How to detect hidden roof damage

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 11:08:06 -0700

Detecting hidden roof damage is pretty easy, but many people don't know how to do it. Here are some tips to learn when and how to look for these damages.

Which are the problems and dangers of hidden roof damage?

The main dangers of hidden roof damage are the structural integrity and possible structural weaknesses.

In addition, the hidden damage to our roof may become increasingly large, and when we notice it is too late for a simple repair, and we may have to replace the roof and make other repairs to our house.

If you’re about to make the decision to buy a home, take a look at the roof. The same is true if you want to sell your house: a roof with hidden damage could involve legal problems due to latent defects.

When to expect roof damage?

Roof damage can occur in several ways. Here are the most common ways it happens:

1- Old roof

If the roof is reaching the end of its life, it is normal for it to have some damage.

2- After hail or wind storm

After storms, there are a lot of types of damage that can be seen with the naked eye, but there are others that can’t. In fact, damage caused by hail or rain usually go unnoticed, and they begin to be observed over time, when it may be too late.

There may be water leaking through the roof and the walls of our house begin to absorb it. This can damage the structure of the house, so it is important to detect it in time. Hail may also produce small cracks in our tiles, which may not be easily visible.

3- During the installation of a new roof

Have you ever wondered what happens if it rains during the installation of your roof? It is important that the roofing company check the weather forecast to avoid this. But in the event of an unexpected storm, they will need to cover the entire roof quickly to avoid any water damage.

In addition, a roof with low installation quality could bring you problems, even in the short term. It is therefore essential that strict standards are followed throughout the installation process.

How to detect hidden roof damage?

Inspecting your roof and house

Look at the outside of the building and notice any areas that appear faded or have become discolored. This can be caused by water leakage or hail damage.
Inspect the structure's structural members such as beams and trusses for signs of rot and decay.
Check for cracks in the shingles and flashing around windows to see if they have lifted up from moisture buildup within your home.
Try checking the attic for moisture or leaks.

Use all your senses

Use all your senses to detect damage, as observation is not always enough.

Walk around the roof looking for sensations of bounciness or a soft roof, smell the attic areas of your home looking for moisture, touch the walls of your home, and see if there is mold.

Look at the particular areas of your roof

If you have a fireplace, check for leaks from flashing. If you have solar panels or another element that is fixed to your roof by nails or another penetrating element, pay special attention to this, as these areas may be prone to roof damage.

Things you can check

Visible damage, such as a sunken roof, missing shingles, visible leaks, etc., are easy to detect. Since hidden damage is more difficult to notice, you should look for problem triggers, that is, problems that can generate other problems. Here are some things you can check at home to avoid future problems:

Clogged gutters

If there are obstructions in the gutters, water will accumulate and may generate moisture, growths of mold or algae, and also leaks. To avoid damage to the roof it is important to clean them periodically.

Broken shingles

As you know, shingles are the element of the roof that protects us from all the effects of nature, such as the sun, rain, hail, snow and winds.

Over time or after storms, and depending on the type and quality of shingles you have on your home, they can crack, fray or curl. These weaknesses can be the start of more serious damage, so it is important to detect it in time, and if necessary make a repair.

Lights in the Attic

If you inspect your attic and detect that light passes through the roof, this indicates that rain water will also pass and will generate serious problems.

What can I do if roof damage is found?

You should call an expert professional if:

You find hidden damage.
You’re not sure, but you think there might be damage.
You’ve had your gutters clogged for a long time. You can clean them yourself or call a professional to clean them and take a look at the ceiling for damage.

Kind regards from the Moriarty Roofing Family.

Moriarty's Roofing - Blog #hidden roof damage