Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Water Stains on Your Ceiling

When you lay down to go to sleep at night and you stare at the ceiling, you might notice rounded, brownish colored patches. These are water stains, and they often indicate that you have a problem with your roof in Redmond. The presence of water stains means that moisture is getting through your cedar shake roof and into your home, where it can cause a multitude of problems for the house’s structural integrity and the quality of your indoor air. If the stain continues to get bigger, then it’s going to be a reoccurring issue. Read ahead and find out exactly why you shouldn’t ignore water stains on your ceiling.

You don’t have to be a roofing professional to realize that a water stain on the ceiling is a problem, but you might need one in order to fix it. This typically means that there’s a leak in your roof, so whenever you get rain, snow, sleet, or hail, the precipitation may seep through your shingles and land on the backside of your ceiling. This will continue until you have the leak fixed. The longer you wait, the more vulnerable you are to moisture problems like mold growth and structural damage.

If you notice any signs of damage to your roof, you should call a roofing contractor in Redmond promptly to schedule roof repairs . It’s also advisable to walk around the exterior of your home after a major storm to visually check for missing or damaged shingles. If you do notice anything that looks out of place, call a professional to do a roof inspection—don’t try to climb up there yourself.

Your energy bills will increase.

The same gaps in your roof that allow water to leak in will also allow for heat transfer. In the winter, your heated air inside the home will escape. In the summer, the hot air outside will make your air conditioner work harder. The result is higher utility bills all year-round—and a less eco-friendly house.

The damage will get worse.

At first, you may only notice some slight discoloration on your ceiling. As time passes, it will start to look more like a water stain. Later on, your ceiling might start leaking. Missing and damaged shingles, gaps between shingles, and other problems never go away by themselves. The longer you delay roof repairs, the worse the damage will get. Eventually, your home may show signs of water damage to the following:

• Decking underneath the roof shingles
• Insulation
• Attic
• Drywall
• Foundation

The more widespread and severe the damage gets, the more expensive the repairs will be when you finally do schedule them.

Water damage will allow mold growth.

Toxic mold is one of every homeowner’s nightmares. It can sicken your family and pets, and cause existing medical conditions to get worse, such as asthma and allergies. Mold spores can spread easily and multiply rapidly. Once your home is damaged by water, it’s susceptible to widespread mold infestations. You could even have toxic black mold behind the walls or under the wallpaper without realizing it.

Animals and pests can get into the roofing system.

Many homeowners think that animals could only penetrate the roofing system and the house if there are very large gaps. But actually, mice can climb through holes as small as a dime. Some pest experts say that mice could even get through a hole the size of a pencil eraser. And if the gaps in your roofing system are larger, you might even hear squirrels rustling around in your attic. The sooner you get your roof repaired, the better protected you’ll be from pests.

In the Redmond area, roof repairs are often due to damage inflicted by ice dams. Ice dams are thick, heavy ridges of ice that can be found at the edge of the roof. If not addressed promptly, ice dams can cause significant damage to your home, and require costly roof repairs. It is possible to prevent ice dams, even in northern climates. A roofing company can help you with this.

Why Ice Dams Form

Ice dams develop when certain wintry conditions are met. First, the roof must have snow on top of it. Second, the higher elevations of the roof must be above freezing on the exterior, and the lower part of the roof must be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures, if sustained over time, will cause the snow at the higher elevation to melt. The water will run down the roof, and freeze at the lower section. The result is an ice dam.

How Ice Dams Cause Water Damage

Once an ice dam forms at the edge, snow continues to melt and flow down toward the dam. The freezing water will make the ice dam grow larger. Once the dam is large enough, the melting snow will no longer reach the parts of the roof that are at or below the freezing point. It will remain liquid, and this allows it to seep into cracks. The result is water damage in the attic, and eventually, the lower parts of the home.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

It’s possible for homes to be more susceptible to ice dams if the roofs weren’t properly installed. Consider asking a reputable roofing company to do an inspection. To prevent future damage throughout your home, it may be worthwhile to get a roof replacement before the next winter. Other steps to take include sealing all areas in the ceiling to prevent heated air from transferring from the main part of the house up to the attic. Heated air in the attic will cause the top of the roof to warm up, which allows snow to melt and form ice dams. Some homeowners take the extra step of having additional insulation placed in the attic.

