As a homeowner, one of the most common and frustrating issues you’ll likely face is problems with your roof. Improper maintenance,poor weather conditions can lead to roof damage,which can lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher energy bills. By inspecting your roof and attic regularly, fixing any issues immediately, and providing proper ventilation and care, you can avoid many of the most costly and common roof problems.
Your roof protects your entire home, so here’s what our Atlanta roofing professionals recommend,when it comes to taking steps to prevent damage and keep your roof in good working order.
Leaks
A leaky roof is one of the most common problems homeowners face. Leaks allow water to seep into your attic, walls, and ceilings, causing damage that worsens over time. The tricky part is determining where exactly the leak is coming from.
Look for visible water stains. The first sign of a leak is usually a water stain on the ceiling, attic floor, or walls. The stain outlines the path the water is taking to enter your home. Examine the stain closely to trace the source of the leak. The leak is often directly above or adjacent to the stain.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles are also a common roof problem. Over time, shingles curl, crack, and blow off, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks and water damage.
Shingles that start to curl or warp usually reach the end of their lifespan and should be replaced. As shingles age, the materials start to break down, causing the shingles to curl and no longer lay flat. Curled shingles won’t properly protect your roof and must be replaced to prevent leaks.
Pooling Water
One of the most common causes of pooling water on roofs is damage to the flashing, the strips of waterproof material that seal and join the roof’s edges. Flashing is found around chimneys, vents, skylights, and the joint of a pitched roof and vertical wall.
Water can seep in and collect if the flashing is bent, torn, or improperly installed. You may notice water stains or dripping on ceilings below the damaged flashing. Call an Atlanta roofing contractor to inspect and repair or replace damaged flashing.
Blocked Gutters or Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are designed to channel rainwater off the roof, but water backs up and pools on the roof when they get clogged with leaves and debris. Clean out your gutters at least twice a year, more often if there are many trees around.
Look for downspouts that have come loose or disconnected from the gutters, as this will also allow water to spill over and puddle. Resecure or replace damaged downspouts to get water flowing properly again.
Punctured or Damaged Roof Surface
If you notice water pooling in areas of the roof that don’t correlate to flashing, gutters or slope issues, you may have damage to the roof surface itself. Things like hail impacts, punctures from fallen tree branches, or cracks in the roofing material can allow water to seep through.
Asphalt and wood shingle roofs are more prone to physical damage. Have a roofing pro inspect your roof, especially after severe weather events. They can patch small punctures or replace damaged shingles to seal up leaks and prevent pooling.
Flashing Problems
Flashing is the material used to seal and join roof sections, and problems with flashing are one of the most common issues with roofs. Flashing can start to fail for a few reasons, leading to leaks and water damage. Over time, flashing materials like aluminum or galvanized steel can begin to rust, corrode, and weaken.
Weather like intense sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes cause metal flashing to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracks and holes. Once there are openings in the flashing, water seeps in and leaks start to form.
Contact Atlanta Roofing Today to Fix the Most Common Roof Problems
If any of the common roof problems mentioned above are causing water to pool on your roof, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced roofing professionals for help. At Atlantak Roofing, we provide free estimates and can send a roofing contractor right away to assess your roof and recommend solutions tailored to your needs.
Give us a call today at 404-737-7179. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and schedule an appointment for a free roof inspection at a time that’s convenient for you.