Signs of a Leaky Roof- Salt Lake City Roofing Company

Roof leaks and their resulting damage cost businesses and homeowners thousands of dollars per year. Unfortunately, people are often unaware of weaknesses in their rooftops until major problems arise. At Vertex Roofing Contractors in Salt Lake City, Utah, we believe that regular roof inspection is essential in protecting your home or business. To help decrease the headache of home maintenance, we have compiled the following pointers to help you identify problem areas on your roof.

Algae & Moss on Your Roof

If you find green spots growing on your roof, don’t ignore them. Lichens, moss and mold thrive in cool, damp areas, and progressively break down surfaces, especially with wood and asphalt shingles. Moss (and likewise mold and fungi) indicate there may be trapped moisture. If you see moss growth on your roof, it could be a sign of water retention. As algae or moss take root, the layers of your roof begin to separate, exposing the rest of your home to moisture. Take care to remove any debris from your rooftop before it has the opportunity to cause such growth. We do NOT recommend power washing your roof, as they are so powerful, that they could remove the granules from your shingles that help protect your roof. Placing fungicide-releasing zinc strips near the peak of your roof can often eliminate established growth. You may also want to consider replacing your shingles with algae-resistant ones the next time you re-roof your home or business.

Learn how to clean moss from your roof here

Roof Flashing Check

You can find flashing around your chimney and in the valleys of your roof. This material is designed to provide a seal in areas where the shingles form a valley, or where there is an obstruction on the rooftop. Because of its function, it is often where water converges and then runs into your gutters. Repairing damaged flashing is an immediate concern.

Vent Your Frustration

Roof vent housings can deteriorate over time, leaving cracks and gaps for water to enter. Although caulking these areas can temporarily fix the issue, replacing the vent entirely is your safest option.

Don’t Forget the Attic

Because it lies directly below your roof, your attic may warn you of damage before it become more significant. Venture into your attic periodically to check for any signs of mold, mildew or dampness. Also, be aware of any insects or rodents that may have taken up residence – many enjoy damaging your rafters and roof supports.

Missing Shingles

Climb onto your roof on occasion to look for absent shingles and bare areas, especially after severe weather. Be sure to pay special attention to roof valleys, as they handle the drainage for your roof system. Missing shingles in these high-traffic areas leave your home especially susceptible to water damage.

Excessive Shingle Granules in Your Roof Gutters and Downspouts

Shingles contain granules that slough off over time, often referred to as spalling. Finding trace amounts in your downspouts is to be expected, but if you see significant amounts, your shingles are breaking down rapidly and likely need to be have the roof replaced. Sun exposure will further expedite this deterioration.

Curling Shingles

Shingles lose their ideal form as they age and often begin to turn upward around their edges. As their shape changes, they no longer overlap properly and can create openings where moisture can collect. With nowhere else to go, water begins to seep into your home.

If All Else Fails

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, more serious roof problems arise. Issues that tend to require more extensive measures include:

Sagging Rooftop - There is little hope for a droopy roof. Sagging areas indicate damage to the decking below, usually due to rotten boards. Your roof should never flex when you walk across it. Heavy snow can collapse a sagging roof, and puddles will form from runoff.
Unsightly Brown Spots on Ceiling or Around Skylights: Finding the source of your leak can be difficult, because water may sneak into your home in one area before traveling and soaking through your ceiling in an entirely different area. Darkened spots that appear or grow in size following rain are also clues that a weakness in your roof is to blame. Although discolored areas on your ceiling or walls could have other causes, (such as condensation, leaky windows or a broken pipe), the experts at Vertex Roofing Contractors can help you to locate the exact cause of your brown spots before they take over your home.

There is Hope!

A properly installed roof should have a lifespan of approximately twenty to twenty-five years with regular maintenance. Never ignore damage or problem areas on your roof, even if they seem relatively minor. Severe damage can progress rapidly and could cost you thousands of dollars.

The knowledgeable staff at Vertex Roofing Contractors has over fifteen years of experience in the roofing industry, and we are ready to assist you with any of your residential or commercial roofing needs. We enjoy helping others to learn how to maintain their own roofs, and we understand that you need expert service for your larger projects, repairs and new construction. We guarantee your satisfaction, and back our commercial projects with a full twenty-year warranty. Throughout the Salt Lake City area, customers applaud the quality and timeliness of our work. Contact Vertex Roofing Contractors today for a free quote!

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