Roof Damage can be very costly. Because your roof is on top of your house and out of sight, it can go neglected for years. Under normal circumstances, your roof should be inspected once a year at the very least. If you suspect any roof damage after a storm, however, you should hire a professional roof service to inspect your roof as soon as possible. A damaged roof can be a pain to fix, but it can cause even more severe damage to the rest of your home if left in disrepair.

Hail Damage – The effects of hail roof damage can differ according to a range of factors: hail size, wind speed, wind direction, the material of the roof, age of materials, and slope all affect the possible roof damage that occurs during a hail storm. Hail damage is bad for a roof when it leads to roof leaks and other issues.

Storm Damage – Strong winds, heavy rains, scorching sun, and massive snowfall – your home’s roof takes a beating 365 days a year. The cumulative effect of all these annual and relentless weather events can cause leaks that create significant roof damage and can impact your home’s interior.

Wind Damage – Some of the biggest dangers of wind storms are the deterioration of your shingles and the possibility of debris falling onto your roof and damaging it. Shingles can lift, come off, be punctured, and leave spots open for leaks to come to the next rainstorm.

Having a sturdily constructed roof is essential for keeping problematic leaks at bay. Regular inspections of your roof are important when it comes to ensuring the efficacy of the structure. A good roof is an investment, and in order to protect it, being aware of these five common factors can help to keep your roof in good working order for years and help you avoid emergency roof leak repair. 

1. Stains

Stains can be noticed from inside your house. Discolored or abnormal spots on walls or ceilings can be signs of a leak. While stains in the middle of ceilings can be obvious, there are other places that must be checked as well to maintain the integrity of the home. Any doors or windows could have subtle signs of staining and leakage around the areas where they are sealed. Vents, as well as ventilation fans in bathrooms can be prone to leaks as well, so it is good to check these spots around your home for signs of staining. 

2. Mold

Mold is bad for your home and for your health. When a leaky roof lets in unwanted water, it can provide mold with a warm, wet, dark environment; the perfect conditions for it to thrive. Mold spores can be especially problematic for anyone with respiratory conditions or allergies. If you notice any signs of mold, tracing it back to its source could lead you to a leak in your roof. 

3. Distorted or Damaged Shingles

When it comes to Austin roof leak repair, a common problem that leads to leaks is shingles that become damaged, distorted, or lost. Extreme weather is often the culprit: heavy rains can cause shingles to warp and hail has been known to puncture them. When this occurs, water can travel through your home before it becomes apparent inside, so it’s essential to have damaged or distorted shingles repaired quickly to prevent large-scale damage to your home. 

4. Gutter Issues

While gutters are helpful when it comes to proper drainage, they can also lead to problematic leaks if they are not properly maintained. Blocked, rusted, or broken gutters can cause water to backup, and overflow in areas where it is not meant to. Keeping up to date with your gutters can save you time, effort, and storm damage roof repair.

5. Flashing Damage

Flashing is vital when it comes to protecting the integrity of your roof.  Spots near chimneys and vents are protected by flashing. When flashing succumbs to rust and breakages, it can, in turn, compromise the roof and walls of a home. When water gets in through these areas, it can seep into the faming of a home and cause further damage. To prevent this, keeping a close eye on flashing with regular inspections can go a long way in preventing these issues.