ImproveIT! of Atlanta

One of the main purposes of your residential roofing system is to keep moisture out of your home. Unfortunately, no roof lasts forever and as your roof ages it may become more vulnerable to water damage. To learn more about moisture-related roof damage, read this article from ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC.  

How Can You Tell If Your Roof Has Moisture Damage?

There are many signs that your roof has sustained water damage, but some may not be visible at first. If you notice any of the following signs, your roof is likely suffering from moisture problems. 

• Leakage. Leaks and water spots on your walls or ceilings typically indicate that your roof is experiencing water damage. You may also want to check your attic for signs of damage such as mold, exposed seams or sagging areas in the roof.
  • Spongy decking. After heavy rainfall, you may notice that the wood decking of your roof is spongy or soft. This is usually caused by water damage. Moisture can lead to rotting over time, making your roof vulnerable to leaks in the future.
  • Damaged shingles. Rainwater and windstorms may have a negative impact on your asphalt shingle roof. As time goes by, water damage causes your shingles to curl up at the edges. If your shingles are missing or broken, your roof is left exposed to the elements.

What Are the Different Forms of Moisture Damage?

Ice and snow can cause moisture damage to your roof. When water turns to ice, it expands and creates a force that can crack your roofing materials. You may also experience ice dams that cause melted water to back up beneath roofing materials and cause leaks. In addition, heavy snow can add too much weight to your roof. Without proper maintenance, this can compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. 

Additionally, regular household activities like cooking and bathing create a lot of moisture that can wind up in indoor air. If this water vapor has no way to exit your interior, your comfort levels and indoor air quality can suffer. Moisture can also be absorbed by the roof deck, causing it to expand and buckle shingles as the spaces between the sheathing panels become smaller. 

How Can Moisture Roof Damage Affect You?

Leaks can increase the possibility of mold growth. Mold reproduces by releasing harmful spores into the indoor air and may cause health problems. If you or any members of your household are suffering from asthma, allergies or lung disease, you may be at a heightened risk for mold-related health problems.

Leaks can cause the air inside your home to become more humid because of moisture intrusion. This can make your home feel uncomfortably chilly and drafty in the winter. This can also lead to a significant rise in your utility bills as your air conditioner will be working overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. 

To protect your roof from moisture damage, it’s important that you conduct annual roof maintenance at least twice a year. During the roof inspection, your roofer will thoroughly examine your roof for any signs of damage. If they spot an issue, they will perform the necessary roof repair or replacement to prevent it from getting worse. 

Are you looking for a professional roofing company to assist you? Turn to our experts at ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC. Call us today at (770) 612-5635 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We also proudly serve homeowners in Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Roswell and other surrounding GA areas.