Vancouver Roofing Repair
A good roof will protect your home or business for two or three decades but will eventually need replacing. In the meantime, a lot of things can happen to your roof that can significantly reduce its lifespan. However, regular servicing, repair, and maintenance can ensure your roof lasts for the length of its useful life and gives you very little trouble in between.
Most homeowners don’t pay much attention to the roof until problems that are too big to ignore start developing. Use these tips to keep an eye on your roof’s condition, and you will always know when it’s time to call your local Vancouver, BC, roofing repair company.
Is there Moisture in Your Attic?
Moisture in your attic is not something you want to ignore for too long, as it can lead to all sorts of roofing related issues.
Wet insulation is a potential mold problem. It will also make your attic more hospitable to pests like rats and mice. Structural problems will develop when the timber rafters and joists in the attic start to rot.
If the insulation, flooring, or ductwork seem damp, it could be from a variety of sources. An attic needs good ventilation and insulation. These work in tandem to reduce condensation by ensuring the temperature inside the attic is close to the outside temperature. This helps to prevent condensation and allows any moisture to evaporate away before it can do any damage.
A licensed roofing repair company can help you address these issues and provide professional advice about how to deal with moisture. If your roof isn’t that old, a professional repair could be all it needs. Older homes may need to have a brand new roof installed.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles that are cracking, buckled, or otherwise damaged are a good sign your roof is in need of repairs. Damaged shingles may not always be visible from the ground, so check your gutters for debris. This is where the granules from damaged shingles will end up. While damaged shingles are a sign you might need a new roofing system, it’s not always the case.
Damage can occur as an isolated incident to single or small groups of shingles, such as from a weak shingle, or from storm or hail damage. Regardless, damaged shingles are an urgent repair that should be fixed by professional roofing services near you as soon as possible.
Even a single broken shingle can allow moisture into your attic, creating the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and wood rot to occur. Don’t delay, because you can save a lot of money when you are proactive with roof maintenance.
Your Roof Has Interior Damage
Interior damage in the roofing material can show up as dark stains or spots on the interior walls and ceiling. If you can’t see any visible damage to your shingles, there could be a failure in another part of your roofing system, such as blocked gutters, loose or missing flashing, or some other problem you can’t easily see from the ground.
Flashing is a flat, thin piece of metal used to improve the waterproofing around your home. For example, chimney flashing waterproofs the seams where chimneys and vent pipes connect with the roof. Valley flashing is used on sloped roofs where the valleys meet. A significant amount of water will flow down a valley during rain and create a serious leak if it’s compromised.
Dark spots on the ceiling indicate moisture has penetrated the roof, sheathing, and decking and is pooling in the attic. It’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed by an experienced roofing repair service.
Discolored or Peeling Paint
Moisture building up near the roofline causes discolorations and possibly peeling or bubbling in the paint along the roofline.
Sagging Rafters
A sagging roof can be a sign that insufficient internal framing material was used during construction or that the rafters are undersized for the size of the roof. Loose rafters or not enough struts are also potential causes of a sagging roof.
If poor construction is the reason for the sagging, it may look okay when new, but years of snow, ice, and wind will significantly reduce the useful life of your roof.
Qualified roofing contractors are essential for evaluating sags in the roof. Repairs could be as simple as jacking up loose rafters, adding more struts, or replacing sheathing and singles.
Excessive Energy Bills
If you are used to paying a certain amount every month on your energy bills but notice a sudden spike, it could be a sign your roof has developed cracks or leaks. Warmed or cooled air leaking outside forces your HVAC system to work harder at maintaining a constant internal temperature, which is reflected in your energy bills.
Sunlight in the Attic
Whenever you are working in your attic and notice rays of sunlight coming through, it means there are holes in your roof. These should be sealed immediately to stop moisture from getting in and causing even more damage.
Pests are Living in Your Attic
When pests take up residence in your attic, it could be a sign that you have a problem with your roofing system. Damaged roofing can allow easy access for critters, and a leaky roof is a great source of moisture for pests that need it to survive.
Wild animals, insects, and rodents need to be dealt with quickly because they can cause all sorts of damage to wiring, insulation, and ductwork. After eradicating the pests you should get your roof checked by a roofing professional to repair the issue that attracted the pests in the first place.
When the roof is doing its job it’s easy to ignore problems until it’s too late. Regularly checking your roof for signs of wear and tear or damage is an excellent way to save money on expensive repair bills and extend the life of your roof. We are professional roofing contractors in Vancouver, BC, experienced in residential and commercial roofing. Don’t hesitate to call for professional advice and competitive pricing for all your roofing needs.
