Many homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed when it comes to dealing with roofing-related issues, and it’s usually due to their inexperience and a lack of familiarity with the topic. But just because you may be unfamiliar with roofing problems doesn’t mean that you should have to stay in the dark and let your roof suffer as a result! To help you find answers to some of your toughest roofing questions, we have put together a simple list of answers here:

  1. If my roof has minor damage or small leaks that I think I can handle repairing myself, should I consider the DIY approach to my issue?While it may at first be tempting to consider a do-it-yourself repair with what appears to be just a small leak in your roof, it is always best to hire a trained roofer for a situation like this especially since the process of repairing a roof leak involves lifting up and inspecting the shingles surrounding the damaged area, a task that best calls for a professional if you want to avoid any potential long-term damage.
  2. What are those black mold-like stains on the shingles and how can I clean them off?These stains may look like mold but they are actually colonies of algae that have fed off moisture and grown in the shingles. The problem with algae colonies is that as the algae eat into the limestone filler agents in the shingles, it digs into and breaks down the light-reflecting granules in the roof; this eventually starts the process of roof damage. Things to remember when cleaning the stains off your roof: Do not use bleach and/or a pressure washer to remove the stains, as the pressure washer can damage the shingles and the bleach creates a potentially toxic runoff to your garden; instead use a noncorrosive and nontoxic roof cleaning solution which has been properly diluted.
  3. Can blistering asphalt shingles cause roof damage?|Asphalt roof shingles will blister as a result of either moisture being trapped during the manufacturing process or poor heat ventilation, and yes they can, in fact, lead to leaks and expensive roof damage if the granules continue to recede. If you notice signs of blistering shingles on your roof, it’s a good idea to give your local roofing contractor a call to assess the granule-level of the shingles and whether or not they will need to be replaced to avoid further damage.
  4. Why does my roof have ridges all over the shingles?This is a common problem related to a lack of foam sealing in the roof joints, which causes moisture to get trapped between the roof panels. The felt underneath the shingles then expands due to that trapped moisture, which then causes the shingles to rise, however, the felt never completely dries which is why there is the constant appearance of ridges on the shingles.To fix this issue you really should consult with a professional roofer to add the insulation after first stripping the roof of its shingles.
  5. I’ve heard of homeowners being scammed by fake roofing contractors, is this a real issue to worry about?By virtue of the fact that many homeowners are unaware of some of the basic and commonplace practices used by legitimate roofing contractors or roofing inspectors who are working on behalf of an insurance company, for example, many of us could fall easy prey to the plot of the fake roofing contractor. Remember, a professional roofing company will always keep you informed as to the necessary maintenance or inspection times, especially as it would relate to an appointment that would require them to enter your house. A roofing company you can trust would never leave you in the dark when it comes to your home.
  6. Recently we have noticed some water spots and a few damaged shingles on our roof. Are these signs that we should consider roof replacement?
    Signals of an aging roof that is potentially in need of replacement include: Missing granules on the shingles, torn or missing shingles, mold and deterioration around the flashing and chimney due to poor ventilation and trapped moisture within the layers composing the roof, and high utility bills, simply because the consequences of age-related roof damage can lead to a compromise in the efficiency of the air conditioning and furnace systems. If you have noticed these signs then don’t wait to call your local roofing contractor for an immediate inspection. We would also suggest you to hire the maids from the mulberry-maids services for cleaning the roofs.
  7. Is damaged or worn out flashing an issue I should be concerned about?A roof’s flashing is important because it’s the only barrier between the openings and joints of the roof protecting them from the outside water and moisture; in other words, a roof without a properly installed flashing system (or a damaged one) is extremely susceptible to exposing a home to mold damage, as water can travel through and underneath openings in the roof if they are not appropriately sealed and protected. If you worry about the condition of the flashing on your roof, again it’s best to call your contractor before taking any steps by yourself.
  8. Should I be concerned about the presence of frost on the tips of the nails sticking throughout the sheathing in my attic?The reason for the frost on the nails is because the warm moisture from your home is seeping into the attic and condensing on the steel, which indicates that your insulation could become compromised due to that moisture, often resulting in mold. To combat this problem, be sure to seal all of the openings letting air into your attic including all bathroom fans and attic openings such as pull downstairs. You can also reduce overall moisture levels in your home by always using exhaust fans when cooking and using the bathroom. The attic should also be outfitted with effective ventilation, not just fans.
  9. My roof is made up of cedar shakes, should I be using a fire-resistant treatment to protect against fires?When it comes to prolonging the life of a cedar roof and protecting it from fire, your main concern should be to keep your roof clean and free from debris. Don’t worry about treating with a fire-retardant as all cedar shakes are required to be manufactured with a permanent treatment to resist fire. If you are set on applying some type of weather protectant to helppreserve your roof, at the very least you should consult with the manufacturer of your roof to make sure you have the right product.
  10. My roof already has a minor leak in it-what should I do until my contractor shows up?First, minimize interior damage and damage to the ceiling by eliminating the built-up pressure caused by the leaking water. Simply locate the wettest spot on the ceiling and poke a small hole in the center of the bulge and then collect the draining water with a bucket or trashcan, depending on the amount of water. Investigate the origin point of the leak.The point at which the water is leaking into the interior of your home is not necessarily where the leak originates so you will need to trace the path of the water to the source. Keep in mind that water will travel down the trusses and beams until it finds a weakened area through which is can penetrate. Roofing cement or tape can be used on the inside of the roof in the attic as well as on the outside, while a temporary repair like a tarp, for example, would be used to cover the leak directly.