Catch Roof Problems Early
Your home’s roof is much more than shingles. It is a system of different components working together, with each component relying on the others to properly protect your home from the elements. When a breakdown in the roofing system occurs, it has the potential to cause severe damage to your home and be quite costly to repair. When homeowners are able to spot common roof problems early, they can potentially prevent a small issue from becoming a massive one. As a trusted Charlotte roofing contractor for nearly 20 years, Southern Home Services can diagnose and repair these problems before they get out of hand.
Knowing What to Look for
Ice buildup on your roof in the wintertime can create what is known as an ice dam. An ice dam created when melting snow runs down from the top of the roof and re-freezes on the overhang. This can cause water to backup underneath the roofing materials, causing significant damage. With proper ventilation, insulation, and under-layment, ice dams can be avoided.
The area surrounding the chimney, especially older ones, can also be problematic. Many were built without a saddle (a small roof behind the chimney that diverts water to the sides of it) which causes water to collect.
If a chimney is missing its saddle, the good news is one can be installed. Flashing around the chimney can also rust, come loose, and not fit right in the first place, causing leaks. Siding and windows can also be common areas that contribute to a leaking roof. When having a professional roof inspection done, homeowners should be sure that these areas are included. The roof deck is the base of the entire roofing system. It is an extremely important part and should be completely inspected when the roof is being replaced. Any damaged areas should be replaced immediately.
The drip edge, also referred to by professional roofing contractors as ODE, is critical to the proper drainage of water from the roof. It allows water to shed away from the edges of the roof. These areas should also be professionally inspected and cleaned or replaced as necessary. Valleys of the roof are particular problem areas as well. Large amounts of water converse in these areas during a rainstorm and can cause mechanical damage to the shingles. It is especially important that these areas were installed correctly and that they are kept free of debris.
