Unfortunately, roofs aren’t indestructible and won’t last forever. That’s just the way it is and also why the roofing industry has continued to grow and evolve over the last few years.
Making repairs or replacing roof damage sounds like a very overwhelming task to take on. This is why many building and homeowners put off checking on their roofs or calling in professionals. But that can be a disaster in the long run which leads to much more serious and even dangerous situations.
If you’re not sure what to look for, we’ve created a full guide for common roof problems to help you stay on top of the necessary maintenance.
1. Leaking Water
A very clear sign that you have some roof damage is if you notice water leaking from the ceiling. Though it’s an obvious clue there’s a problem, it isn’t a clear indication of what the exact problem or remedy is.
Water in places it shouldn’t be could mean there is a hole, crack, or dent in the roof. It could also mean that the underlaying material isn’t fully covered or wasn’t installed correctly. The leak could be big and have gushing water or it could be small with a barely noticeable trickle.
Once you notice the water coming in from the ceiling, you should act as quickly as possible to avoid excess water damage you’ll have to address, along with the roof replacement.
2. Puddles of Water
Leaky water from the ceiling isn’t the only way that water can be an indicator of roof issues. If you’re inspecting your roof and notice puddles, you’ll know there’s a problem.
Gathered water on a roof generally means that there’s a dip in the roof in that area, which usually means a structural problem is hiding underneath. The roof should be straight and level, even if it’s at a slope. This will need to be addressed prior to installing a new roof.
3. Missing Shingles
One of the clearest signs you need a new roof, or at the very least some repair work, is when you have several missing shingles. Shingles are the crucial outer layer on a roof that help keep everything underneath protected and safe.
Often, after a large storm, there will be a few shingles missing here and there. That’s generally not a problem and can be fixed quickly.
But if you let the problem linger, it may become an even bigger issue after the next storm. It’s important to call a professional roofing company to come to inspect the missing shingles and determine how widespread the problem is and how best to remedy the holes.
4. Poorly Installed Gutters
When you start to look into how to replace a roof, it’s important to keep all the pieces of the roofing system in mind. That definitely includes the gutters. While not every home has gutters, they can still be a very common problem for those that do.
Gutters are used to redirect heavy rainfall and protect the home from too much exposure. They play a big role in keeping a foundation as solid as possible. If they get shifted or knocked out of place, they can’t do their job properly. This means that water will be gathering in the exact places you’re trying to avoid.
Normally, fixing gutters is an easy fix and should be done quick to avoid lasting damage!
5. Improper Connections
Another area of the roofing system that often causes roof problems is the connection points. That could be between the chimney or any vents located on the roof.
These connections make sure that that system can function. If a vent doesn’t have a secure seal, water or other debris can get in and make it hard for the system to work. It can also be a place where water can pool and cause damage to the whole roof.
When inspecting your roof, it’s important to check these connections and make sure there are no holes or cracks and the seal is solid.
6. Damaged or Missing Flashings
Oftentimes a good sign of roof damage can be seen on the flashings. This is the thin piece of metal that’s placed on the edge of a roof to keep it as sealed off as possible. You will find it around the edge of the house or the chimney.
Without the flashing, there is no barrier for excess moisture which can lead to major structural problems underneath.
Sometimes flashings are dented or torn in a way that prevents them from making that proper seal. And unfortunately, sometimes they aren’t installed properly or at all from the beginning. In any case, flashings that don’t look right should be checked out by a professional and replaced when necessary.
7. Improper Installation and Lack of Maintenance
The most important thing you can do to combat roof problems is to make sure you use a quality roofing company that will install your roof the right way and complete regular maintenance checks.
So many major roof problems wouldn’t even happen with proper installation or regular maintenance inspections. It’s worth the time and effort to get the right team out to work on your roof to save you for the future. Another important aspect of keeping up with maintenance is prepping the roof prior to replacement.
Common Roof Problems in South Carolina
Roof problems aren’t something to be ignored; they can quickly evolve from a small, manageable issue to a huge unfixable one. It’s important to keep a close eye on your roof to make sure that it’s in good shape.
When an issue does arise, it’s time to call in a professional to assess the damage and make recommendations. Timely evaluation by a professional will prevent any or further structural damage to your home. If you’re in need of some professional roofing help, contact us today to set up an appointment!
