What Are The Common Problem Areas On Your Roof?
Your roof is exposed to harsh elements like intense heat, the freezing cold, rain, and snow daily.
The elements can significantly affect the structural integrity of your roof, potentially shortening its lifespan.
The first signs that your roof is struggling are leaks, water damage, mold formation, and higher utility bills.
That's why regular roof inspections are vital to the life expectancy of your roof.
But, a successful roof inspection requires knowing the top problem areas on your roof so you'd know what to focus on.
Inspecting these problem areas routinely can keep a slight headache from turning into a massive pain in the neck.
In the article below, we will discuss a few of the common problem areas on your roof.
Fascia
Simply put, your fascia is your roof trim.
It's the front board that runs along your roof edge.
Picture the vertical finishing edge that connects to the ends of your rafters, trusses, and where your gutters attach to your roof.
Your fascia typically consists of wooden boards or sheet metal.
Your fascia is a protective layer between the edge of your roof and the elements, especially water.
It protects your home from weather damage by keeping it from getting into your home.
Fascia can also add to the curb appeal of your home because it plays an aesthetic role in creating a smooth, even appearance for the edge of a roof.
Water and moisture cause the most problems with your fascia, so be sure to look for signs of rot or damage.
If you notice an issue with your fascia during a roof inspection, contact your local residential roofing contractor right away.
Shingles
Whether you have asphalt shingles, metal shingles, or any other type of shingle, they are the source of the most common roofing problems.
Although shingles offer excellent protection for your roof, they are prone to several common roof issues like curling and buckling.
Damage to your shingles is usually due to constant exposure to the elements like storms, heat, cold, and wind.
Inadequate air circulation also causes many issues with your shingles.
During a roof inspection, you may notice curled shingles that have curled up at the corners and lifted themselves away from your roof.
You may also notice buckled shingles which are shingles that have distorted and buckled in the middle.
This looks bad, and it creates gaps that provide easy access for leaks and moisture damage.
After a storm, you may also notice missing or broken shingles.
This leaves the underlying wood susceptible to rot, holes, and other damage. In addition, the discoloration of shingles indicates a roof leak and small spots that can expand into a gaping hole in your ceiling.
Gutters
Your gutters are a vital component of your roofing system.
Your gutters keep your roof dry by keeping water away from your roofing structure.
Gutters and downspouts can easily get clogged with leaves and other debris.
If this debris isn't taken care of, your gutters are virtually useless.
The collected twigs, leaves, and standing water can back into your roof, seep through your shingles, and pool around the foundation.
The weight of this collected debris and water will eventually cause the underlayment to sag and pull away from the fascia.
Fortunately, this is a simple fix.
As long as you keep an eye on your gutters and clean them at least twice a year, you will prevent any clogging and related damage.
To be extra careful, you can also invest in a gutter protection system to keep your gutters clog-free throughout the seasons.
Soffit
The soffit of your roof is the surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave or below the fascia and rafters.
Vented soffit circulates air to the vents and draws heat and moisture away from your home.
Soffit keeps your attic ventilated and prevents rot in the sheathing and rafters.
It also helps regulate the temperature in your attic and throughout the rest of your home.
During your inspection, look for cracks, holes, and rot in your soffit that can let water, insects, and small animals into your home, causing potentially thousands of dollars of roof repairs.
Flashings
Roof flashings are the components used to seal roof edges, perimeters, walls, roof valleys, and any other area where the actual roof covering is interrupted or terminated, like roof vents.
The primary function of your roof flashing is to seal any voids in your roof system where water could enter.
These areas are susceptible to leaks if they aren't checked regularly.
Flashings are usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel.
Depending on the roof you have, you will most likely see flashing around your chimney or skylights.
Like many other areas of your roof, weather exposure and oxidation are the most common culprits for flashing deterioration.
It's also possible that flashing can just come loose over time.
Professional roofing contractors can cut and shape their flashing from sheet metal. It can also come pre-formed and can be applied without much difficulty using caulking or roof cement.
Contact TK Roofing and Gutters For Help With These Problem Areas
Now that you know what some of the most common problem areas of your roof are, you will be able to perform better roofing inspections.
If you notice any problems during an inspection and you are unsure of where to start, contact the residential roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters.
They have dealt with these problems countless times, and they can help you get your roof back up to par in no time.
They also perform roof inspections, so if you aren't comfortable doing an inspection, they can do it for you.
Don't let slight damage turn into emergency roof repair or a roof replacement.