The Phoenix Valley recently experienced several extended rainy days. When this happens, we always receive an influx of calls as many homeowners experience water damage from roof leaks.
The rain is definitely good for the roofing business and will wreak havoc on your home if the roof is in need of repair. How can you, as the homeowner, possibly know that your roof needs to be repaired unless the rain lets you know? There are several signs to look for. There is also something you can do to be proactive versus reactive.
Signs Your Roof is in Need of Repair
DEBRIS
Debris is one of the largest causes of roof deterioration and leaks. Roofs are designed to shed water off the roof and into either a rain gutter system or onto the ground as quickly as possible. Debris on the roof can cause several problems including damming. When damming occurs, water can run up the roof and under the roofing material, causing leaks.
If debris is left on the roof, this causes your roof materials to deteriorate faster than normal. Weeds, trees and grass can also grow in these areas, causing further deterioration and damming.
The most common areas you will find these problems are in the valleys (where two roof sections come together and meet) and in a dead valley (a flat section of the roof usually located where the roof and wall meet)
MISSING SHINGLES, TILE OR SHAKE
If you are missing shingle or tile on your roof, this may not cause a leak right away. But if left alone in our Phoenix heat, these missing tiles will eventually cause the exposed material to deteriorate and a leak WILL occur. If you can, imagine your skin without sunblock. Just like our skin, materials under your shingles or tile are not meant to be exposed to the elements for long periods of time. If exposed for too long, the sun will ruin the material, in turn, increasing the cost to make the repair and increasing the repair area. It is easy to detect missing tiles with shingle roofs. Tile roofs are typically more difficult and we recommend using a licensed roofer to check for cracked, displaced, and missing shingles once a year.
PIPES AND ALL OTHER ROOF PROTRUSIONS
When it rains, water runs naturally down your roof. If your roof vents and pipes have a void in the sealant, you will end up with a leak. Statistics show, 90% of all roof leaks enter through a pipe or roof protrusion. Most of the time the sealant on these items are under the flashing and roofing material so you won’t be able to see if there is a void, crack or split in the sealant. These seals are only as good as the installer and product used on the project. Due to our extreme summer temps, it is important that high quality roofing materials be used. JBS Roofing only uses the best, summer-grade roofing cement. Our experience in providing roofing in the Valley for over 34 years has taught us which products perform and which ones do not.
BIRDS, RATS AND INSECTS
Rodents, insects and birds will destroy your roof and cause a lot of damage. According to the Pigeon Guy, the most important thing to focus on for your roof is nesting. Never allow birds to nest on your roof. If you encounter a bird making your roof its home, you need to immediately convince them that your roof is not a good place to nest. If you don’t take action, you will quickly have a flock living, pooping and laying eggs on your roof. Bird feces are a health hazard. The acid in their feces will deteriorate your roof quickly. A leak mixed with bird feces is beyond an undesirable situation.
Insects like ants can dig through your roof and find a nice new home. Do you know which animals like to eat ants? Birds. So, if you’re not monitoring your roof and end up with insects, birds will come poking holes in your roof and walls in order to get a meal. Generally speaking, it’s not the insects that cause a roof leak, it’s the birds eating the insects that cause the problem.
Lastly, the most common pest rodents in the area are roof rats. They are just what they sound like: rats that live in your attic. They make a hole in your roof so they can crawl in and out of your attic. To prevent this, keep trees away from your roof structure. Trees against your roof is the most common reason roof rats could enter your home. To learn more about how to prevent roof rats visit https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6374/What-You-Can-Do-to-Prevent-and-Control-Rats-PDF
ROOF INSPECTIONS
If you’re looking for an alternative to being reactive to roof leaks, we encourage you to schedule a roof inspection. Trust one of our professional roofing inspectors to identify any issues with your roof before they have a chance to become a bigger problem, or give you an A+ report card for peace of mind.
If you would like an inspection performed on your roof give us a call today (623)247-9252 or fill out this form and we will contact you. JBS Roofing is licensed and bonded, has an A+ rating with the BBB, and a proud member or the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association. We also offer roof financing for residential customers.
