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You are here: Additional Info » Roof Leaks and Moisture

Roof Leaks and Moisture

Roofing problems can develop at any time. Most asphalt / fiberglass shingles are made to last about 15 years, but you should begin to expect some problems when your roof reaches the age of 8 to 10 years. Roof leaks are often difficult to find and could be minor or significant enough to cause damage that may appear sometime later.

Signs of attic leaks or moisture:

  • structural sagging; wavy roof frame and sheathing
  • damaged, worn or missing shingles; moss growth
  • corroded flashing (around chimney, dormer, vents and in valley)
  • raised shingles along the bottom of roof
  • icicles hanging from gutter in the winter (evidence of potential ice dams)
  • stained/discolored or delaminating sheathing; damp or discolored insulation
  • rusted nails and rust stains on sheathing
  • water spots or black marks on the ceiling or at the junction between ceiling and wall
  • water marks around ceiling fixtures

Rain or wind
Some roof problems occur when wind forces the rain under the edges of the roof or shingles. Two factors contributing to this phenomenon are an improperly sloped roof and failure to adhere (using roofing cement) the asphalt/fiberglass shingle tabs in high wind areas.

Ice dam
is an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof. They form when there is a layer of snow on the roof, which melts due to heat loss from the house into the attic. The water refreezes at the eave because it extends past the warm interior of the house and the backup of water seeps underneath the roof covering.

Moss
Wood and built-up roofs are vulnerable to the deterioration by moss for its ability to retain moisture and its root system penetrating the roof surface.

Water vapor
Exfiltration of warm moist air to drier colder air results in condensation, mold and mildew and wood decay. It causes curling; cupping and shrinkage in asphalt/fiberglass shingles, corrosion of metal roofing and rotting of wood shakes and shingles.

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