When a roof suffers significant water damage, it will need to be completely replaced. This is especially true for roofs made of asphalt shingles, which deteriorate over time and often require full replacement to prevent structural damage to the home. Partial re-roofing can save money, but it won’t extend the lifespan of the old section. This is because the new section won’t be able to protect the old sections from water damage.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are narrow channels attached to the edge of your roof that collect rainwater and direct it away from the house to a designated drainage area on your property. When clogged, water collects and settles against your roof, damaging it over time. In addition, it may seep into your home and cause water damage to your ceilings, walls and other structural components. To learn more you can contact Roofing Contractors South Jersey.
Clogged gutters are the result of an accumulation of leaves, twigs and other debris that finds its way onto your roof. These items clog the gutter system by blocking its openings and downspouts, particularly at the seams, elbows, and downspout cages. These clogs also occur at downspout hangers and spikes, which can become bent or out of place. If you suspect your gutters are clogged, tap on them with a screwdriver to determine if there is a clog. A dull thud means the downspout is clogged, while a hollow thud indicates there is no clog.
A clogged gutter traps rainwater and allows it to sit against your roof over an extended period of time, causing the shingles to develop dents. Over time, this can lead to shingle delamination and the need for a complete roof replacement.
Gutter clogs can lead to overflowing water that splashes over the sides of your gutter system and onto your wood fascia boards, which rots them over time. This creates a damp, rotting space that attracts insects and other pests, which pose a health risk to your family.
The weight of clogged gutters can strain your fasteners, causing the gutters to bend and sag. This can also cause them to pull away from the fascia board, which exposes your home’s foundation and the wood framing to moisture, causing damage.
Without gutters, rainwater would shower down over your roof during a storm, soaking your siding, porches, windows and other structures in the process. It would also pool around the foundation of your home, saturating the soil and entering through any cracks it can find. This oversaturation can also cause soil erosion and mud puddles in the basement.
Missing Shingles
Your roof is a shield between your home and weather elements. A well-placed shingle provides a layer of protection against moisture, heat, and UV rays. A missing shingle, however, allows these elements to seep into your structure and cause damage that you may not notice until it is too late.
When a shingle is missing, it exposes the roofing materials beneath it to all types of weather conditions. This can cause the material to deteriorate and wear away more quickly. Moisture and sunlight are also able to penetrate into the wood materials of your roof, which can lead to mold and other problems that will affect the integrity of your home.
It’s important to note that a missing shingle doesn’t always lead to roof leaks. The way shingles are installed and the design of your roof can prevent this from happening. Still, the presence of a gap in your roof’s surface is a warning sign that it is time for a replacement.
Missing shingles can allow water to seep into the roof and damage the underlying structures of your house. Over time, this can eat through the wood beams and support columns of your home, leading to serious structural damage that is costly to repair.
In addition to causing structural issues, leaks from missing shingles can also lead to interior water damage. This can include warping in floorboards, stains on ceilings, and mold growth in the attic or other spaces of your home.
Moisture from a missing shingle can also penetrate the roof and reach the underlying structures of your home, allowing bacteria or fungus to grow. These can also eat away at the wooden materials that make up your roof and eventually cause structural problems like foundation cracks or wall breakage.
Missing shingles should be addressed promptly by a professional roofing company. In some cases, this will not require a full roof replacement, but it is important to consult with a professional to be certain. A roof replacement is often a wise investment for the longevity and structural integrity of your home.
Hail Damage
Hail is the icy precipitation that forms in the cold upper regions of thunderstorm clouds. The size of hailstones can vary from pea-sized to softball-sized, but even smaller hail can cause damage to your roof. This is because the force of the hail can cause it to puncture the surface of your roof. The impact of the hail can also sever shingles and cause leaking.
A leaking roof can cause costly water damage to your home’s roof deck, support structure and interior walls and ceilings. This may leave you with stains on the ceilings and walls, as well as mold and wood rot. You can often fix these problems by repairing the leaky roof, but if you find yourself constantly having to do so, it may be time for a roof replacement.
The best way to determine whether your roof has been damaged by hail is to have a licensed roofing contractor inspect it. A professional will look at all aspects of your roof, from the overall condition of the shingles to the flashing around vents and chimneys. They will also check for any signs of hail damage, like dents and bruises to the asphalt shingles and granule loss.
You can identify dents and marks caused by hail on your shingle’s surface by looking for areas that are dark in color or feel like a “bruise.” You can also look for a loss of the asphalt’s protective granule layer, which is usually found along the edge of the shingle. This granule loss exposes the black substrate and makes the shingle more susceptible to ultraviolet damage and leaks.
Hail can also crack or shatter harder roofing materials like clay tile and concrete shingles. If you notice any cracking or breaking of shingles, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your roof and the supporting structures beneath.
If you do have to file an insurance claim for roof repairs or a full replacement, you should consult with a licensed roofing expert to review your homeowners policy and determine if the damages are covered. Keep in mind that most policies have a 1-year window from the time of the storm to submit a claim, so don’t delay.
Stains
Discoloration of the protective covering of roofing materials can result from a variety of conditions. Some, such as black streaks from algae, can damage the shingles. Others, such as rust and brown or red stains from metal components, may pose a serious leak threat. Stains can be detected by looking for areas of the roof with darker coloration that contrast against the surrounding shingles.
The type of stain can also help a roofer determine its cause. For example, dark stains around a chimney could be soot from a fire, while rust or brown stains could indicate the flashing, vents, and/or ridge caps are corroded and need to be replaced. The location of the stains can also be a clue. If the stains are concentrated in one area, it could mean that a roof is nearing the end of its life.
Algae growth can also cause dark streaks or splotches of green on the roof surface. These stains do not affect the structure of a roof, but they can impact a home’s curb appeal and lower its value. Fortunately, roofers can clean these stains with a low-pressure power wash and chemical solutions safe for use on roofing products.
Other stains, such as those caused by moss or mildew growth, require more extensive cleaning methods. These types of stains can be removed with bleach, a water-based solution that is safe for the environment, and a soft rinse using a garden hose (never a pressure washer). It is important to note that fungus and mold spores can pose a health risk, especially for people who suffer from respiratory issues.
Regular roof maintenance is the best way to prevent these unsightly stains. This includes sweeping off debris regularly, inspecting areas prone to moisture accumulation and trimming tree limbs that hang over the roof. Moreover, quality roofing materials are available that are resistant to fungus and mildew. In addition, proper attic ventilation can reduce moisture buildup, preventing the development of these damaging organisms. It is recommended to hire a professional for roof cleaning and repairs, particularly if the discoloration has spread across the entire roof.
Aimee Bishop 
Ariana Wall