Eight Signs a Roof May Be Leaking and May Need Roof Repair

 Signs It May Be Time to Schedule a Roofing Contractor

Boulder, United States - /Roof Masters of Colorado/

Roof Masters of Colorado recognizes that some roof leaks can go for months or years without being noticed because the leaks are minimal and evaporate before being spotted by the homeowner or aroofing contractor conducting a roof inspection. In other cases, the leak may be intermittent and only occur during extreme weather conditions involving high winds and heavy rain. When a roofing company offers to do an inspection and finds little or no evidence of a leak, the reason may be that the weather was not severe enough to trigger a leak on that occasion. The conditions for a leak are present but only during extreme weather conditions. A roof leak may be persistent but hidden, in which case, the homeowner or roofer must be familiar with the wide variety of signs of a roof leak. Listed below are some of the more common signs of roof leaks.

 

Common Signs of Roof Leaks

Visible shingle damage

A vital indicator of a potential leak is visible roof damage, such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Noticeable wear to shingles should alert the homeowner to schedule an inspection by a roofing professional.

Climbing onto the roof without the proper safety equipment and training can be dangerous.Industrial Safety & Hygiene News reports that 500,000 people fall from ladders annually, and ninety-seven percent of these injuries occur at home or on farms.

Discoloration

Green spots on the roof indicate the growth of moss or mold. Fungi and moss growth on the top suggests a moisture issue, especially under shaded places. Large areas of discoloration need attention. Inspection, diagnosis, and removal are best left to a qualified professional with the appropriate cleaning and safety gear.

Light in the attic

Unexplained beams of light in the attic highlight the need for immediate action on the homeowner's part. If light can find its way into the attic through the roof, so can water. Shingles could be damaged, and plywood sheathing could be compromised or rotting.

Sagging spots

Visible sagging or drooping in sections of the roof may result from wood rot from the buildup of trapped moisture in the attic. Problems may first appear at the lower end of the top near the gutters. Take swift action to address the issue.

Granules in gutters

The accumulation of sediments in the gutters may signal that the shingles are at the end of their life span and that the roof has sustained hail damage. Gutter sediments restrict water flow and add extra weight to the gutters. In any case, keep an eye on granule shedding when cleaning gutters.

Wall and ceiling stains inside the home

A telltale sign of a roof leak is staining on the walls and ceiling. These green, brown, or black stains are unsightly and unhealthy. They are also a top sign of a leaky roof or a water intrusion from a broken pipe or cracked drain. Warped sheetrock and blistering or peeling paint may also signal water and moisture issues. Look for swelling in crown molding where the ceiling and walls meet. Swollen and warped baseboards signal that water may be winding its way from the attic through the walls and to the floor. Pools of water on the floor or wet spots in the carpeting or on furniture may occur before the appearance of stains.

The water intrusion demands swift action to prevent further structural damage. A proper diagnosis of the source of the water intrusion may require an inspection from a trusted roofing contractor and a plumber.

Soaring energy bills

A rise in energy consumption to heat or cool a home may indicate air is escaping through a breach in the roof. The resulting inconsistency in the interior temperatures of the structure will strain the HVAC system. Power bills will reflect the added pressure on the system to heat or cool the home or business adequately.

Animals in the attic

The attic can be home to rats, mice, squirrels, birds, skunks, and snakes. Animals living in the attic introduce disease into the home environment, disturb insulation and gnaw the wiring, wood, and water pipes. The discovery of wildlife in the attic should prompt two calls: one to a local Boulder roofer and a second to a pest control company. The pest problem needs to be resolved before the more severe roof, and attic damage occurs.

Resolving the roof issue before it becomes a significant problem

The homeowner or property manager can limit or avoid costly repairs by taking quick action at the first signs of a roof leak. Delays allow the damage to grow in scope and negatively impact insurance claim payouts.

Why choose a local Boulder roofer

When seeking a shingle roofer, metal roofer, coatings roofer, or other residential or commercial roofers, contact Roof Masters of Colorado. With over 28 years of experience, this woman-owned, family-operated roofing company is located in Boulder, CO, and serves the greater Denver Metro area. As a GAF Certified Contractor and a proud member of the BBB with an A+ rating, the roofing professionals at Roof Masters of Colorado are committed to providing Boulder homeowners with the best possible roofing experience. Owner and operator Monica Hoffman emphasizes these priorities: "Honesty and integrity always come first! We listen to our customers and pay attention to details."

For more details about roof repairin Boulder, CO, email Roof Masters of Colorado at rmcboulder@gmail.com or call (720) 536-5585.

