Rain is such a common occurrence that you might not think about whether it could be harmful. The reality is that rain can impact your roof and cause property damage, but you might not notice because you aren’t thinking to look for it. Here are three ways rain can damage your roof and warning signs to look for.
Small Leaks
Small leaks can add up to significant damage. Leaks develop when water penetrates the roofing system, finding its way under shingles or worn areas of flashing. Small leaks tend to go unnoticed until the damage compounds, causing damage to drywall, wood, or other structural elements.
If you notice wet spots on walls or ceilings, peeling wallpaper or paint, or a mildewy smell, there is a hidden leak somewhere. Matters will only get worse until you find and fix the problem so make it a priority.
Pooling
Whenever water pools it causes damage. Flat roofs are more likely to experience pooling, also known as ponding. However, any roof that has a dip can hold water. If you’re noticing that more than 1 inch of water pools for longer than 2 days after rains, you are at risk of water damage. By altering the slope of the roof to encourage drainage, you can prevent water damage and prolong the life of your roof.
Clogged Gutters
If you do not clean the gutters regularly, they will not be able to operate properly during rainstorms. Gutters are the first line of defense against water damage, because they carry water away from the roof line where it can drain in the lawn. Decomposing leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris must be removed before spring rains. Otherwise water will not be able to flow away from the roof during a heavy rainstorm. The longer water remains in contact with roof, the greater the chance for water damage. Water will eventually seep through the roofing system to cause rot, mold or mildew.
Have Your Roof Checked
Make a priority of inspecting your roof after the next rain. Heading into the rainy spring season, things will only get worse. To avoid major roof repair caused by water damage, it’s important to find and fix small issues now. Brandstetter’s KangaRoof offers roof inspection, roof repair, and roof replacement throughout the Cincinnati area. Contact us for a free estimate.
