Roof repair is an all-too-frequent part of home and business maintenance here in Florida. Powerful storms, intense sunlight, extreme temps and heavy rainfall are just some of the threats to Florida roofs. Small issues can turn into large and expensive ones if they aren’t spotted early enough. Therefore, it’s smart to become familiar with the types of residential and commercial roof damage that you might encounter. In our experience, here are the most common types of roof damage to residential and commercial roofs.
Leaks and moisture
Storm damage might be the top reason for roof replacement or repair, but small leaks from less apparent causes can be just as harmful if they aren’t addressed in a timely fashion. Leaks and moisture can infiltrate your home or office building without you even noticing it, and the resultant mold can destroy insulation and drywall in addition to posing risks to your health. One sneaky culprit for small leaks and moisture infiltration is roof moss; if you see moss growing on a roof, be sure to remove it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can hold on to moisture like a sponge, and that moisture will start to seep into the roof.
Hail damage
It’s impossible to know when hail will strike, but when it does, it can wreak havoc on your roof. Some hail damage might appear to be minor, but like most roofing problems, it will get worse and lead to a leaking roof if left unchecked. Hail can wear away the top protective layers on asphalt shingles, leaving them with smooth, dark areas that are vulnerable to developing mold and letting water through. More severe hail can puncture roofing materials and damage gutters. Heavy hailstones can crack the supporting wood structure beneath the outer layer of shingle, creating a need for major repairs. Needless to say, It’s best to inspect your roof after a hailstorm.
Flashing failure
Flashing is aluminum or galvanized steel that is placed over joints in a roof. Its function is to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. One way to check the condition of a roof’s flashing is to head into the attic on a sunny day. Look at the areas where the chimney or vents penetrate the roof. If you see pinhole-sized specks of light in those areas, it’s a good sign that the flashing is shot, and you probably have a leaking roof in those places. If the flashing is in bad shape, the odds are high that there is other roof damage, too.
Damage from pests
Raccoons, squirrels and roof rats are highly skilled at sneaking into attics after tearing off a few shingles and gnawing some holes. Many property owners are unaware that pests have set up house in their attics until the problem has gotten advanced. Make sure to check your attic at least a few times a year, looking for damaged insulation or animal droppings. You can help keep pests off your roof by trimming overhanging tree branches so that they don’t provide easy routes for invasive, property-damaging critters.
In general, roofs have life spans of about 20 to 25 years, but younger roofs can start to fail, too. Decades of exposure to the elements, like the strong Florida sun or a hurricane or two can lead to cracked, raised or missing shingles with worn-off granules that no longer protect your home or business. If you think you need a roof replacement or repair, give us a call at 407-830-8554. Mid-Florida Roofing can perform a 10-point roof inspection and recommend the best course of action for your home or business.
