Living in South Florida, we are well aware that the summer months bring strong storms with them. Yes, it is hurricane season – but even in the absence of a named storm hitting our area, we can expect heavy rainfall during this time of year. In fact, data shows that those of us in Venice can expect to see monthly rainfall between 7 and 8 inches from June through September – which is 3x the amount of rain we see at other times of the year.
Not only that, but that rainfall tends to accumulate not due to long, steady days of rain – but instead, as a result of daily deluges of heavy rain in a short period of time. Such severe weather can quickly turn a small roofing problem into a major leak. This is why it is so important to address any necessary roof repair before the rains begin this season.
Signs You Need Roof Repair
Obviously, the first thing that needs to be established is if you have any current roof leaks, no matter how small. There are several ways to determine if your roof has already sustained water intrusion. First, check in your attic for any signs of damaged wood framing, compacted insulation, or darker areas which may indicate mold growth. If it begins to rain, you can check the attic during the storm to look for any water leaking and trace it back to the source.
Another way to spot a roof leak is to inspect all of your interior walls and ceilings. Minor water intrusion will look like a discoloration or stain, while a more serious leak may cause a bulge, often with condensation or moisture forming.
Even if you do not have a current roof leak, you will want to inspect the roofing materials for any signs of damage or deterioration.
- Asphalt shingles may curl up at the edges, or may be missing altogether. You will want to check to see if they are losing significant amounts of granules, which indicates that they are losing structural integrity. Hint: You can often determine if shingles are deteriorating by observing excessive amounts of granules in your gutters. Asphalt shingles also often suffer loosened sealant which may need to be reapplied.
- Tile/clay roofs are susceptible to broken or cracked tiles. Although there is protective underlayment under these tiles, the roof is designed to protect the home utilizing two lines of defense. Therefore broken tiles, which will allow water to seep through the cracks, should be immediately replaced.
- Flat roofs which are experiencing ponding should likely be inspected as well. A “flat” roof is designed with a slight slope which allows the rainwater to drain off the roof. If water is ponding, you could have some structural damage under the roof, compacted or missing insulation, or even a clogged drain or gutter system. Standing water always poses a risk of leaks, so these symptoms should be inspected by a roofing professional as soon as possible.
Check Your Gutters!
Gutters which are functioning correctly are critically important to the health of your roof. They are responsible for carrying the heavy amounts of rainfall away from your roof, home, and foundation. If gutters are sagging or clogged, the excessive water will find alternate routes to follow, and could damage the structure of your home. You can generally visually inspect gutters from the ground for any sagging or needed repair; cleaning out any debris is easily accomplished with a ladder.
The time for roof repair is in the winter and spring, before the rains appear. Once they do, it is much more difficult to repair damage, and the ongoing rain can make the problem even worse. Make sure that your roof and gutters are storm ready – call [company_name] for a roof inspection today.
