The roof is mainly responsible for making homes the safest place as it braves the weather conditions and creates a comfortable living environment inside. While it is possible to live in homes without windows, which also offers protection from the weather and other intrusive elements, can you ever think of a building without the roof? Therefore, it is imperative to look after the roof so that it remains in good condition for a longer time because roof replacement is costly and its restoration is also expensive, though not like replacement.

Regular roof inspection by some experts in roof engineering would ensure that you can detect damages early and take corrective actions before it can cause much more harm. While you can also undertake roof inspection in your own, since you are not accustomed to the signs of roof damage, you might not be able to identify it at an early stage. It would defeat the purpose of inspection. However, if you want to learn something about roof inspection so that you need not spend money on hiring experts, then this article should be of some help to you.

In this article, you will come to know about the causes of roof damage and the possible damages that can happen in different types of roofs. It will be easy to understand what the signs of damage foretell so that you can take proper action in getting it repaired. By knowing the possible threats of damage, you can make a well-informed decision about whether roof restoration work would be good enough to add life to the roof or replacement is the only option.

Causes Of Roof Damage

Although roofs might encounter many different types of damages, you can categorize them into three broad varieties. Every kind of roof has a recommended lifespan and goes through natural wear and tear depending on the weather conditions and the nature of use. When a roof experiences heavy footfall the chances of wear and tear increases. Using poor quality roofing materials could damage roofs early, and even poor maintenance is responsible for roof damage. Improper roof installation can result in leaky roofs and is the reason why you must entrust the job to experienced and reliable Boston roofers.

Improper Installation

Poor installation is the primary reason for leaky roofs. Flashings are sheet metals placed on the joints of metal roofs and very important because it prevents leakage of water from valleys, bends, and corners. If you do not join the flashings properly, water would find its way through the gaps and spread across the walls and other parts of the building. Correct installation of flashings is essential as it facilitates the membrane of the roof to use rainwater gutters and reduces the load on the roof. It reduces the possibilities of damage from rainwater.

Poor Rainwater Management

Accumulation of rainwater on the roof can be dangerous because it would increase the load on the roof that damages roofs. Adequately installed roofs would ensure that no puddles of water form on the roof and the entire water drains away correctly from the surface through gutters. Roofs have protective membranes on the inside, but the extra load of water can damage it thereby allowing water to pass through. Placing drains correctly and directing the rainwater towards it would prevent water accumulation on roofs. Incorrect gutter installation means water would flow to other parts of the roof instead of draining through gutters and damage the roof.

Damage To The Roof Membrane

The roof membrane acts like a waterproof layer that prevents water from seeping into the lower layers of the roof. The membrane protects roofs from internal leakages. Once again, the weight of water collected on the roof is responsible for damaging roofs. Accumulation of tree leaves and tree branches, as well as small animals moving around rooftops, can puncture the roof surface. Some areas of the roof might remain moist and encourage the growth of moss, fungi, mold, and algae which are enemies of the roof as it accelerates the wear and tear.

How To Know That It Is Time For Roof Maintenance

Now that you know what could damage your roof, you must also know the sings by looking at which you would understand that it is time for roof maintenance. While regular maintenance ensures that damages do not happen, it is difficult to ensure that no damage will happen at all. The process of natural wear and tear would make roofs weaker as time passes and timely repair is the only solution. Let us now look at some signs of roof damage.

Paint Cracking And Peeling Off

If you observe that in some parts of the ceiling and walls paint is peeling off or cracking, it could be a sign that it is time for roof maintenance. Bloating of wooden ceiling panels would mean that water has made its way through the roof surface. The roof corners are most vulnerable to water leakage and need close attention.

Stains On Walls And Ceiling

Do you see any coffee marks on some parts of the walls and ceiling? It can be a result of a puncture on the roof surface through which water has reached the lowest layer of the roof and started to show up on the ceiling and walls. The signs that you see are that of moisture derived from rainwater that has picked up dirt and debris to create colored patches.

Moldy Smell

The moisture stored in the roof surface combines with debris, dust, and soil and the soil provides nutrients that help the growth of fungi, algae, and molds that keep spreading across the roof membrane. If allowed to persist, it can pierce through the roof layers, and as a result, the indoor air will acquire a moldy smell that spreads across the building. Repairing the roof immediately is the only solution.

 Whenever you see any of these signs, act fast and consult a professional roofing company that can inspect the roof and suggests the right remedial measures.