When you consider all that your roof endures, it is hard not to be impressed by its ability to withstand searing heat, high humidity, wind, hail, and torrential downpours. However, you should not take your roof for granted; all of these events can cause damage. What many people overlook is that rain poses the most significant risk to your roof’s structure as well as your home’s furnishings and building components.
How Can Rain Affect Your Roof? – Residential Roofing
Why Is Rain a Potential Risk to a Home?
You are correct in thinking that your roof should be able to shed any rain that might fall. However, unless you are proactive about maintaining your roof, you could unknowingly be allowing water to work its way beneath your roof covering. If this happens, several types of damage might occur, including internal leaks and stains on interior walls or ceilings. Mold and mildew can begin to grow in wall voids as well as on walls and objects in the living space. Wood floors, roof decking, rafters, roof trusses, wood paneling, studs within the wall voids, wood furniture, floor joists, and kitchen cabinets can rot if exposed to a sufficient amount of water. Carpets and padding can be ruined or require costly renovation.
How Can Homeowners Protect Themselves From a Leaky Roof?
The best way to protect yourself against the damage that a roof leak can cause is to have a professional roof inspection at least once a year. You should also have an inspection after a major hailstorm or a storm with high winds. Here are some of the warning signs that your roof company’s inspector may find.
• Asphalt shingles rely on a coating of granules to shield the asphalt from the damaging effects of the sun. Shingles that have lost their granules are leaks in the making.
• Flashing is installed around vents, chimneys and other roof penetrations as well as at the points where the roof and a wall intersect. Cracked or bent flashing can allow water to penetrate.
• Professional installation by a qualified roof company is essential when you need a roof replacement. Even small mistakes can lead to a leak. For example, if you are having a metal roof installed, the contractor’s crew must know the proper way to install the fasteners. If you are having asphalt shingles installed, the workers must understand that they cannot leave any exposed nail holes. If your roof inspector finds problems with the installation, the issues may be easy to remedy if they are relatively minor.
• The roof inspector will look for cracked or damaged areas. Depending on your roof, this could include cracked or blistered shingles, cracked roof decking, spongy areas, and damaged gutters. Your attic will likely be inspected for water stains, damp insulation, and gaps where the walls meet the roof.
• Your roof is a complex system, and if any part of the system is missing, the entire roof can suffer. Your inspector will make sure that no flashings, shingles, gutters or other roof components are missing.
If you need high-quality Austin residential roofing, you can count on Alpha Roofing. Our roofing services include the installation of asphalt shingles, metal roofs, skylights, flashing, and siding. We also offer roof repairs, routine maintenance plans, roof inspections, chimney repairs, and emergency repairs. We have impeccable references and are known for providing extraordinary work at competitive rates. You can request a free quote by calling 512-777-1086 or completing the online form.