Your roof is by far one of the most important components of your home, as it protects you and your family from the outside elements. However, until an issue crops up, you often don't think much about the roof. When there are issues, some homeowners tend to let them continue to worsen instead of having them addressed. Unfortunately, this can lead to more problems and weaken your overall roof. Here are some issues that your roof may experience that require roof repair.
Mildewed Shingles
Any signs of algae or moss growth on your roof is a sign that your roof is suffering from excess moisture exposure. In addition, it is extremely unattractive. However, stains and growth of algae, mildew, and moss can be a sign that the excess moisture is seeping beneath your shingles. To see if there is additional damage besides what you can see on top of the shingles, clean the roof yourself or hire a professional to do so for you.
Loose or Missing Flashing
Flashing is those metal pieces that are placed on top of roof seams to ensure they are thoroughly sealed so that water doesn't leak through. Flashing is also used around skylights, vents, and chimneys. When the flashing becomes loose or is missing altogether, water becomes your enemy due to the damage it can cause. Make sure to reattach any flashing that has become loose, and replace any metal pieces that have gone missing from the roof.
Tar and Roof Cement Issues
Take a look around your vents and chimney. Do you see any tar or cement? If you have any a roofing contractor cut corners in the past, they may have used roof cement rather than metal pieces of flashing. This can be extremely unappealing to the eye. In addition, it can lead to cracks and leaks, which can result in serious damage to the roof itself as well as the interior of your home. When you notice these issues on your roof, make sure to contact a roofing contractor that you believe you can trust to have the issue repaired.
Missing Gutter Aprons
To help prevent the risk of water damage from occurring, water needs to be directed away from the home in a proper manner. Gutter aprons need to be installed so that water runoff does not drip at the edge of the roof. These aprons will help in directing water away from wood along the edge of the roof that would rot if it were to be exposed to moisture constantly. If your home is missing gutter aprons, they need to be installed sooner rather than later.
For more information, contact a roofing contractor in your area.