A roof that is nicely maintained will no doubt do an excellent job of keeping the interior of your home protected from harsh weather conditions. However, to keep your roof in perfect condition, you need to be on the lookout for any signs of structural damage. To make your work easier, here are four key signs of a roof that has structural damage.
1. Discoloration to Some Parts of the Roof
The discoloration is usually caused by water stains that occur after a rainstorm. Therefore, if you notice that your roof is discolored in some parts, then this may be a sign of structural damage. A roof in top condition should shed water with ease and maximum efficiency.
On the other hand, a roof with structural damage tends to trap moisture between the roof sheathing and the shingle. You should have this issue fixed as soon as possible because it normally leads to mold growth, which, in turn, can worsen the situation.
2. Damaged Gutters
Gutters play an all-important role in keeping your home weatherproof. They safely channel water away from your home, preventing any potential damage to its structure. Given their position, gutters are exposed to all kinds of risks. These range from fallen branches to ice dam overload.
A gutter that is starting to sag, overflow during a rainstorm, or pull away from the roof may be an indicator of a roof that is structurally damaged. Needless to say, you should get in touch with a professional roofing service company immediately if you notice a damaged gutter.
3. Damaged Shingles
Asphalt shingles do a good job of making sure rainwater does not find its way into your home. Nevertheless, shingles have a limited life span, meaning that you will have to replace them at some point. In some cases, shingles damage occurs over time. In others, it happens suddenly due to a storm.
Regardless of the cause, signs of damaged shingles tend to remain the same: the sudden accumulation of shingle granules in the gutter runoff. Shingle granules are sand-like materials used to improve the durability of shingles. With that said, their loss normally shows that your roof needs some repair.
4. Mold Growth
If you notice mold growth, particularly where the roof meets the exterior wall, then this may be a sign of a roof with structural damage. Mold usually indicates that there is an issue with development. In this case, the growth of mold where the roof meets the exterior wall is a sign that your gutter may be having a problem.
One common gutter problem is a clogged downspout that is making it back up. Another problem is a section of flashing that has come loose. It is recommended that you contact a local roofing company as soon as possible to assess this problem before it worsens.
Even a small leak that is not examined can lead to a serious problem. That is why you need to spot the early warning signs of a roof that has structural damage. Early detection can save you a lot of money in roof repair or replacement. Call Ribas Roofing, where we offer professional roofing repair services for the residents of Atascadero, CA.