When you think of roof repair, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably:
- Hail damage
- Storm damage
- Old shingles
- Water Leaks
Something you might not consider is roof rot. But how do you know if you have it? In the spirit of Halloween, here are 4 spooky signs of roof rot.
But first…
What Is Roof Rot, Anyway?
Roof rot is the same thing as dry rot in your roof. It’s where wooden supports of the roof wear away over time, becoming weak. When you have a weak roof, it makes leaks more likely, makes storm and hail damage more disastrous, and could even make your roof cave in, in extreme situations.
Back to the spooky signs of roof rot:
1. Monstrous Mold
Roof rot breaks down the barrier between your home’s interior and the outside elements, namely rain and snow—and anything that could make the places you want to stay warm and dry, cold and wet. But what happens when you can’t really tell if water seeped in through your roof? Well, mold, that’s what. You can tell if there’s mold in your home by searching for dark spots in your ceiling, assessing your allergy level, and smelling for mustiness or dampness.
2. Ghoulish Growths
Unwelcome precipitation can also bring other growth besides mold. Moss and algae can also grow on top of your roof. When water seeps into the weakened wood, it creates a tiny ecosystem for small, imperceptible organisms that create moss and algae. These things make for great scenery if you’re on a hike in the woods, but their appearance can create the illusion that your house is deathly ill. And, in a way, it is: It has roof rot!
3. Disappearing Shingles
As the moss and algae start to take over your roof, you may also find that several of your shingles have mysteriously disappeared! Well, actually, it’s not all that mysterious: The buildup of moss, bacteria, and mold can push the shingles out of place, so that the next time there’s a strong wind or a storm, shingles will just fly right off! If you’re missing some shingles, you may have roof rot.
4. Sunken Places
This is one of the biggest dangers of roof rot: areas that have sunken in because the wood has become so weak with water exposure. The more sunken places you have in your roof, the more the structural integrity is compromised, then the more likely it is that your roof will cave in. This is not only dangerous to your valuables and keepsakes; it also puts you and your family at risk of injury, or worse.
If you see any areas of your ceiling that look droopy or sunken in, call American Custom Contractors right away. We’re experts in all things roofing, and we can clear up your roof rot in no time! Call our office 301.417.1000 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional roofing technicians today.
