But what kinds of roofing damage can you expect on your property? What are the most common types of roofing problems for Alabama residents? And how can you tell if your roof is suffering from those issues? We asked our veteran roofing contractors to break down the basics of the most common and troubling roof problems.

The Top Signs Of Roof Damage According To Our Roofers In Daphne, AL

Over time, your property will see plenty of inclement weather and experience some wear-n-tear. It’s up to you, as a homeowner, to maintain and improve the condition of your home. That means you'll need to get into the habit of inspecting your home on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your roof at least twice a year.

As you review your roof, remember to keep your eyes out the following signs of roof damage.

1. Wind Damage

Every Alabama resident knows just how intense the weather patterns of the state can be. Between the frequent tornadoes and the devastating hurricanes, Alabama residents can see plenty of dangerously high winds throughout the year.

In the 2020 hurricane season, there were 13 separate hurricanes and two of which hit Alabama hard in quick succession: Sally and Zeta (al.com). Those tropical storms inflicted serious damage throughout the state due to high winds flash floods. For reference, Hurricane Sally made landfall in September with sustained winds of up to 105 mph and it brought 20-30 inches of rain to the state. You don’t have to be a roofing contractor to estimate the severity of the damage those storms can cause to your roof.

Those high winds can blow shingles right off your roof and cause tree limbs to snap and fall, which can inflict serious damage to your roof structure. That wind and storm damage can create small openings in your roof, which may then lead to more significant property damage if left untreated.

2. Mold And Mossy Growths

It should come as no surprise that Alabama can receive a TON of rain throughout the year, due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and other international weather patterns. As the Encyclopedia of Alabama notes, cities in the southern part of the state can see upwards of 65 inches of precipitation in a year! Heavy reainfall like that can lead to major roofing problems.

Excessive moisture due to precipitation and humidity combined with little-to-no roof maintenance can spur the development of algae and mossy growths on your roof’s shingles and other areas of your property. If they are not removed quickly, these growths can spread easily and present a significant danger to your roof’s integrity and the rest of your home too.

Algae growths and mossy patches can become entrenched in your shingles and inflict rot damage on the wood underneath your shingles. Given enough time, that rot damage can make your roof unstable and may contribute to further structural damage. To make matters worse, algae and moss growths can foster the perfect habitat for unwanted critters and insects. Once those little creatures move in, they may inflict further damage to your roofing system and you may even need to call pest control to get rid of them.

When the integrity of your roof becomes compromised by moisture-related issues, mold and mildew growths will find a way to sneak into your home. For instance, you may find water stains on your ceilings and mold growths on your walls following a storm due to leaks in your roof. That said, if you come across any such mold growths on your roof, it’s in your best interest to address them quickly and effectively.

3. Ventilation Problems

Far too many homes suffer from poor attic ventilation, and many homeowners don’t even realize it! That’s because the roof may appear to be structurally sound on the surface and those homeowners rarely visit their attic space. Proper attic ventilation is vitally important for the regulation of the temperature inside your home and the temperature of your roof’s surface. We should also note that an improper attic ventilation system may contribute to moisture-related issues too.

Poor attic ventilation can not only lead to higher energy bills, but this problem can also lead to a number of additional property issues. These may include problems such as:

• A shorter lifespan for your roof
• Rust inside of your home and on your roof
• A build-up of hazardous ice dams in the winter
• Potential respiratory problems for residents due to moisture growths
• And much more

Why might your roof ventilation issues exist? For a variety of reasons! Most commonly, ventilation problems arise because of improperly installed ridge vents or roof turbines. The insulation and your soffit boards may also be contributors to the dysfunctional attic ventilation.

As a homeowner, you can check on your attic ventilation just by paying a visit to the top level of your home! Try to get a sense of the temperature in your attic and whether or not moisture is present in the air. Abnormal temperatures and moisture hanging in the air are key signs that your attic ventilation system is having some problems.

4. Hidden Structural Concerns

From a bird’s eye view above your home, your roof may appear to be in excellent shape. Unfortunately, appearances are often deceiving. Underneath that top layer of shingles, your roof may harbor a number of hidden structural concerns. These may include serious problems, such as:

• Deteriorated sheathing - Given enough time, poor ventilation and excessive moisture can decay and damage the foundational layer of plywood that holds up your roof.
• Decaying support beams - Your roof has at least one truss propping up your roof’s structure. If excessive moisture has been present for long enough, your truss beam(s) could be slowly rotting.
• Damaged soffit and fascia boards - Both of these boards play integral roles in your roofing structure. When these roofing elements become damaged, your roof’s perimeter is then compromised.

Hidden structural issues may worsen over time without showing obvious signs. Eventually, those underlying problems can lead to significant property damage. It’s not easy spotting these structural issues, but you might spot warning signs if you get into the habit of regularly inspecting your property. During those routine inspections, look out for leaks, missing patches of shingles, sagging areas of your roof, broken or dysfunctional gutter systems, and other interior signs of damage.

Fix Your Roof Damage With The Top Roofers In Daphne, AL

When your roof becomes damaged, you need to get it repaired and restored quickly before the damage can worsen and spread. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

At Ethos Roofing & Restoration, we have been repairing, restoring, and replacing roofs since 2006. We aim to deliver high-quality craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service with every single roofing project that we take on. We only rely on industry-leading roofing materials, so that your property will be exceptionally protected for many years to come.

Contact Ethos today to schedule your FREE roofing inspection with the top roofers in Daphne, AL.