can also force your air conditioner to work in overdrive and cause air conditioning problems. If you don’t already have a vent in your attic, it may be time to start considering investing in getting one installed. This will help increase the life of your air conditioner and roof!
Improper Fastened Shingles
When shingles are not fastened to your roof correctly, they can easily come off when a storm or higher wind speeds hit. Once your roof is missing a few shingles, it is easier for the surrounding shingles to come unfastened. It also can cause damage to your roof faster and result in leaks. If you notice a few shingles missing, it is a good idea to get them replaced as soon as you can.
Ceiling Spots
If you notice spots on your ceiling, it may be a sign that you have roof rot. If you see this, it is imperative that you call a professional right away. Water can get trapped in your ceiling and cause more problems in the future. It is common for these spots to appear around chimneys and vents, so make sure to look around those places while you are assessing the situation.
There are many warning signs that your roof may be leaking without you even knowing it. It is always a great idea to have a professional come out and look at the problem and give you an estimate. Remember that even though you may not have a bucket in your kitchen collecting water from the ceiling, there may still be a roof leak. Look for the warning signs frequently to preserve your roof. If you aren’t sure what to look for, call Divided Sky Roofing & Solar, a San Marcos roofing company servicing Kyle roofs, to speak to a professional roofer or schedule a free inspection today.
