Roof moisture damage is a common but easily preventable problem. Routine maintenance and observing a few precautions can go a long way towards preventing and mitigating damage.

Fix Roof Damage as Soon as Possible

Serious moisture problems like wood rot often stem from rainwater dripping out of minor cracks and gaps. But before problems like these develop, a few warning signs start to emerge. Listed below are some of the most common ones:

1. Attic Ceiling Stains – Water that has been accumulating in your roof may cause stains and discoloration in your attic. Left unattended, stains may eventually turn into green mold streaks.
2. Pooling Water – This is a common problem for low-sloped roofs. Water tends to pool on flat surfaces and can easily enter the underlayer through cracks and gaps at the seams.
3. Damaged Flashing – Flashing is installed in the parts where the roofing membrane meets other roofing components like your chimneys and skylights. These parts are usually the most leak-prone so it would be a good idea to keep an eye on them.

Keep in mind it’s easy to miss more subtle signs of roof damage, which is why it would be better if an experienced contractor conducted periodic roof inspections, especially after an extreme weather event.

And, although your roof is the most susceptible to leaks due to it being your home’s primary means of defense against the elements, it would still be a good idea to check other potential entry points for rainwater like your siding and windows. If there are signs of leaks in any of these, replace your windows and siding as soon as possible.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Your gutters are responsible for diverting rainwater away from your roof. But they’re often clogged with foliage and all sorts of debris. Keeping them clean can help reduce the risk of leaks. You should also check if there are signs of gutter damage from time to time.dea to only hire experienced contractors. This is to ensure your new siding will be installed properly.

Exterior Building Solutions, a contractor with more than two decades’ worth of experience, is your go-to source of quality roofing. To get a free estimate, call us at (314) 470-8783, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in St. Louis and Chesterfield, MO.