How to Spot Roof Damage Before It Becomes a Major Problem
Know the signs of roof damage so you can prevent it before it becomes serious.
Roof damage is often overlooked, but it's important to remember that the roof is a house's first defense against strong wind, thunderstorms, snow, and even continuous heat. As such, it's essential that you know which signs to look for.
Exterior Signs of Roof Damage
One of the most used and abused parts of your house is your roof, and while it is generally a tough cookie, even the most challenging roofs can experience a few wears and tears.
However, roof replacements can be costly no matter which Atlanta, GA, roof repair company you hire. Luckily, knowing the early signs of exterior roof damage, you can take action before it's too late.
1. Missing Shingles
Your roof's shingles are your house's first line of defense in cases of strong winds, snow, and rain, and when that happens, whole shingles often peel or get cracked, so if you live in a place experiencing frequent rain, snow, or strong winds.
When that happens, it's best to check your roof through a simple ground inspection regularly, replace them with wind-prone shingles, or call professional roof repair Atlanta, GA, services.
2. Shingle Granule Debris
Another sign that your roof is damaged is if you start seeing shingle granule debris falling off your roof.
While shingle granule debris is common occasionally, it's another story if you're finding piles of granules in your gutters, at the base of your downspouts, or scattered across your yard. This means that the layer that’s keeping you safe is weakening.
If your roof shows these signs, you may consider roof replacement Atlanta to keep your house safe.
3. Uneven Roof
Having an uneven roof might seem like a minor problem. Still, it is a sign that there's something wrong with not only your roof but also the structure of your house, and if you let it be, it can cause your entire roof to collapse.
A sagging or uneven roof can often be caused by water damage, rot, termite infestation, or even the weight of accumulated snow or debris.
Interior Signs of Roof Damage
Just because it's out of sign doesn't mean it should stay out of mind. Internal signs of roof damage might not be as apparent as the external signs, but you must be extra vigilant.
After all, some of the most serious roofing issues are in your home. So, if you see these signs, it might be time to call Atlanta, GA, roof repair service companies.
1. Too Much Moisture
While it's easy to blame excessive moisture on plumbing, one of the early signs that your roof is damaged is excess moisture or dampness appearing on your ceilings, walls, or attic due to gaps or other openings on your roof.
2. Presence of Mold and Mildew
Another indication that your roof is damaged is the presence of mold or mildew in your house. Since moisture attracts mold, a damaged roof that invites water into your home has a greater risk of mold growing.
3. Peeling Paint
Another internal sign you should look out for is peeling paint—as more moisture enters your home due to the damaged area of your roof, it will ultimately affect your house's paint, causing it to peel or blister.
So, once you see your paint suddenly peeling from your walls even though it's a fresh coat, it might be time to ask for help from Atlanta, GA, roof repair companies.
Damage from Weather & Environmental Factors
While roofs are built to withstand even the toughest of weather, they can still cause damage, such as cracks, leaks, and wear that weaken your roof’s ability to protect you. Here are the following weather and environmental factors that can cause damage to your roof.
1. Wind Damage
One typical form of roof damage is wind damage, which hurricanes, storms, or severe winds can bring. As a result, it can often cause your shingles to be lifted and torn off leaving your roof more vulnerable.
So, suppose you've noticed any wind damage, such as shingles strewn all over your yard or obvious cracks in your roof. In that case, your next step should be to call professional roof repair Atlanta, GA, services.
2. Hail Damage
Another common type of roof damage is hail damage. Hailstones can cause quite a bit of damage to your roof especially if you have asphalt shingles. Since hailstorms can cause cracks, dents, and holes in your roof, leaving them will severely jeopardize its integrity.
As such, after experiencing a hailstorm in Atlanta, GA, roof repair services must inspect your roof for any signs of external damage, such as broken shingles or granules in your gutters.
3. UV Radiation Damage
While sunlight might seem harmless, just like anything under constant exposure to the sun, it can deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to the heat and sunlight, and roofs are no exception. Because the sun's UV rays can cause your roof's shingles to crack, fade, and even cause warping.
