Roofing disasters can strike when you least expect. Storms, fallen tree branches, and similar events can cause extensive damage to your roof and the underlying structures. However, it can be difficult to distinguish the need for a normal fix from true emergency roof repair. Here you will find some of the most common signs that may indicate the need for emergency roof repair and why you should hire expert roof repair contractors to remedy the problem as soon as possible.
1. Fallen Debris on the Roof
It can be hard to determine the extent of damage to a roof after a storm or accident. However, from the ground you may see that there is leftover debris on the roof. This debris may be fallen tree limbs, broken pieces of roofing materials, or shingles that have come loose. When you see debris on your roof, you must consider the possibilities. Not only could your roof have endured damage from the falling debris, the debris also poses a safety hazard. If it slides off the roof, it could damage your home or injure someone down below. Have roof repair contractors promptly determine the extent of the damage and remove the debris.
2. Accumulation of Snow and Ice
Those long winter months can be hard on your roof. Heavy snow can sit on the surface for days or even weeks. As it thaws, it can loosen shingles and seep into the underlying structure, causing problems such as wood rot, mold growth, and leaks. Ice dams are an even bigger problem, caused when a ridge of ice forms at the edge of the roof. Ice dams prevent melted snow from draining off of the roof, causing it to back up behind the dam. If there has been a lot of snow and ice, you will want to call in a roofing contractor.
3. Blockage Inside of Gutters
While a few twigs or leaves inside a gutter may not seem like a major problem, it can quickly turn into one. Wet leaves, twigs, snow, and other debris can clump up in your gutters causing a blockage that prevents them from doing their job. When water is not able to channel through the gutters and away from the home, an overspill occurs that causes water to pour out of the gutters and into your foundation resulting in significant water damage.
4. Damage from a Hail Storm
Hail is form of solid precipitation typically consisting of balls or irregular lumps of ice known as hail stones. While hail is typically pea-sized or marble-sized, larger thunderstorms can produce large chunks of hail that can grow up to 6 inches and weigh more than 1 pound. When hail directly impacts your roof, you can expect severe and immediate damage to occur. Whether in the form of perforations on the roof’s surface or dented vents that leave open gaps, hail stones can cause serious leaks that require the need for emergency roof repair.
5. Presence of Animal Activity
Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and similar critters often make roofs their home. While damage from animals is not always severe at first, it can quickly take a turn for the worst in a short period of time. Animals can chew holes through roofing materials and siding, eventually making their way into your home where they will usually build nests. These holes that are left behind in your home’s structure allows moisture to seep in which can cause even more damage. If you have seen signs of animal activity on your roof, call in roof repair contractors to determine if damage has occurred.
6. Appearance of Sagging Roof Deck
Roofs have different degrees of pitches. While some have slopes on all four sides, such as a hip roof, others are flat or take on a pyramid shape. However, no matter what degree of slope your roof possesses, it should always remain straight along its lines. If you notice what appears to be warping or sloping on your roof deck, the issue needs to be address as soon as possible. If you fail to fix a sagging roof the problem will only get worse eventually resulting in the collapse of your roofing structure.
7. Exterior Light Shining Through
Go up to your attic on a sunny day and inspect the roof. If you see any signs of light shining through the roof, then there is a definite problem. If you are able to see light shining through cracks or gaps in your roof, that means there is likely rain, wind, and moisture seeping in too. This may be evident by wet spots on the ceiling or walls or even mold growth or wood rot. To prevent the problem from getting worse, you will want to call in experienced roof repair contractors.
When to Call for Emergency Roof Repair
When you spot serious roofing problems such as leaks, gaps, or other types of damage, you do not want to wait to get them fixed. The longer you wait to take care of the underlying problem the more severe the damage will become which costs you more money in the long run. If you wait too long, you might find that a repair is no longer a viable option and a costly roof replacement is needed to properly remedy the problem.
If you suspect that your roof has suffered damage or has surpassed its life expectancy, you will want to call in the best roof repair company in Northern Virginia. An experienced contractor will thoroughly examine every inch of your roof to look for signs of damage or issues that could potentially cause damage in the near future. Even if you are not sure that your roof needs repair, it is best to undergo an inspection to make sure. Having a contractor inspect your roof on a routine basis can help keep your home in good condition. For more information about whether or not your home requires emergency roof repair, contact a roof repair contractor in your area.