Here's what you might see when you go up on your roof

Uplifting or splitting of the EPDM roofing membrane (the material that covers the roof) or decking on flat roofs. Punctures in the roof caused by debris hitting it.
Cracking or other age-related deterioration. This is typically most apparent on southern exposures, and especially on wood or composition shingles.

Damaged roof-mounted vents or air-conditioning equipment.
Stripped ridge tiles, or missing or broken tiles on concrete or clay roofs.

This can be caused by:

• Hail or from toxic substances in seedpods.
• Stripped or torn shingles on fiberglass, or cedar roofs
• Algae growth from poor drainage.
• Previous roof repairs.
• Rotted or rusted decking.
• Worn or rusted flashing.
• Wrinkled roofing membrane.
• Holes from missing shingles or other roofing materials.

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Life Expectancy of Roofs

How long should your roof last? The American Society of Home Inspectors provides the following estimates for the life expectancy of different roofing materials:

• Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
• Wood shakes-shingles: 10-40 years
• Clay-cement tiles: 20+ years
• Slate: 30-100 years
• Metal roofs: 15-40+ years.

Rain isn't an ally either. Water will naturally take the path of least resistance. For this reason, minor roof leaks can result in extensive damage in various locations throughout a home. Aside from the obvious water-stained sagging ceiling, prolonged leakage will likely result in rot to framing members in the roof, ceiling, walls and floor.

High winds can lift the edges of shingles and force wind-driven rain and debris beneath them. Extremely high winds can tear random shingles from the roof, leaving the roof spotty or even bare in some locations. Properly anchored shingles will minimize this damage.

Snow, ice and hail also do their share to shorten the roof's life. Melting snow often will freeze over the roof's overhang where the surface is cooler creating an "ice dam" which blocks drainage to the gutter, and results in water backing up under the roofing material.

Gutters and downspouts also can freeze, preventing proper drainage. Eave-heating devices can prevent ice buildup. Check with your local hardware store or home center for the one that will work best for you.

Mildew, moss and lichen can accumulate on roofing materials if they remain damp as a result of poor drainage or little sunlight. Once it grows, moss holds moisture to the roof surface causing rot or poor watershed.

One of the best ways to rid the roof of moss and fungus is with a good power washing. (This may be best left to a roofing contractor or roof care professional.) Another way is to apply a solution of one quart of liquid chlorine bleach in a gallon of hot water to the affected areas, using a stiff nylon brush.

Prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs by inspecting your roof in the late fall and early spring. Using binoculars will give you a good view of the roof while keeping traffic on the roof to a minimum. Look for loose shingles or shakes, or, if you have a tile or slate roof, cracked or missing tile. On shingle roofs, look for curling, fraying and tears at the edges.

Here's what you might see when you go up on your roof:

• Uplifting or splitting of the roofing membrane (the material that covers the roof) or decking on flat roofs.
• Punctures in the roof caused by debris hitting it.
• Cracking or other age-related deterioration. This is typically most apparent on southern exposures, and especially on wood or composition shingles.
• Damaged roof-mounted vents or air-conditioning equipment.
• Stripped ridge tiles, or missing or broken tiles on concrete or clay roofs.
• Pitting or pock marking on asphalt shingles or membranes. This can be caused by hail or from toxic substances in seedpods.
• Stripped or torn shingles on asphalt, fiberglass, or cedar roofs.
• Algae growth from poor drainage.
• Previous roof repairs.
• Rotted or rusted decking.
• Worn or rusted flashing.
• Wrinkled roofing membrane.
• Holes from missing shingles or other roofing materials.

Roof Repair of Roof Leaks

Finding a leak and making repairs to a pitched roof is challenging enough; attempting the same process on a flat roof is nearly impossible. This is primarily because water damage on this type of roof will never show up anywhere near where the leak originally occurred. The difference lies in predicting how the water will run. On a pitched roof, water will run where? Down. On a flat roof water runs – anywhere it has a mind to, which is why it will probably take the keen eye and experience of a professional roofing contractor to locate your leak and make the necessary flat roof repair.

The first step in is to get up there when the surface is completely dry. This climbing on top of a building is enough to make many folks run for the nearest phone to call their roofing specialist! Once you are on the roof, you can inspect for cracks or holes in the seams of the roof or flashing. Exposed nail heads are another place where water can get in and cause damage. 

You can also check for a ring of dirt or discoloration to the rocks or gravel that may signify a low spot in the roof where water tends to puddle. Check these spots for signs of cracks or holes as well. Testing for leaks on a flat roof can be done – if you have the patience and a few hours to do so. It will require bringing a garden hose up to the roof and running it slowly at the drain points to see if a leak comes out of hiding. 

Keep in mind that it can take many minutes before a leak on the outside will present itself inside. This process will need to be repeated over the entire roof, taking the better part of a day in some cases to discover the culprit. Once you find the point of the leak, you can begin the process of flat roof repair.

This is another point where many homeowners will opt to hire the services of a professional, since flat roof repair requires equipment that the average homeowner does not own and is rather expensive to rent or purchase. Many don't like the idea of spending hours doing handyman work a number of feet off the ground. To keep yourself safe on top of the roof, wear shoes with thick, non-skid soles and pay special attention to power lines located around your house. Do not use a ladder that is in need of repair and always climb one rung at a time. By following these steps, you can do much to prevent a potential accident. More Information