To combat this, installing roof vents must ensure enough ventilation and minimize heat accumulation in your attic, which will help avoid UV and heat damage.
Tips on Preventative Maintenance
While opting for roof replacement Atlanta is a safe option to ensure your house remains well-protected, constantly calling Atlanta, GA, roof repair companies can be too much, especially if you don’t have money to spare.
But when you do preventive maintenance on your roof, you're saving on money and helping your roof last longer. Here are a few tips on preventive maintenance to help your roof reach its full potential.
1. Clean gutters regularly.
One way to keep your roof in tip-top shape is to clean your gutters regularly to prevent any water from building up since if left unchecked, it can overflow and accumulate around the foundation of your house.
Remember to clean your gutters at least twice a year, during the spring and fall. However, it ultimately depends on the foliage around your house. If trees surround your property, you should clean your gutters more frequently.
Another helpful act is installing gutter guards, which reduce the need for frequent cleanings by keeping larger debris and leaves out while enabling water to drain correctly.
2. Trim overhanging branches.
Branches rubbing up against your roof, particularly during strong winds, can harm your asphalt shingles. As a result, the friction caused by the branches can easily remove or damage the asphalt shingles leaving the underlying material vulnerable to the weather.
As such, you should always ensure that branches and roof edges are at least ten feet apart. This gap lowers the possibility of animals getting to the roof and keeps branches from touching it.
3. Schedule regular inspections.
Sometimes, the best thing to do is to leave the care of your roof to professional roof repair Atlanta, GA services; even the National Roofing Contractors Association advises semi-annual roof maintenance and inspections.
Compared to regular homeowners, a roof repair Atlanta, GA, contractor can easily find external damage or clogged drains during an inspection, which could lead to significant concerns down the road.
When to Have a Roof Replacement
Roofs are meant to keep you and your house safe for a long time but even the strongest roofs aren’t meant to last forever. Which begs the question, when is it the right time to call for a roof replacement Atlanta?
One of the first considerations you should consider is a roof's age. So, if your asphalt shingle roof is getting close to the 20–30-year mark, it could be time for a roof replacement Atlanta.
However, beyond a roof's age, if your roof has been experiencing some external damage, such as missing, cracked, or curled shingles, severe granule loss, or internal damage, such as leaks, water stains, or excessive moisture, then it might be better to ask for a roof replacement Atlanta rather than a simple repair.
Ultimately, replacing a roof is a significant investment, so it's always better to seek professional roof repair Atlanta, GA, services, whether you should have your
roof replaced or repaired.
Choosing a Roof Repair Company in Atlanta, GA
Choosing the right Atlanta, GA, roof repair company can make all the difference when it comes to roof repairs. After all, you want a company that understands the area so that you'll have a roof prepared to withstand the scorching summers, heavy storms, and icy snow that Atlanta offers.
Roof repair doesn’t just mean patching a leak or replacing a few shingles. It means knowing the challenges that Alanta's climate has and knowing how to ease the burden, which requires having the best materials and equipment and the best techniques for the job.
Let’s Fix Your Damaged Roof and Bring Back Your Home’s Safety and Style
Your roof is one of your house’s hardest workers. After all, they’re our first line of defense from any external debris that might threaten the integrity of your home. It shields you from rain, snow, hail, and the relentless sun, enduring constant exposure to external elements.
While it might be easy to call for professional roof repair, Atlanta, GA, to deal with everything at one go, it's still vital to know how to spot any roof damage before it's too late. However, suppose you do end up needing a roof replacement Atlanta. In that case, you need a company that knows Atlanta's climate best and has the proper techniques and materials to do the job. With
RVE Exteriors, you won’t need to worry about surprises or unexpected issues.
We specialize in providing high-quality
roof installation to protect your home from any unexpected storms and surges and
improve its
functionality and durability.
Contact us now and let our expert team give your home the durable and reliable roof it deserves.