Three Warning Signs Of Roof Damage That Needs Urgent Repair

Posted on: 2 December 2021

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Even serious damage to your roof isn't always clearly visible. Water damage, pest damage, and even weakening support structures can remain hidden unless you know what you're looking for. If you suspect your roof might be in trouble, here's what to look for before calling for urgent repairs.

Musty Odors and Mold Growth

In the long term, water can cause serious damage to your roof by causing wet wood rot, which weakens the supports holding up your whole roof. Leaks in your roof, even if not serious or large, can still lead to serious problems. If you suspect you might have a leak, you can investigate by looking for signs of damp wood in or near your attic.

There are a few ways you can do this. First, look for obvious signs of water by looking for soggy insulation or dripping water. Second, use a moisture meter to help you find sources of moisture behind walls or in areas you don't have easy access to. Third, note any areas where there seem to be musty or foul odors. Finally, look for signs of mold growth. Mold can grow easily in damp environments, so if you have consistent mold growth in your house you can't otherwise explain, take a closer look at your attic.

Traces of Termites

Termites can cause more direct damage to your roof by boring through wood and causing it to weaken that way. Despite the damage they cause, termites are good at staying hidden, but you can find them if you know what you're looking for.

If you notice any small piles of what looks like sawdust or dirt, this could actually be waste left behind by termites. You may also notice what look like little tubes made of mud on the outside of your house. You can also tap wood you suspect termites have been in, and wood that has been eaten away at will sound hollow.

Not only should you contact an exterminator to rid your house of these pests, but depending on the level of damage they inflicted, you may also need to have your roof repaired quickly to prevent further damage or even collapse.

Signs of Weakening Roof Support

Even when a roof is at serious risk of collapse, it might not look like it. A roof shifting or sagging can still be unnoticeable if it happens slowly or subtly enough. You'll usually notice this through things that aren't your roof, such as doors that no longer close properly or don't seem to fit right in their frames, cracks in the walls, or bent pipes.

If you notice any of these signs, take a closer look at your roof from the outside. This may make sagging or leaning more noticeable. A roof showing these signs must be taken care of immediately to prevent collapse.

For more information, reach out to a company such as Orlando Roofing Co.