Even if your roofing system looks perfectly fine from the outside, hiring a roof inspector still makes a lot of sense. A roof inspector takes into account several critical things that are not visible to the untrained eye such as broken or missing shingles, mold or algae growth, blisters or ripples in shingles, ventilation and insulation issues, among others. They also look for any worn-out areas that may lead to serious roofing problems down the line.
1. Missing and Damaged Shingles
Nearly 80% of the homes in the United States have asphalt shingles roofing. Though asphalt is an incredibly durable roofing material, it can become brittle with age. A few years of direct exposure to the sunlight and extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your roofing shingles, causing them to break and crack. In some cases, roof replacement can be the only viable option to protect your roof deck and avoid large-scale structural issues.
2. Presence of Mold, Moss, and Mildew
Mold, moss, and mildew growth can lead to unsightly patches and stains on any roof. The worst part is that these issues do more harm than just ruining your roof’s aesthetics. If left unattended, these unwanted growths can severely damage your roof’s underlayment and shingles. Conducting a roof inspection from time to time is a good way to detect the warning signs and take appropriate action to fix the damage right away.
3. Ventilation problems
Is your roof properly ventilated? Most homeowners do not realize that inefficient attic ventilation can cause some of the worst roofing issues. In absence of proper ventilation, hot air will not be able to escape from your home and heat up the roof deck from the inside out. This situation can accelerate the aging process of your roofing shingles and make them weak and brittle. When our experts perform roof inspections, they check the ridge vents, exhaust vents, eave vents, and other ventilation systems, and recommend necessary measures.
4. Blisters, Buckles, or Ripples
Signs like blisters, buckles, ripples, or any other type of physical changes usually indicate much deeper roofing problems including:
- Old and worn out shingles
- Poor installation
- Inefficient ventilation
- Multiple roofing layers
- Damaged sheathing
- Moist underlayment
Roofing materials go through many physical changes throughout their lifespan. If these changes are visible from the ground, a roof replacement may be a good option for you. A deteriorating roof can make your roof decking vulnerable to water damage that can be very expensive to repair.
5. Multiple Roofing layers
If your roof has multiple shingle layers, chances are that there is some kind of underlying roofing damage – even if it is not visible from the outside. In roofs with multiple layers, the ventilation is usually not that efficient. Improper ventilation can cause moisture and heat to build up under the shingles.
6. Absence of Drip Edge
Drip edge is installed at the roof edges to help guide the flow of water away from the openings. A drip edge can be made of sheet metal, composite, or plastic materials. The absence of a protective drip edge can lead to rotten fascia because of water infiltration. If your shingles, especially at the edges of your roof, have started to curl, moisture penetration might be the culprit.
Need A New Roof? Get in Touch
If you’re looking for a top-quality roof inspection, maintenance, or roof replacement services, you should choose an experienced and certified roofer that gives the time and attention your roofing system deserves. As one of the most trusted roofers in the area, we have been installing, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining all kinds of roofs for years now. To learn more about our services or to get a complimentary estimate, contact us today.