Are you worried that your roof is rotting? We’re here to help.
A rotting roof can be stressful and worrisome, but thankfully, the process of repairing it doesn’t need to be. We’ve created this guide to walk you through the steps you should take if you see signs of a rotting roof on your home.
Read on to learn the signs of a rotting roof and what to do if your roof is rotting. Then contact our team at Gotcha Covered Contracting for expert roofing services in Pittsburgh and beyond!
Dangers of a Rotting Roof
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your roof is rotting, you’ll want to investigate the matter further. Rotting roofs do not provide the structural integrity and durability your home needs. As a result, living with a rotting roof could put your family in danger.
A rotting roof could cause the following problems:
- A major roof leak
- Room for pests and rodents to enter
- A roof cave-in
- Higher heating and cooling costs
- A fire hazard
Repairing your roof quickly is essential to preventing these hazards and reducing your overall repair costs.
Signs of a Rotting Roof
Rotting roofs are sometimes obvious, especially if they have begun caving in or have visible signs of mold and deterioration. However, if your roof has just started rotting, its damage may not be as noticeable.
Here are a few signs that could indicate your roof is rotting:
Deteriorating Shingles
Damaged and deteriorating shingles typically indicate some sort of problem with your roof. For example, perhaps a strong storm knocked some of the shingles loose from the underlayment. Or maybe the previous roofers did not install the shingles correctly.
However, deteriorating shingles often indicate a rotting roof as well. When you hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof, they can determine the exact cause of any deteriorating shingles and recommend the best solution.
Moss and Mold Growth
Mold is one of the primary causes of roof deterioration. When your roof shingles begin to mold or grow moss, they may separate from the roof, creating a gap where moisture can seep into the attic. This moisture accumulation can cause further mold growth and lead to rot.
If you notice any mold, moss, algae, or soft spots on your roof, be sure to contact a roofing company.
Damaged Flashing
Your roof’s flashing is the thin, metal material that directs water and moisture away from the roof’s vulnerable areas, such as its seams and joints. Damaged flashing could indicate that your roof has begun to rot.
Debris in Gutters
One of the most common symptoms of a rotting roof is loss of granules.
Granules are the small particles glued to asphalt shingles to protect your roof against weather elements and debris. When the roof begins to rot, these particles can detach from the shingles and end up in the gutters.
We recommend keeping an eye out for granules and other roof debris while cleaning your gutters, as these could indicate a problem with your roof.
Ice Dams in the Winter
If you notice a ridge of ice or an ice dam forming along your roof’s edge in the winter, this could signify a deteriorating roof. Ice dams typically form when your attic insulation and ventilation are compromised, which could result from an insufficient roofing system.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Roof is Rotting
If you think your roof may be rotting, don’t panic. Our team would be happy to walk you through the roof repair or replacement process and take the stress off your shoulders.
Here are the steps you can follow if you suspect your roof is rotting:
1. Schedule a Roof Inspection
We recommend scheduling a roof inspection as soon as you notice any problems with your roof. You should never try to go up to your roof yourself, as you could put your safety at risk. Instead, leave the examination to the professionals.
During your roof inspection, we will examine your roof from the ground and the rooftop and look for cracked shingles, missing granules, and other flaws that could indicate a problem. We may also examine your attic and ceilings for signs of leaking.
2. Consider a Repair vs. a Replacement
Once we finish inspecting your roof, we’ll explain any problems we found and present a few solutions. We can help you determine whether repairing spots of deterioration or replacing the entire roof is the best route.
3. Schedule a Service Appointment
Next, we’ll find a time that works for your schedule to repair or replace your roof. We can typically complete roof repairs within a day or two, while entire roof replacements may take several days. Our contractors use the best methods in the industry to ensure reliable, durable, and professional repair and replacement jobs.
4. Leave the Problem to Us
Finally, you can leave your roof in our hands and feel confident that we will solve your rotting roof problem the right way.
At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we offer roof repairs and replacements in the following areas: Pittsburgh, Allison Park, Cranberry Township, Wexford and all surrounding cities.
Contact us today at 724-581-8147 to schedule your roof inspection.
