4 Subtle Red Flags That Point to Roof Failure

Not all intact-looking roofs are free from damage. Certain red flags don’t cause leaks but come as symptoms of bigger problems yet to be discovered. If you notice any of the following, your roofing system needs more attention that you realize:

       1. Water Stains on The Ceiling

Water spots on the ceiling are an obvious sign of leakage. Although experienced roofers, like Homecraft, would say that the problem could be due to plumbing, an inspection is essential to track the actual leak source. If the issue is with the roof, the most usual culprit is broken flashing.

When unaddressed, a leaky roof could lead to serious interior water damage. In a heavy downpour, the water would accumulate and possibly cause your ceiling to collapse. Apart from dampening your rooms, wet floors could precipitate slips and falls.

       2. Granules in the Gutters

For new roofing systems, excess granules normally come off. But when older shingles shed these protective particles, that’s a cause for concern. Balding is a sign of aging, causing asphalt shingles to lose their primary defense against sun damage. Without them, long-term exposure to UV radiation would make them brittle and accelerate their deterioration.

       3. Mold Growth in the Attic

Mold only thrives in areas with high moisture levels. When your attic ceiling and walls smell musty and become stained with mold, then your home isn’t doing a good job ventilating itself. Other than being a health concern, a colony of mold indicates that your attic climate could be frying your shingles from the inside. High temperatures could expedite wear and tear, making even a high-quality roofing system fail prematurely.

Fortunately, affected shingles would show signs of damage in the form of cupping. Re-shingling is a necessary roof repair, but solving your attic’s ventilation problem is paramount to prevent the same issue from recurring.

       4. Ice Dams by the Eaves

Snow may be natural in your area, but ice damming shouldn’t be. It’s nature’s way of telling you that you have a poorly ventilated attic. Your home’s inability to expel moist, indoor air would cause your attic to go hot, making your roof’s surface temperature higher than that of its edges. When snow lands in the warm area, it would melt only to re-freeze when it reaches the cold eaves.

Keeping your roof in good repair requires vigilance and commitment. To schedule your FREE inspection and estimate in Newark, Middletown, or Bear, DE, call Homecraft now at (302) 798-0302. We’ll be happy to assist you.