What Are the Common Causes of Roof Problems in New Orleans?

Having your roof examined on a regular basis will allow you to catch and correct any issues before they become expensive problems. When a gutter is smashed or shingles are blasted off the roof during a storm, it’s easy to see that something is wrong with the roof. Sometimes a quick inspection won’t be enough to spot damage. Often, problems might need a Big Easy Roofing 24 hour roof guarantee.

Causes of Roof Problems

1. Roof Leaks

Most New Orleans homeowners have to deal with roof leaks more often than any other issue. There might be a number of causes for the leaks, including damaged shingles.

It is common to notice water damage around the chimney, the gutters, the flashing, and any pipes or vents.

In most cases, the leak is situated a few feet away from the hole, and the easiest way to follow it is by going into the attic. Take a flashlight up to the loft and look for signs of water damage, mildew, or discoloration.

2. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is used to seal cracks in roof and wall surfaces around things like skylights and chimneys. It may be composed of plastic or metal.

Flashing may also be utilized to protect ventilation pipes that run down the underside of your roof. The fixtures are at risk of being damaged by water and moisture if the flashing material fractures or comes free. If you find any broken flashing, you should definitely get a new one and start again.

3. Broken or Missing Shingles

When the adhesive that holds your shingles together wears down, your shingles are more likely to become loose, crack, and eventually fall off. Natural disasters, pests, and everyday use are all potential threats to the integrity of the sealant.

It’s normal for shingles to start breaking off a roof after a certain amount of time has passed. Changing out the shingle is all that’s needed to remedy this issue.

4. Granules Clogging Downspouts

There may be a few granules here and there, especially if the roof is still quite new and some of them fell as it was being installed. If your roof is older and you see granules in the downspout, it may be time to replace the shingles.

Granules prevent UV rays from penetrating a roof, making them a crucial component; without them, shingles quickly deteriorate and shatter. Clogging in the gutters is an early warning indication of falling particles.

5. Stagnant or Pooling Water

Water may accumulate and produce stagnant or pooled water if your gutters are blocked and the debris heaps on your roof capture it. Mold and mildew may grow rapidly in stagnant water, deteriorating the roof swiftly.

Standing water is a problem that may develop on a flat roof. The problem may be remedied by sculpting the surface into gently sloping sections that direct the water away from the region. In order to avoid costly repairs down the road, it is wise to have a professional New Orleans roofer do routine inspections.

6. Freezing Damages

A roof’s expected lifespan is shortened if it must endure constant ice and snow. There is a link between the start of cold weather and the development of roofing issues.

When ice melts, the water doesn’t drain quickly enough because of how slowly it melts. Sometimes this is misinterpreted as stagnant water that finds its way beneath the roof, causing leaks.

What’s worse is that when it’s chilly outside, any water that seeps in from below might quickly freeze.

How to Spot Roof Damage Before Leaks Appear?

1. Perform an Outdoor Inspection

Curled, cracked, or ripped shingles are some of the telltale signs of damage that may be seen during a visual assessment of your roof for missing or damaged shingles. If this sort of damage is isolated, roofing repairs may be able to remedy the issue. The roof may need to be replaced if the damage is substantial.

2. Perform an Indoor Inspection

Walls and ceilings that have moisture spots, brown, yellow, or gray stains, and/or flaking paint might have a leaky roof. Check the attic for signs of roof damage, such as wet rafters or leaks. And if your energy bills have recently risen dramatically, it may be because of a problem with your roof ventilation.

3. Get a Regular Roof Inspection

As the homeowner, you should be the first to recognize roof damage, but you should know your limits and have a professional roofer evaluate the roof if you suspect problems. If you do a simple examination, you may be able to prevent costly repairs to your roof from becoming necessary.

A roof inspection by a New Orleans professional is the safest and most effective way to ensure that your roof has not been damaged.

Hire the Best New Orleans Roofer for Quality Roofing Services

Maintaining your roof is preferable to fixing major issues after they have already developed, much like routine car maintenance. If you’re a homeowner, you should follow best practice and have a professional evaluate your roof at regular intervals. A qualified New Orleans professional has the experience necessary to notice the symptoms of roof damage early and perform the right maintenance to avoid costly repairs in the future.