How to tell if a roof is damaged

What causes a roof to get damaged? There are actually several factors that can drive a homeowner to want a new roof. Finding out that this home component is in need of repair can ruin a day, but fixing this problem as soon as possible is highly recommended.

Thanks to weather, wear and tear, neglect or poor construction, a roof can develop a number of issues. A homeowner might not want to wait for the worst to happen - instead, they should try to catch the problem early and implement some more cost-effective solutions.

If there are any questions about the quality of a roof, the homeowner should have a home inspection completed. This way, there won't be any doubts about structural integrity - a big sticking point during a real estate transaction.

Finding the cause of a damaged roof

The first reason many homes fall into disrepair is because of bad maintenance, according to U.S. Restorations. It is up to the occupant to keep an eye out for minor damage during the course of a year, and stopping little problems from growing will help keep costs low. 

The slope of a roof can be a contributing factor, as well. In fact, the less slope there is the more likely damage can occur. This is due to an excess of water and debris build-up, which can't run-off as well as it could on a more steeply-pitched roof. Leaks are a common problem, and making sure water can leave a roof is important for every homeowner.

In addition, degraded or missing shingles can result in a damaged roof, according to Ernie Smith and Sons Roofing Company. Most homes across the U.S. have composite shingles, and letting this component weaken might lead to a leaky roof. If shingles break when touched, or are curled up from the sun, it is time to replace them. 

An easy way for a homeowner to tell if there is a problem is by checking around the outside of a home. Bad shingles can shed materials off of the roof, especially when it rains, and that will leave a trace on the driveway, yard, or in the gutters. 

Since leaks are a frequent indication of a degrading roof, an occupant might want to watch for spots or stains on the ceiling or water damage in the attic, according to Roof Top Services. Finding problems this way can save a trip to the top of the roof.

A property inspection can figure out where it all went wrong, as well as provide in-depth knowledge about a number of home systems, including the roof. Without one, the extent of the damage might not be known.

Weather also plays a role

Another reason for a damaged roof is the weather, U.S. Renovations stated. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prevent strong winds and rain from happening, but preventative maintenance can stop a problem from getting worse. 

High winds can rip away nails, shingles and other roofing materials. Flying debris also poses a hazard, and often times the best way to figure out if anything is wrong is to check the roof to see if something has come loose. After a particularly severe storm, a home inspection can help identify concerns. 

Moreover, some homeowners don't remember that sun and hot weather can pose a threat to a roof. Heat can cause it to expand and contract, which might lead to several roof types to weaken and break, Phoenix-area abc15 explained. In addition, one way damage can be prevented is by providing a roof with the proper ventilation. 

A property inspection can help get to the bottom of any roof problems, and find out the details of an issue. This will help a homeowner make the necessary repairs to keep a home safe.