Your roof is a complex system. As such, there are numerous problems your roofing system may face over its relatively long existence. In this blog post, you’ll learn seven of the most likely causes of your current roofing problems. Pay attention because you won’t find these in any home inspection checklist!
- Gutters
The main role of your gutters is to defend your home’s foundation by drawing water away from it. When your gutters stop working as they’re supposed to – debris and water can quickly become rot and mold. In fact, the primary reason for inoperative gutters is due to an excess of debris which blocks any water flow within the gutters. Leaves and twigs are likely culprits. Regular gutter cleaning will help you avoid this particular issue.
- Shingles
Roofs with shingles can provide a wonderful shield against both rain and sunshine, but they are also predisposed to staining and bending. When shingles are absent or damaged, it leaves the wood below unprotected and vulnerable to destruction. Frequent roof inspections allow you to catch shingle problems while they’re still small enough for you to handle.
- Flashing
It’s number one job is to seal any open spaces along the roof’s perimeter, walls, valleys and drains. Whether your roof is made from galvanized steel or aluminum, both rust and the outside elements can cause flashing to degrade over time. Also, sometimes flashing can just pop out of place. While you may be able to reposition loose flashing, for replacement – it may be best to consult a roofing professional.
- Soffit
Every home inspection checklist should tell you about the soffit. It’s essentially the uncovered area below the suspended portion of the roof eave. Older homes were typically built with solid wood soffit, but many newer homes feature vented soffits. This type of soffit contains tiny holes which allow for better air circulation throughout your home. Whether your home has a solid or vented soffit, regularly checking it for cracks and rot should keep major problems at bay.
- Fascia
This strip of trim runs along the edge of your roof line, and is usually made of wood or metal. Its sole purpose is to be the protective layer between the rim of your roof and the daily weather it encounters. Again, keep an eye out for water damage along any vertical edging that connects rafters and trusses.
With the above information and you home inspection checklist, you should feel ready for the next step – hiring a home inspection company to determine which of the above problems is causing problems for your roof. Call (813) 839-841 to discuss your home inspection options or send a message online.