When it comes to our homes, we all know some issues don’t need to be resolved right away. For example, if one of the light bulbs in your chandelier is out, you probably don’t need to drop everything you’re doing to replace it. However, when it comes to areas of your home like your roof or attic, some issues can be a high priority. When it comes to roof and attic emergencies, there are a few common signs. Certain emergencies require immediate attention. Read on to learn what they are and why they’re important to resolve in a timely manner.
Look for These Signs
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the signs of a roof or attic emergency. However, the following are certainly the major ones.
- Water leaks
- Missing shingles
- Rotting wood
- Animal intrusions
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most significant signs of roof or attic emergencies. In North Florida, we are prone to torrential downpours. There are times when we can receive as much as a few inches of rain in only an hour.
For this reason, any small puncture or tear in your roof can allow a significant amount of water to enter your home, damaging trusses and insulation in your attic, and the drywall and flooring in your home’s interior. Water not only damages materials but also causes mold growth.
Mold growth presents many challenges through secondary damages and its threat to human health — dealing quickly with a leaky roof is paramount in preventing these. You may notice mold growing in your attic following a roof leak before you’ll see it spread to the rest of your home. Anywhere you notice rotten/wet wood or insulation in your attic is a sign that you have a serious roof emergency. Be sure to call a roofing professional immediately. We’ll discuss rotting wood more in a moment.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are another sign of a roof emergency. Obviously, the purpose of shingles is to protect our homes from the elements. Due to events like thunderstorms which cause high winds, shingles can sometimes be ripped off the decking.
Older roofs are more prone to losing shingles during high wind events. When a shingle is missing, you may not notice the negative effects right away, but you will likely see your roof begin to leak because of our climate.
You must address this issue quickly and get your roof repaired. It’s not something you can put off for weeks or months. Leaving a missing shingle unchecked will undoubtedly lead to more damage. Again, the damage will start in the attic and then spread to other parts of your home.
Many attics are home to wiring, HVAC ductwork, insulation, and the structural support of the entire roof system. If this part of the home is compromised, it can not only lead to interior damage but can also threaten the structural integrity and strength of the entire home. Left unchecked, damaged roofs and attic systems can collapse.
Rotting Wood
Rotting wood is something that happens slowly. Common areas of rot on a roof system include the decking and the fascia board. Decking is the wood underneath the shingles and serves as the barrier between your shingles and the attic or trusses.
Another sign of roofing emergencies related to rotting wood is when the decking develops soft spots, or the fascia board begins to splinter and fall away. The roof’s structural integrity is compromised at this point, and these materials must be replaced. If homeowners wait too long, they’re likely to see leaks, roof collapses, or animal intrusion into their attic space.
Again, attic damage creates a new list of problems that affect the entire home. The attic serves as an added barrier between the elements and the inside of your home. Much of your home’s energy efficiency is dictated by the health of your attic. If you begin noticing a musty smell in your home but can’t determine a source in your home’s interior, a great place to check first is your attic. This is where you will see the first signs of water damage, mold, and wood rot as a result of a leaky roof.
Animal Intrusions
Another sign of a roof or attic emergency is an animal intrusion. If you’re seeing bats, birds, squirrels, rats, or raccoons in your attic, it means that your roof system is compromised. Although a roof system and attic aren’t air-tight (you want them to breathe), they should be sealed enough to prevent animals from getting in the space.
If there are holes in your roof or the fascia is lifting away, it will provide an opportunity for animals to seek shelter – especially during cool Florida winter nights or during frequent rain events. Although replacing or resecuring fascia is an easy fix, failing to leave this type of damage unchecked can create numerous and costly repairs down the road.
Animals like raccoons and rats are very destructive. They can eat or chew through insulation and electrical wires, and defecate on your attic’s building materials. Rats also build nests that are highly unsanitary. Making sure to repair or close up any open areas of your roof system is integral to preventing these animals from getting into your home.
Trust Mcfall Roofing for Your Roof and Attic Emergency in Gainesville, FL
At McFall Residential Roofing, we specialize in installing and repairing roofs in Gainesville, FL. We can repair all aspects of your roof system including the trusses and decking. The benefit of working with a local roofing contractor like McFall is that you receive the utmost knowledge and expertise needed to make the best decisions for your home. We follow industry best practices and use high-quality roofing materials to give our customers beautiful roofs that will last.
Contact us today to get started on your residential roofing project.