Your home’s roofing system will provide it with sturdy support for decades. However, even the highest quality roof may contain certain weak areas that require routine maintenance and repairs. By taking the time to inspect and repair these areas, you can extend the overall lifespan of your roofing system. A team of roofers serving Redmond can provide you with a thorough inspection of all of the vulnerable spots on your home’s roof. To help you identify which areas of your roofing may eventually need repairs, here is a look at some common roofing problem areas.

Fascia

During a roof inspection, your roofers will typically take the time to inspect the quality and condition of your fascia. Fascia is a term that is used to describe the wood or metal trim that runs along the lower edge of your roof. Since the primary role of your fascia is to protect the internal components of your roofing system from the elements, it is critical that this component remains intact.

Soffit

The soffit is directly underneath the fascia, and this roofing component is responsible for ventilating the roof. To protect your soffit from damage, look for signs of cracks, holes, or pest infestations. Your soffit should be constructed from a water proof material that is ready to withstand the elements.

Flashings

Many residential roofs contain valleys, walls, and other types of edges. During a new roof construction project, your technician will seal your roof’s edges with a product called flashing. Flashing is your roof’s main line of defense against rain, UV rays, and other harsh elements. Unfortunately, your roof flashing can become damaged during a storm or other weather event. To ensure that your roof remains in good condition, make sure that your flashing is correctly installed and sealed.

If you are comparing roofing materials for your new roof installation, you may want to evaluate the benefits of building a slate roof for your home. Slate roofs are renowned for their exceptional quality, and you can expect your new slate roofing to last for many decades. Roofers that offer slate roofing in Redmond can help you decide whether this roof style will be the best choice for your property. To help you choose your new roofing materials, here is an overview of three signs that a slate roof is right for your home.

You Are Seeking a Unique Appearance

One of the top benefits of a slate roof is that this type of roofing will stand out from conventional asphalt roofing materials. Slate roofs are instantly recognizable for their incredible style and stunning good looks. Your new slate roof can also be finished in a variety of colors, which range from neutral grays to vivid greens. If you want your new roof to make a style statement, slate may be the right material for your needs.

You Desire Exceptional Durability

A standard, asphalt roof will last for up to about 30 years before it needs to be completely replaced. In comparison, you can expect your slate roofing to remain in terrific condition for up to 150 years or longer. If you wish to invest in a quality roof that has been built to last for many decades, a slate roof is an excellent option for your home. Due to its fantastic durability, a slate roof is a terrific investment.

You Prefer Eco-Friendly Materials

When you are building a green home that is focused on the protecting the environment, it is important to pick out roofing materials that are environmentally friendly. A slate roof is among the most eco-friendly types of roofing that you can purchase for your home. Since slate roofs hardly ever need to be replaced, these types of roofs are an eco-smart choice for the savvy and environmentally conscious homeowner.

Over time, it is possible for roofs to suffer streaks and stains. If you are wondering why your roofing near Redmond has developed these unsightly discolorations, then keep reading to learn what might be causing them and how a professional roofer can help.

Causes

Black streaks and stains that form on asphalt shingles are caused by a mold called gloeocapsa magma , or GM. This mold is a type of bacteria that survives through photosynthesis and feeding on the limestone filler used to make asphalt shingles. You may be wondering why you never noticed this type of roof stain while growing up. The reason for this is that asphalt shingles were once made of felt and asphalt. Today, this roofing material is created using limestone and fiberglass, which allows the mold to thrive. The staining typically develops on east- and north-facing sides of the roof because the GM enjoys cool, shady areas.

Risks

There is no consensus regarding the damage that GM may cause to a roof. Because of this, it is generally considered an aesthetic problem. This photosynthesizing fungus grows roots that wrap around the granules of the shingles, making it difficult to dislodge. Because scrubbing and aggressive washing can damage your roofing, professional cleaning is recommended. Staining can also be a result of moss growth, which can indeed shorten the lifespan of your roof and should be removed.

Removal

If you are considering cleaning your roof yourself, then consider some reasons why it is better to hire a professional. First, using a pressure washer or similar device on some types of roofing may damage the shingles and worsen the state of your roof. Second, working on a roof can be quite dangerous and can lead to devastating falls. For these reasons, the best way to handle a discolored roof is to hire a professional roofer. These contractors have the equipment and expertise needed to clean your roof shingles safely and properly.

