Your roof is a critical structure. It protects your home from the elements and keeps you safe inside. Not only that, but a good roof also adds value to your home. But if you’re not careful, a small problem can grow quickly, leaving you wondering where you went wrong.
Instead of running that risk, take a little time to learn the most common roof trouble spots, how to find them, and what to do about them. Let’s take a look together at the most sensitive and vulnerable areas of your roofing system.
Fascia
The fascia is a board that runs along the bottom edge of your roof. It’s long and straight and should be mounted where the outside walls meet the roof. It makes your roof look complete and allows a place for you to attach the gutter. The fascia boards also protect your roof deck and attic from water, covering open rafters, giving your home curb appeal, and keeping pests like birds and squirrels out.
Unfortunately, moisture can accumulate and cause your fascia boards to rot. If you find that’s the case, take steps to repair it immediately.
Flashing
Flashing, made from galvanized steel or aluminum, is installed at intersections, or joints, in your roof. That means it secures your chimney, skylights, dormers, and anywhere else there’s a seam.
Flashing deflects water away from your home, prevents wind damage, and makes your roof look complete. However, these metal parts can oxidize, or rust, causing serious problems if you don’t fix it right away. Weather damage and rust can cause your flashing to come loose or corrode, which leaves it vulnerable to leaks.
Gutters
Gutters direct excess water away from your home. Gutter systems include the sections that run along the roof, downspouts, and drop outlets. They collect rainwater and move it away from the roof and prevent erosion and other water damage to your home.
You need to keep your gutters functioning properly to protect your home. Thankfully, they are typically easier to fix than a lot of other problems. Make sure you keep them clean to avoid a buildup of debris and clogging, which could cause holes in your gutters, sagging, and ultimately, water damage to your home.
Shingles
Your shingles, which come in various materials, provide the protective barrier that covers your roof. Because they’re what’s immediately visible, they also contribute to the aesthetics of your home.
They protect your roof from damage by creating a weather-resistant seal, and they add life to your roofing system. Discoloration and leaks are common and easy to fix if you do it right away. However, if you don’t attend to them, the leaks could grow quickly and cause even more damage to other parts of your home.
Soffit
The soffit covers what’s exposed below your fascia, contributing to the finished look and curb appeal of your home. They help with air circulation and ventilation in the attic, prevent wood rot in the rafters, and direct extra moisture and heat away from the house.
If you experience roof rot, it probably started at your soffit. Fortunately, the soffit is easy to spot, so you’re more likely to catch this problem early. A quick fix can prevent damage to the rest of your roof.
Spotting roof damage isn’t always easy, which is why it’s so critical to keep it clean and perform necessary maintenance. These are the most common problems to look for. If not repaired, they could lead to even more damage.
