Your home is likely your biggest asset, and your roof serves as the protection that helps keep it intact. Every day, it takes a beating from Indianapolis weather. You probably won’t even think about it until you have a roofing problem that requires speedy attention.
The best way to prevent roofing issues is to spot them before they spiral out of control. Here’s what you should look for to help keep your roof in tip-top shape.
Leaks
Roof leaks can be caused by a variety of different things. It could be due to poor installation, damaged or missing shingles, or even clogged gutters. When you have a leak, it’s important to handle it immediately or else it can cause water damage, mold, and rot inside your home.
If you want to know the best way to spot a leak, look up at your ceilings. Roof leaks leave behind water stains or damp areas that can also leave streaks on your interior walls. You may notice the interior paint bubbling or peeling when it rains outside or hear dripping sounds inside your home.
When you suspect a leak, the first thing you need to do is contact a reliable roofing company to conduct a full inspection and make prompt repairs.
Poor Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is important for your roof too. If you have ridge vents, soffit vents, or louvers, you should never block these ventilation sources. Blocked ventilation allows heat and moisture to build up, leading to rot, buckling shingles, and ineffective insulation for your home.
Standing Water
After rain or when snow melts, if you see pools left behind on your roof, you’ll be in for roofing issues if you don’t act fast. Low sloped roofs often have the biggest troubles as they make it easy for water to puddle up. You’ll need to contact a professional to create a proper drainage route for water to prevent it from weighing things down and causing permanent damage.
Missing Shingles
If you have a shingled roof and can see missing or damaged shingles when looking up from the ground, your home is vulnerable to water damage and rot. Once you lose one, the surrounding shingles are sure to follow. This is most common after storms, which is why homeowners are encouraged to take a look when the weather dies down. If you see missing shingles, call in a professional before these lead to leaks inside your home.
Ice Dams
In Indianapolis, ice dams are a common roofing issue in winter. Ice dams occur when heat escapes from your home, melting the snow that has accumulated on your roof. This melted snow then runs down the edge of your roof. With freezing temperatures, it freezes again to create ice dams which prevent melting snow from properly running off the roof into the gutters as it should.
Overgrown Trees Close To Your Home
You may love the beauty of tall trees growing around the perimeter of your home. However, make sure you keep up with your landscaping. Trees that are too close to your house can drop leaves, twigs, and limbs onto your rooftop. Those branches may also be running against your roof with every breeze, causing damage over time.
Not only can a branch cause major damage if it slams into your roof but also, tree materials can lead to moss and algae growth by retaining moisture. Have your trees trimmed back to avoid these problems and make sure you get your roof inspected and cleaned to prevent your beautiful trees from destroying your home.
What To Do If You Spot These Roofing Issues At Home
Ideally, homeowners should be proactive about their roof maintenance. By having your roof maintained at the proper intervals, you’ll avoid costly headaches from big repairs. Additionally, you should keep your gutters clean to allow them optimal functionality.
Being aware of these common roofing problems will help you to take action and get them repaired as soon as possible through a company that provides services for residential roofing in Indianapolis.
When roofs have leaks, missing shingles, clogged gutters, or sagging areas, you never want to wait long to fix things. The longer your roof stays with this damage, the worse it can get, and the more expensive it will be. Make sure you get a roof inspection and have maintenance down to keep it in good condition. You’ll then be able to enjoy full peace of mind under the safety of your strong roof with your family at home.