Asking professional roofers to inspect your roof at least once a year is an ideal way to ensure its longevity. They can spot potential problems and nip them in the bud before they become too extensive and expensive to repair, or before they lead to premature replacement.
Roof contractors also encourage a simple preliminary inspection of your roof, especially after a weather event like strong rains or heavy snow. One of the best ways to do that is by getting in your attic during the day and looking for shafts of light coming in through the roof.
During your investigation, if you spot any light coming in through the roof (a sign of a puncture which leads to leaks), it’s best to call your roofers for proper repair especially if you’re not handy with tools or if you’re uncomfortable with heights.
If you spot any portion of the wood that’s too dry and almost crumbling, you definitely have to call a roofer.
What Is Roof Rot?
Roof rot or dry rot is present when parts of your roofing system are infested with a wood-eating fungus. This is what causes the wood to dry and become crumbly. That wood is effectively “rotting”. Roof rot is not something you ignore; it can affect up to ten feet of wood in a year. Given enough time, the rot will cause the sheathing and roof deck to break. It’s not just ugly to look at; it’s also dangerous. Roofs have been known to collapse due to rot.
In most cases, rot is expensive to repair and roofers are likely to recommend a complete replacement of your roofing system.
Signs of Roof Rot
Water is the culprit behind roof rot. Ponding on a flat roof, clogged gutters that fail to drain water, and damaged roofing membranes that allow water penetration often cause rot.
To spot roof rot, look for sagging parts on your roof, water stains on your ceiling and streaks on interior walls, discolored fascia, and cracked seals around roof penetrations such as your chimney.
How to Prevent Roof Rot
- Keep temperature levels in your attic in check. This means improving the attic ventilation until humidity levels are at 40-60% and not higher.
- Have your roof inspected by a professional once a year.
- Do not neglect your roof. Remove debris as soon as possible.
- Have a professional repair any damage immediately before it leads to water damage.
Roofing By Curry can help identify roof rot. We can also work with you in coming up with a roof maintenance plan to prevent issues such as roof rot. Call us now at (941) 921-9111. We work with home and business owners in Sarasota, FL, and in surrounding areas.
