The roof on your Charlotte home is one of its most important components. Therefore, it’s critical that you take steps to prevent moisture damage that can take years off its useful life as well as make the rest of your home vulnerable to mold, pest or other issues. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to decrease the risk of moisture damage to your roof.
Make Sure Gutters and Downspouts Are Clear
Gutters and downspouts that are clogged with ice, leaves or other debris can cause water to flow back toward the roof as opposed to away from your property. Over time, the water will simply get under shingles and saturate them. In extreme cases, the moisture will make its way into your home, where it can travel all the way down to the foundation.
Maintain Plenty of Ventilation
Warm and humid air tends to rise, which means that it can quickly make its way to the attic. If allowed to linger, it can saturate the underside of the roof and cause damage to shingles and other layers that it comes into contact with.
The easiest way to allow air to filter out of the attic is to add vents. This may be something that you can do on your own for little more than a few dollars and a few minutes of your time. If you prefer, our team can take care of it for you and ensure that the work is done properly and in a safe and timely manner. In addition to soffit or roof vents, you may want to consider adding a fan to the attic.
Increased ventilation can also be ideal during the winter months, as the attic may be colder than the roof above. The difference in temperature can cause snow or ice on the roof to melt and refreeze repeatedly. Without proper airflow in that space, significant damage can occur that might be harder to fix promptly because of the colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours.
Have Shingles Repaired or Replaced
Shingles that are missing, curling or otherwise damaged will have a harder time protecting the roof against moisture. Therefore, you need to have them fixed at the first sign of trouble. You’ll likely notice shingles that are missing, and in some cases, it will be obvious when you look up from the ground that shingles are curled or defective in some manner.
Whether you want to have these shingles repaired or replaced depends on a couple of factors. First, if the damage seems to be localized, you can focus your efforts on that section and leave the rest of the roof intact. However, if the damage appears to be widespread, the entire roof will likely need to be torn off and replaced.
The age of the shingles is another factor to consider when determining if you want to repair your roof or replace it entirely. Asphalt shingles typically last for about 20 years, so if existing shingles have been on your home for 20 years or more, you may want to consider a full replacement regardless of the situation. Otherwise, you can focus on repairing only the damaged sections.
Get Your Roof Inspected
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to determine your roof’s condition on your own. This is typically true whether you try to assess it from the ground or actually walk on the roof. This is because a professional has years of experience as well as the proper tools to make a proper diagnosis.
A professional roof inspection may also spot clues that you might overlook, such as improper nailing or tiny holes caused by hail damage that indicate a shingle is damaged. An inspection typically includes examining the attic to determine if there is proper ventilation or if there are signs of a potential leak.
Signs of moisture damage in the attic or other interior spaces might include wet insulation, mold, a moldy smell or the presence of stains on walls or ceilings. Ceilings may also sag or bubble where water is collecting.
Clean Your Roof on a Regular Basis
Keeping a roof clean can be an effective way of helping to avoid moisture and other damage caused by humidity and heat. Over time, dirt, mildew and other debris can accumulate on shingles, and this can lead to the loss of granules or other problems that make it harder to guard against moisture damage. We may be able to provide information about products that you can use to keep shingles clean without causing any damage.
Don’t Forget About What’s Under the Shingles
Although shingles are an important defense against moisture damage, they are just one component that you have to account for. In addition, you’ll need to keep an eye on decking, underlayment and any other components that might be part of the transition from the attic to the shingles.
In some cases, an inspection of decking and other materials may be included in an overall roof inspection if they can be accessed. During a roof repair or replacement, our team will take a look at these other materials to ensure that they don’t need to be replaced as well.
Add a Treatment to Protect Shingles
It’s possible that portions of your roof will spend a majority of their time in the shade. Therefore, those sections may take longer to dry after a rain or ice event. Ultimately, they could be extremely wet for many hours or even days at a time even when the weather is relatively calm.
You can guard against shingle damage by adding a treatment either before or after the shingles are installed. Our team can explain shingle treatment options and whether one or more of these options could be beneficial for your roof. It may also be possible to install shingles so that they have access to proper airflow to aid in the drying process.
The Importance of Taking Action Quickly
It’s critical to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your roof, as minor problems have a chance to spiral out of control without warning. For instance, you may be able to avoid a roof leak by replacing wet shingles or decking the moment that you notice a potential issue.
Taking action quickly can also prevent secondary problems such as mold or pest damage both on the roof and inside your home. Generally speaking, your homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cover the cost of repairs related to improper maintenance. This means that acting today could potentially save you thousands of dollars as well as ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable for everyone living in it.
In addition to helping you protect again moisture damage to your roof, our professional roofing services team at Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations can assist you with gutter issues or install a skylight to add to your home’s value and charm. If you are in need of roof inspection or maintenance service, give Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations a call today!
