Roofing problems are not always that obvious; that’s where a roof inspection comes in. After serving many homes and businesses in the Chicagoland area since 2010, our team at Canga Restoration knows what to look for when it comes to checking your roof for any hidden issues. Here are 10 of the most common roofing problems we find:

10 Most Overlooked Roof Problems

1. Poor Installation

Getting your roof installation done right the first time is paramount. You want to ensure that you’re building the right foundation for the rest of your roof’s components. If your roof contractor fails to perform a correct roof installation on your home, your roof might be at risk of developing plenty of other issues down the road.

2. Flashing Issues

The flashing on your roof is a thin metal material that is installed to help direct water away from any cracks, openings, chimneys, or otherwise critical areas of your roof. On shingled roofs, it is usually installed underneath the shingles and on top of the underlayment. With time, your roof’s flashing can develop rust, preventing it from repelling water effectively, which can lead to leaks inside your home. It is recommended that you replace your roof flashing every 10 to 15 years to help prevent any water damage to your home.

3. Stagnant Water

Any water ponding or pooling on your roof is not a good sign. Generally, what counts as stagnant water on your roof is any water that builds up and does not drain for 48 hours or more. Standing water issues on your roof can cause leaks that lead to mold, structural rot, and damage to your walls, attic, insulation, plumbing, and roof itself. Usually, water becomes stagnant on a roof as a result of a faulty drainage system, but it could also be due to other factors, including uneven roof surfaces and poor installation.

4. Roof Condensation

Condensation on your roof occurs when heat from inside your home rises and becomes trapped in your roof’s insulation. Typically, roof condensation occurs because there is improper roofing ventilation or there is too much insulation. If you have a very humid or poorly-ventilated attic, it can also trap excess heat that could cause moisture to build up on your roof. 

5. Ventilation Issues

Roof vents are crucial to prolonging the life of your roof, helping you reduce energy costs, and letting out excessive heat that can build up inside your home. Poorly installed or even non-existent roof ventilation can lead to a buildup of mold due to moisture and, eventually, serious damage to your shingles and roofing materials.

6. Lack of Maintenance

A lot of people willingly forgo regular preventive maintenance after installing their roofs, not realizing that neglecting it can lead to a multitude of problems down the line. Signs of a roof that has not been maintained properly include water damage, mold, sagging roof materials, damaged shingles, clogged gutters, damaged flashing, or a roof that has not been repaired or replaced for over 20 years.

7. Gutter Issues

A common problem with gutters is clogged downspouts. When too much debris builds up inside your downspouts, they can cause water to back up into your gutters during heavy rains. Another issue is poor gutter installation. If there are too many gutter seams, not enough downspouts, or if your gutters are either too small or placed improperly along your roof’s edge, your gutter system might need a replacement. Poor gutters can cause leaks that lead to various issues, as mentioned above.

8. Sagging or Billowing

A sagging roof is indicated by any dips along the middle of your roof’s ridges. Roof lines can sag for several reasons, such as structural issues, weak support beams, weather damage, and heavy or excessive roofing materials. More commonly, sagging roofs are a symptom of an old roof that is way past its replacement date.

9. Shrinking

Many commercial roofs that use EPDM or modified bitumen will experience shrinkage over time. This is a natural process of an aging rubberized roof exposed to the sun’s UV rays, but sometimes, shrinkage can occur as a result of improper installation or poorly manufactured roof materials. Signs of shrinking on your roof can include cracks and tears, especially around corners and seams.

10. Hail Damage

While hail storms are a serious matter when it comes to roofs, not everyone will treat them as such. If you don’t regularly check your roof for any signs of damage after a severe storm has occurred, you may be putting your roof at risk for premature wear and tear. Any serious weather event that comes to your area should always be followed up with a thorough roof inspection.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Canga Restoration provides roof inspection services in Schaumburg, IL, and the Chicagoland area for all of your residential and commercial roofing concerns. Since 2010, we’ve been offering extensive roofing expertise as well as professional repair and replacement services. As a company that takes pride in honest service, our roof inspection services involve thoroughly discussing with you any actual issues we find. We never suggest any repairs that are not necessary, and we never move forward with any work without first obtaining our client’s approval. Should you choose to book our roof repair or replacement services, we will provide you with free, upfront pricing, so you won’t have to worry about any surprises in the future.

Storm or Hail Damage Inspections

Your roof is typically your first line of defense against severe weather or hail storms. In turn, it can suffer damage that can lead to significant issues to the rest of your home if left unaddressed. If your area or neighborhood was recently hit by a storm, do not hesitate to get a roof inspection as soon as possible.

Expert Roof Inspection and Repair in Schaumburg, IL

Canga Restoration specializes in providing expert roof inspection services in Schaumburg, IL, and the Chicagoland area. If you’re experiencing leaks and other issues in your home that make you suspect you have a roof issue, let us know right away—give us a call or fill out our contact form, and we’ll make sure to take care of your issue as soon as possible.