The roof is out of sight and out of mind to most homeowners until a major leak to occur interferes with their daily lives. Nevertheless, roofs do not fail in the middle of the night. The warning signs they usually show are a few weeks or even months before a disastrous failure can take place. By learning to see these warning signs early you will save thousands of dollars in structural repairs and spare your family the trauma of a emergency repair. In case you observe any of the following symptoms, then you need to invite a professional to have a closer look.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
The roof shingles are the main barrier between you and the weather and their health speaks volumes on the health of your roof. Once after a storm, go on a ground and scan your roof. Examine the shingles and find out whether they are cracked, curled on the edges or buckling in the middle. In case you notice bald spots where the granules have eroded or you see shingles in your yard, the integrity of your roof has been violated.
The neglect of these gaps will result in water infiltrating into the underlayment and decking underneath. To the homeowner within the Lincoln, NE region, local professionals such as owl roofing suggest that these areas be sealed promptly in order to avoid the decay of the wood framing of your house due to getting wet. The professional inspection may help to realize whether a couple of simple repairs are enough to prolong your roof or the evidence of the damage is so extensive that the replacement is necessary.
Water Stains and Roofing Problems
In many cases, one can see the initial sign of a roof issue inside the house. The appearance of water on your ceilings or dripping down your walls is conclusive, that the weatherproofing of your roof has gone bad. The stains may manifest themselves in the form of discoloured rings or bubbles of paint. Never stand up and paint over them; you have to first of all stop the source of moisture.
And your attic too has good hints. Go up on a sunny day and watch of beams of light cutting through the roof boards–where there is light water can get in. Also, look at evidence of damp insulation or a permanent musty smell. They may mean bad ventilation or slow leak that promotes the growing of molds which is dangerous to the health of your family.
Sagging Roof Deck
The protoemal sign of a roof that is sagging is a severe warning that needs prompt action by the professional. When you see a depression or a dip on the plane of your roof there is usually some structural problem. This may be due to the fact that long-term saturation of water in rotting the decking or rafters or it might be as a result of too much weight of the accumulated snow or ice.
It is not only a cosmetic problem but it is also a possibility of a safety hazard that is created by a sagging roof. It implies that there is a structural support system failure, and might be unable to collapse to more pressure. It cannot be inspected so in this case, do not make yourself inspect it. Immediately, consult a roofing company that has the expertise to determine the stability of the building.
Conclusion
Probably your most valuable possession is your house and its roof is the main protection it has. Observing the absence of shingles, interior leaks, and the sagging of the structure, you can identify the problems at a point when they can be addressed. Rapid response does not only save your property but it also makes sure that your house is a safe and dry haven to you and your family.
