Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

Roof rot is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your roof. Your roof might suffer from dry rot or wet rot, and both are destructive. Here's a look at things that cause roof rot, how to spot it on your roof, and the roofing repairs you might need.

The Reasons Your Roof Rots

Roof rot develops slowly over time. It can be caused by excess moisture on the roof or in your attic. Moisture might be held against your roof by leaf clumps or moss growth. Of course, a roof leak is also a big cause of roof rot because the wood is damp for so long.

The inside of your roof can rot too. This often happens when your attic has too much humidity from condensation or lack of ventilation. A residential roofing contractor will probably check the inside and outside of your roof to understand the cause and extent of the problem.

When To Suspect Your Roof Is Rotted

If the rot starts in your attic, you'll notice it because you can see it. Wood will be decayed and crumbly in places, and you might see fungal growth or mold. You might even see water leaking in the attic if you go in when it's raining or see where previous rain has affected the insulation.

Rot can be hard to see on the surface of your roof since it's often hidden under the shingles, but a roofer can tell if there is rot present by the way the roof feels and looks.

The Roofing Repairs You Might Need To Have Done

A residential roofing contractor should examine your roof to determine if the damage can be repaired or if parts of your roof have to be replaced. If the damage isn't too bad, the rotted part can be dug out and filled in with wood patch. If the rot is more extensive, the bad part has to be cut out and replaced with new materials.

In addition, the roofing contractor fixes the problem that led to roof rot. This might mean you need to add a roof vent for better circulation, replace shingles, or replace fascia and soffit boards. You might even need to trim back trees with branches that rest on the shingles or repair bad gutters so they drain rain away from the roof.

In addition to removing rotted materials, you may need your attic treated to kill fungus and mold so the problem doesn't return. It's essential to get rid of all the rot or there may be enough damaged materials left behind to start the rotting process all over.

Since roofing material rots slowly over time, you can usually have it repaired before the condition is so serious that your roof collapses. That's why checking your roof inside and out once a year or so is important. When you do, you'll catch rot early so it's easier to repair.