If your roof isn’t properly maintained, the heavy storms of winter and spring in the Pacific Northwest can lead to summer roofing issues later on. Let’s examine eight of the most common roofing concerns and how to address them this summer!
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common roofing problems. They can occur for various reasons, including broken flashing, debris buildup in gutters, and improperly installed ventilation, all of which we will cover below.
When ignored or unnoticed, a leak that may have started relatively small can lead to more significant concerns, such as mold and structural damage, which may require costly repairs later. It’s important to check for leaks frequently. Inside your house, you can do this by looking for standing water, mildew, or water stains. Outside your house, you should check for broken flashing, shingles, or debris buildup in your gutters.
Typically, the actual source of the leak will be above the visible condensation and stains as the water will be running down. If you’ve found a leak that you’d like to try to tackle on your own, check out our blog: How To Fix A Leaking Roof From The Inside.
Damaged Shingles
Another common problem for homeowners is damaged shingles. Shingle damage can result from old age, heavy exposure to UV rays, storms, and pests. You can typically tell if your shingles are damaged if they curl, blister, crack, or are missing entirely in some areas.
While just a few damaged or missing shingles can often be easily repaired, if too many have been worn, damaged, or removed, it’s likely time to speak with a roofing contractor about getting a new roof installation.
Damaged or Improper Flashing
Roof flashing is the material that covers the seams and edges of your roof to prevent gaps. If improperly installed or damaged by weather or animals, your home could be susceptible to roof leaks.
Clogged or Damaged Gutters
After the rainy season, it is essential to check the gutters for debris buildup, roof granules, and damage such as rust and cracks.
What’s a roof granule? Roof granules are the outer layer of asphalt shingles, which protects them from UV rays and weather damage!
Damaged gutters or gutters full of built-up tree debris from spring and winter storms can hold sitting water, which could lead to rot and, ultimately, leaks in that area of your roof. Similarly, if many roof granules are falling from your shingles, they can back up your gutters. While it’s common to find some roof granules in your gutters soon after a new roof has been installed, if you notice them and your roof isn’t new, it’s likely a sign that your roof is nearing time for replacement.
Damage from Pests
Small animals looking to escape the elements during the colder months may have found a new home on or under your roof throughout the summer. Damaged flashing and shingles don’t always have to have a large hole for pests to nest inside, so it’s important to check your roof and attic for signs of pests whenever possible.
Improper Ventilation
Poor installation of ventilation systems will increase moisture and temperature within your home. If left unaddressed, this can lead to curling shingles, mold, and rot.
While proper attic ventilation is crucial to ensuring your roof’s long lifespan, it can also impact your energy bill! When properly installed, roof vents help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Tree or Storm Damage
If not promptly removed, even small tree branches that may have fallen on your roof during the winter and spring can wear down your roofing materials over time. They can also cause buildup in your gutters, which may lead to roof damage and small leaks.
Material Shrinkage
Your roof’s membrane can begin to shrink if it has been improperly installed, heavily exposed to UV rays, or has moss growth on it. When this happens, it will begin pulling the roofing materials in different directions, often leading to cracked shingles or flashing and leaks.
Stay Ahead of Roofing Issues This Summer
Proper roof maintenance is the key to staying ahead of roofing concerns. Summer is the perfect time for homeowners to catch up on maintenance so that any damages that may have happened due to storms and ice don’t have the chance to turn into more significant concerns.
Here are four roof maintenance tips we recommend you do this season to avoid ending up with a damaged roof:
Clean And Inspect Your Gutters: Inspect gutters and downspouts for rust, cracks, or other damage, and clean out any debris before it can cause rot and leaks. If you find any areas with heavy buildup or sitting water, check the roof (inside and out) in that spot to make sure no water damage has occurred.
Check Your Attic: Head to your attic, with a flashlight if necessary, and check the ceiling, walls, and ground for pooling water, water stains and drips, and mold stains, which can all be signs of roof leaks or poor ventilation.
Trim Your Trees & Remove Branches: Trim the trees around your home so that no branches are ready to fall on your roof, and remove any branches that may have fallen over the past few months. Even small branches, if left over time, can wear away at your roofing materials.
Schedule A Regular Roof Inspection: Regular inspections performed by a roofing professional are recommended to help ensure that roofing concerns beyond normal wear and tear are caught and addressed before further damage occurs.
Is It Time For A Professional Roof Repair or Replacement?
If you’ve found any of these common roofing issues in your home, it may be time to schedule a roof replacement or repair with ACME Roofing’s professional roofers. At ACME, we understand the unique impact that Pacific Northwest weather conditions can have on your roof. We’re here to provide you with a quality, lasting roof that will protect you and your loved ones throughout every season.
Click here or call our Tacoma, WA office at 253-564-2292 to get started with your free roofing estimate today!