When most people think about a water-damaged roof, visions of interior leaks, massive roof collapses and rotting shingles fill their mind—it’s enough to make any homeowner shrink back in horror when they hear that their residential roofing in Thousand Oaks is susceptible to water damage. The reality is generally far less catastrophic—water damage simply means that your roof could become compromised over time if it’s not fixed, leading to moisture in your attic, damaged shingles or small sections of discoloration on your roof.
How do you know if your roof is being compromised by precipitation and how do you measure the extent of the damage that has already occurred versus what could occur in the future? Take a look at how you can check for basic water intrusions yourself and how enlisting a professional roofer to inspect your home could yield peace of mind in the long run:
Check your downspouts and gutters: One of the most common causes for water damage on a roof is improperly maintained downspouts and gutters. These implementations serve to channel water away from your roof and the base of your home so that water isn’t able to pool in these areas, which causes water saturation and in turn, damage. Always ensure that your gutters are free of debris and that there are no blockages that could cause water to back up onto your roof.
Observe missing shingles: Shingles are the first line of defense that your roof has against oncoming precipitation—if there are patches where shingles are missing, it could mean that water is able to get below this first barrier and sink into the materials below. Have missing shingles replaced immediately and if there continues to be shingle loss, consult with a roofing professional as to the cause.
Check slope: Roofs are sloped to channel water downward, into the gutters where it can be carried away. If your roof’s slope fails to channel water at any time, it can lead to pooling, which commonly occurs around chimney areas and divergent slopes. If you want to test your roof’s slope, carefully climb onto your roof and let a marble roll down different slopes—if your marble never makes it to the gutter, it’s likely trapped somewhere where water could be pooling as well.
Pinpoint discoloration: One of the first signs that water is affecting your roof is the sudden appearance of discoloration. Whether due to the decomposition of materials or the presence of algae on your roof, you’ll easily be able to spot discoloration when it’s present, alerting you to the potential for an unseen issue.
If any of these issues are uncovered during your simple inspection of your residential roofing in Thousand Oaks, it’s in your best interests to call a professional inspector for a follow up check. Someone with roofing experience will have the knowledge required to dig deeper into your potential issue and recommend the right solution to keep your home safe and your roof in great condition to protect you from the elements.