Summer heat, thunderstorms, hail, and harsh sunlight all take a toll on Texas roofing. The roof on your home will not last forever, but there are problems that you can look out for and handle promptly to minimize the effects of any damage and prolong your roof’s life. Keeping your roof in top condition is a high-priority measure for maintaining the safety and integrity of your entire home. A neglected roof can quickly cause extensive damage to both the exterior and the interior structure of the house. Living space can become compromised and lead to inconveniences as well as situations that can affect your family’s health and peace of mind. Your roof is the umbrella that protects your home and family, so it is wise to keep a close eye on it.
What Is the Most Obvious Sign of a Roof Problem?
Many times, the first sign homeowners notice will be within the home in the form of ceiling stains from dripping water. If it has recently rained, it is highly likely that you have a roof leak. However, since water may travel within the interior of the roof for quite a distance down rafters and other structures before dripping down to form a water stain on the ceiling, evidence of a leak may not appear for days or even weeks after a storm. The most important thing is to catch the leak as soon as possible to minimize damage. Call a professional roofing contractor immediately and request an emergency roof repair. An experienced roofing contractor will have the knowledge and equipment to quickly pinpoint the source of the leak and perform any needed repairs.
What Should Homeowners Check During a Visual Inspection of Their Roof?
Many problems that develop on the exterior of your roof can be easily identified by performing a simple walk-around inspection from the ground. This type of inspection is especially important to perform after any storm system has passed that included precipitation, hail and strong winds. Most newer roofs can withstand high levels of precipitation and wind, but an older roof may be more susceptible to these conditions.
1. Look for missing or damaged shingles. If shingles have blown off or been cracked, contact a reputable roofing company immediately. If your roof is over 10 years old and large sections of your shingles have lost their granules or are distorted, you might want to start planning for a total roof replacement.
2. Pay close attention to areas with flashing. Flashing around chimneys and skylights may be particularly prone to damage during severe storms. If you have a pair of binoculars, use them to look closely at the flashing down valleys, around roof penetrations and along the edges of the roof.
3. Make sure the gutters on your home are intact and performing their intended function, which is collecting runoff and depositing it away from the foundation of your home. Check around the ground at the downspouts where water exits for any accumulations of organic matter that may mean that a thorough cleaning of the gutter system is overdue.
4. If your shingles have been in place for several years, an accumulation of granules around the downspouts or along the foundation may mean that the shingles on your home have deteriorated and need to be replaced. However, it is normal for newly installed shingles to lose excess granules for the first few months.
Alpha Roofing is the roof contractor Austin TX homeowners rely on for prompt, professional service and exceptional results at affordable prices. We offer an extensive range of services, including roofing maintenance plans, metal roofing systems, asphalt shingle installations, emergency roof repairs, roof inspections, chimney repairs, and flashing repairs. We also install wood siding, offer moss and debris removal services, install skylights, and offer commercial roofing services. We have an exemplary reputation that is based on the quality of our workmanship and our dedication to customer service. You can request a free quote by filling out the online request form or calling 512-777-1086.