To some people a roof in Redmond is just the top part of the house that protects the interior. To a roof inspection professional, a roof is a combination of different elements that allow it to function properly. The fascia and soffit are 2 aspects of the roof that the average person may not be familiar with, but understanding these components and the problems that may affect them can help you maintain your investment. When you do notice signs of a problem, call your repair professional for help . Read on to take a closer look at fascia and soffit repairs.

What These Components Are

If you don’t know much about roofing, you might think the fascia and soffit are some kinds of medical terms. Don’t worry, however: these terms refer to parts of the roof that anyone could recognize. When you take a look at the gutters attached to your house, you’re looking at the fascia of your roof as well. This is the component that protects the rest of your roof from potential water damage, and you can find it right where your gutter and your house meet. The soffit is essentially the ceiling of the roof; if you look at any overhanging area of the roof, the soffit is the underside.

Problems to Look Out For

Since the fascia is responsible for protecting the wooden board of your roof from the elements, you might suspect a fascia problem if you notice water damage. Weather conditions can be seriously hazardous for your roof and home in certain areas, so you’ll want to have this issue addressed. The soffit, which is often wooden, is exposed to the elements; however, it’s typically pests and rotting that you will have to watch out for.

How to Have Them Repaired

Working on a roof is a dangerous feat in general for the common homeowner, and repairing the fascia or soffit will require some extra specialized knowledge. If you suspect that you have a problem with either of these components of the home, call your roof repair professional for help restoring these elements.

As you are shopping for finishing materials for your new home, you will want to find products that are built to last. In this video, you will learn about the advantages of choosing PABCO roofing products for your home. A PABCO roof will provide your home with superior quality and style. When constructing their roofing materials, PABCO uses the latest shingle manufacturing innovations. Your roofing contractors near Redmond can answer any specific questions that you may have about the advantages of PABCO roofing products.

After your PABCO roofing installation is complete, you are sure to love the style and quality of your new roof. PABCO is committed to the satisfaction of their customers, and your new roof will reflect this dedication to quality. Overall, PABCO products are a terrific choice for your next roofing project.

GAF roofing is the preferred choice for many roofing contractors near Redmond . As you are designing a new roof for your home, you may want to explore the advantages of a GAF roof. The GAF roof is composed of several different components, which are carefully combined to create a durable, leak-resistant, and beautiful roofing installation. When you are choosing your new GAF roofing shingles, you are sure to be amazed at the gorgeous assortment of colors that are available for your installation.

During a GAF roofing installation, your roofing contractors will carefully create a comprehensive roofing system. From roof deck protection to lifetime shingles and more, each GAF roofing component is built to last. Your GAF roof will also be enhanced with special leak protection features, which will provide you with the confidence that comes from knowing that your roof is completely weather-resistant. Overall, GAF roofing is a fantastic choice for your home.

No roof will last forever. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to replace the roof over your head, and considering the size of the job it’s normal to have lots of questions about the process. Whether you’re researching your very first roof replacement or you’ve already gone through the experience before, the answers to these frequently asked questions might address some of the issues or concerns you’re having yourself. For more in-depth answers, or if you don’t see your specific question here, get in touch with a roof replacement contractor near Bellevue and Redmond.

Q: How much does roof replacement cost?

A: This is probably the most frequently asked question, but also the most difficult to answer without knowing the specifics of your roof. The cost depends on a number of different factors, including the size of your roof, the type of roof being installed, and additional structural repairs needed to complete the replacement. A roofing company will be able to give you an accurate quote after inspecting your roof.

Q: Can I get a different type of roof?

A: Just because you have a slate or wood shingled roof doesn’t mean you need to replace it with the same type of roof at the time of replacement. In fact, this is a good time to research your options and choose the best type of roof for your needs. You might also consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient and better performing roof than the one you currently have.

Q: Does homeowner’s insurance pay for my new roof?

A: Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof replacement only as the result of an act of nature. Damage resulting from acts of nature will typically qualify for total or partial replacement of the roof, although policy specifics can vary from one insurance company to the next. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider to find out for sure. If you need help fling a roof replacement claim, your roofing contractor will be able to assist you.