How To Spot Roof Problems

Check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones.

How to spot roof problems.

If the roof shows signs of general wear making repairs will solve the problem only temporarily. There s really no fix other than replacing the damaged vents. Also look for pulled or missing nails at the base s bottom edge. You might be tempted to throw caulk at the problem but that solution won t last long.

A visual inspection of your roof can help you spot missing and damaged shingles damaged shingles might be curled cracked or torn. Common places where it has to be applied are chimneys skylights vent pipes etc. Other leaks will soon appear. If flashing is incorrectly attached there is a significant chance of leaking and other problems appearing.

Start planning a reroof. If the roof is basically sound with only one or two weak spots the damage may have come from a falling branch or a particularly severe windstorm. Replace them with rubber washered screws. Identifying roof damage.

If this type of damage is localized i e it covers less than 30 percent of the entire roof roofing repairs might be able to address the problem. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. Also look for pulled or missing nails at the base s bottom edge. Perform an outdoor inspection.

There s really no fix other than replacing the damaged vents. Flashing is a crucial part of your roofing system because it seals the penetrations on your roof. If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. What to look for.

Check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. Flashing refers to thin pieces of material typically metal installed at the joints of your roof under vents and under shingles to prevent water from entering at the seams and causing damage. In this case make permanent repairs. Once you locate the source of the water mark the area.

You want to look for missing pieces or breaks in the flashing and for cracks in the exposed flashing.