The National Weather Service for Tampa Bay, Florida has reported that August 2018 was the 9th warmest and 7th wettest August since 1890 when they first started collecting the weather data.
Anyone living in Tampa Bay knows that we have been getting a lot of rain and the intensity of the rain has been strong. That kind of weather can be tough on a roof and damage the roof and your home. That is why it is so crucial to check out your roof on a regular basis for leaks and other problems.
To eliminate any issues from developing, either you check these items or call a roofing expert to do an inspection:
1. Broken Shingles
High winds and heavy rains can do a number on your shingles. This one is easy to spot. You can identify missing shingles by seeing different-colored patches on your roof. Also, look around your yard for shingles.
2. Cracked Flashing
Weather can corrode the tar that seals the flashing together. Flashing creates a water-resistant barrier, which can be concealed or exposed. Flashing are thin pieces of metal that are installed under shingles and on the joints of your roof. Broken flashing will feature large cracks.
3. Cracked Vent Booting
Roof vents are those things that look like small pipes sticking out of the top of your roof. Leaks leave dark spots and mustiness. Flashing are used to seal roof vents around the opening and slipping a tight, rubber boot over the area where the pipe peeks out of the roof. Flashing over time can break or the roof can decay.
4. Skylights Installed Improperly
Two main causes of this leak. Decayed insulation along the skylights edges or improperly measuring and fitting the skylights upon installation. These are easy to spot. Leaks and wet spots are the signs but near the top of the skylight could indicate a flashing issue.
5. Clogged Gutters
Gutters help water travel away from the roof. If there is a blockage they get clogged and the travel stops. Rainwater will then pool in one area of the roof and can create the leak. Leaves sticking out of a gutter are a good sign showing the blockage. They need to be cleaned out.
6. Cracked Chimney
Look for signs of wear and tear along the mud cap, or mortared area around the top of the chimney. Look for holes in the mortared joints where the chimney connects with the roof. Mortar erodes easily in harsh weather conditions.
7. Improperly Sealed Valleys
The Roof valley is an area where two planes of roof come together which are usually sloped. Rainwater can get inside as it runs down the roof if the valleys are not sealed together properly. Search for wet spots that run along the seams of your roof to detect a problem.
8. Attic Condensation
Condensation in your attic will form and moisture will follow especially during extreme hot summers and cold winters. A sign of a leak is mold growth or mildew which will give off a strong, musty odor from the attic.
No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.