Whether it your client’s house, or your house, the roof overhead is an easy structural piece to take for granted. Since large parts of California have a relatively mild climate, roof issues aren’t usually top of mind for the local homeowner here. However just because a lot of homeowners don’t have roof problems does not mean you can trick yourself into believing you will never have to touch it. Compromised roofs can blossom into large issues that put a home’s security and structural integrity at serious risk. To make sure the roof stays overhead, we’re detailing the top 5 signs that show it’s time to pay attention to the roof.
Age Is NOT Just a Number
Contrary to popular belief, roofs do have a lifespan. The number of years a roof sits exposed to the elements certainly does matter. Depending on the roof layering material, construction process, and the climate, roofing experts estimate that an average asphalt shingle or wood shake roof will last about 20 to 25 years. Durable roofs built with slate tile and metal last a bit longer, about 50 to 75 years. The pitch of the roof also plays into the operational lifespan.
One of the most overlooked things when it comes to age is roof rot. The three main culprits that contribute to roof rot are high humidity thanks to attic temperatures, excessive moisture, and poor attic and roof ventilation. Roof rot actually penetrates and breaks down roofing materials, comprising the roof deck and sheathing. This means when a roof rots, the very elements that are supposed to stay outside now will find a way to leak into the home. Don’t neglect an old roof…it can damage the inside of a house in a flash!
When the Granules are Gone…
Good roofing does a lot more than protecting against inclement weather. The roof is actually the first line of defense when it comes to regulating temperature. Roofing granules are added to the asphalt shingle process to regulate the temperature of roofs, creating a more pleasant environment inside the room while reducing electricity and energy-related costs. States like California have “Cool Roof” initiatives to cut back on heating and cooling costs.
If you check the rain gutters and see ceramic-coated roofing granules pooling in the tracks, then there’s a very strong chance that the roof needs repairs. Granules tend to detach from shingles at the end of their lifespan and are a tell-tale sign that things are heading south. If you see inconsistent color and shading on the roof due granule degradation, then you need to inspect the roof further for overall damage.
Moisture is the Enemy
Now in California, we don’t receive very much rain annually – but moisture in any capacity can do a roof in. When it comes to roofs and moisture, you’re probably thinking about external moisture like rain, ice, and snow. However internal moisture in the form of warm interior air contacting cool roofing assemblies is a danger as well. The water vapor carried in the warm air turns into liquid water when it touches the cold roof surface – just like a cold glass forming water droplets out the outside surface on a hot summer day.
A manual way to check moisture penetration levels in a roof is the “walk test.” Climb up on the roof and walk across it – if the roof feels bouncy or spongy, then there’s a strong chance that water has destroyed the insulation layer. There are also more detailed tests like thermographic imaging and load testing that determine the structural rigidity of your roof.
Scalloping Shingles
When you start to see shingles curl on a roof, it very well could mean that the shingles and the roof itself is at the end of it’s lifespan. Typically, shingles curl up due to moisture, exposure to the elements, and the general wear and tear of protecting your home. Shingles will also curl due to improper installation practices or defective materials, but in most cases, they begin to fail thanks to the previously mentioned culprits.
If you see curling shingles, don’t delay further service and repairs. Catching a small problem early with routine inspections and maintenance means your client won’t be struck with a surprise moisture problem or total roof failure.
Seepage is Urgent
If the elements start to come inside home from the outside – be it light, water, or anything else, then the roof is in need of some urgent repairs. Things like clogged rain gutters, leaky junctions of skylights and other openings, and broken or deteriorated shingles can lead to a water seepage that damages the integrity of the roof. The problem with seepage is that from afar, professionals typically don’t know the extent of the damage until it is too late.
One tip for leaky, seeping roofs that makes life easier is to enlist the help of a friend with a garden hose. Have your friend go up on the roof with the hose turned on, and isolate areas where the water is seeping through. If you spot a leak coming through, mark the area and check for mold, water stains, and sagging. If you catch the seepage before it spells disaster, you might be able to repair the roof in sections, instead of incurring the replacement cost of an entire new roof.
About CSLS:
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