Eight Signs a Roof May Be Leaking and May Need Roof Repair, Images -- 20-05-2022

 

Eight Common Causes of Roof Damage in Boulder, CO

What Factors Contribute to Residential Roof Leaks and Roof Damage?

Boulder, United States - /Roof Masters of Colorado/

The roofing professionals at Roof Masters of Colorado are proud to be a trustedroofing contractor that residents and businesses can turn to when needing residential roof repair, a roof repair estimate, or a commercial roofer.

Colorado is known for unpredictable weather. Depending on the month of the year, Colorado may experience all four seasons on the same day. These weather extremes contribute to some of the most common causes of roof damage to Colorado homes and businesses.

1. Tree Damage

One of the most common residential trees inBoulder, CO, is the Ponderosa Pine. Fir, spruce, juniper, pine, and cottonwood trees also adorn yards in Boulder. Trees growing too close to a home or other structure can cause roof damage. Overhanging branches can break under the weight of heavy snow or the stress of turbulent winds, damaging shingles and puncturing the roof decking. The sound of the impact can be muffled by snow or by the competing noise of heavy wind and rain. If the homeowner was not present when the weather event occurred, he or she might not think it necessary to visually inspect the roof for damage. The roof damage may go undetected for days or weeks before the homeowner spots the signs of a water leak and schedules a roof inspection from a reputable, bonded, licensed, and insuredroofing company.

To avoid tree damage, the homeowner should enlist an arborist to prune any limbs touching the roof. Friction and repeated impact from branches in direct contact with the roof can damage shingles, gutters, and vents.

2. Clogged Gutters

Shingle sediments, pine needles, leaves, and tree branches can clog gutters, which can overflow and cause roof and foundation damage. Decking, facia, and soffit will rot if the moisture issue is not resolved. The attic may experience a mold infestation from the overabundance of moisture.

3. Moss and Algae Growth

Shade and moisture from trees growing too close to a home can promote the growth of mold and algae on the roof. Any reputable, professional arborist can remedy tree issues with selective removal and careful pruning. Consult with an experienced roofing contractor such as Roof Masters of Colorado for advice on how to deal with mold and algae growth on the roof. Pressure washing by an inexperienced and unskilled homeowner or handyman can severely damage a roof.

4. Poor Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is essential for maintaining the integrity of the roof. Whether the issue is faulty installation or a damaged or blocked roof vent, adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup. Trapped moisture can cause wood rot, rust, mold, and further deterioration of the roof from the inside out. Decking, support beams, underlayment, and even shingles are vulnerable and at risk of damage. Insufficient ventilation on very hot summer days can cause attic temperatures to rise high enough to damage shingles.

5. Faulty Roof Flashing

Flashing offers an added measure of protection against water damage where two parts of the roof meet. The product is also installed around a chimney or skylight to prevent a water leak.

6. Hail Damage

Some storm damage to the roof is obvious such as missing shingles or exposed underlayment and decking. Hail damage is much more subtle and may require the trained eye of a roofing contractor to spot. Examples of hail damage include:

• Dents in gutters, gutter screens, and downspouts
• Cracks in siding
• Broken window panes or damaged window sills or window casings
• Dents in the outside HVAC unit
• Damage to decks, lawn furniture, a grill, or shed
• Damage to vehicles or lawn maintenance equipment

Hail damage to any of the above items is a key indicator that the roof may have also suffered hail damage. If the evidence points to roof damage from hail, contact a roofing contractor for a professional inspection and assessment.

7. Ice Dams

Ice dams can restrict the normal drainage of water from the roof, and the weight of the ice dam can cause structural damage. Boulder residents need to remain vigilant during periods of snow and ice combined with temperature fluctuations above and below freezing.

8. Pooled Water on Flat Roofs

During periods of heavy rain, water can pool on flat roofs. A 2,000 square foot flat roof flooded with two inches of water carries an additional water weight of over ten tons. If the water does not recede, leaks may develop. In a worst-case scenario, the roof could experience a catastrophic failure due to the excess weight. A roofer can assess the situation and offer solutions.

With more than 28 years of experience, Roof Masters of Colorado is a woman-owned, family-operated roofing company located in Boulder, CO, serving the greater Denver Metro area. As a GAF Certified Contractor and a proud member of the BBB with an A+ rating, the roofing professionals at Roof Masters of Colorado are committed to providing Boulder homeowners with the best possible roofing experience. Owner and operator Monica Hoffmann emphasizes the company’s priorities, stating, “Honesty and integrity always come first! We listen to our customers and pay attention to details.”

To learn more information about the Boulder roofer, email Roof Masters of Colorado at rmcboulder@gmail.com. The office can also be contacted at (720) 536-5585.