If you haven’t dealt with a lot of roof problems, you may not even know what flashing is. Shingles aren’t the only thing protecting your home from water damage. Flashing on your roof seals gaps between your roof and the side of your home, creating a watertight seal. 

If you start to notice moisture damage or mold in the upper areas of your home, you may have damaged flashing.

If you need professional roof repair in Falls Church, VA, Low Cost Roofing provides a free inspection to determine the extent of the damage and provides expert repair. 

Common Causes of Damaged Roof Flashing

Flashing can last many years without needing repair or replacement, but there are some causes of damage that require you to schedule professional service.

Foundation Changes

It’s not unusual for your home’s foundation to shift and settle over time. These foundation changes can compromise your roof, causing it to crack or warp. If you think your roof has damage due to foundation changes, schedule an inspection with a professional roofer.

Poorly Installed Roof Materials

If a professional roofer didn’t install your flashing material, there’s a big chance that it could come apart from certain areas of your roof. A professional can identify the problem and repair the damage.

Outdated Roofing Materials

Roofing materials can last a long time, but they will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. Stay aware of the age of your roof and what your warranty covers so you can determine the cost of repair and replacement when the time comes.

Weather Conditions

Temperature fluctuations cause galvanized steel flashing to expand and contract. Regular rain and snow can also contribute to damaged pieces of flashing. A routine roof inspection can determine if the flashing on your roof needs professional repair. 

Signs of Damaged Flashing

You know the causes of damaged flashing, but how do you know if you actually need professional repair? Here are a few things to look for:

• You’ve spotted water leaks on your ceiling or inside your attic.

• You notice the counter flashing is no longer attached to the exterior of your home.

• You discover shingles in your yard, which indicates that you probably have extensive roof problems, including damaged flashing.

• You find sections of missing flashing or rust spots after a storm passes through.

If you notice any of these signs, you could have damaged flashing or major roof damage. The longer you postpone calling a professional, the bigger the damage will grow, resulting in expensive bills that could cost thousands of dollars.

Trusted Roof Repair Experts in Falls Creek

If you discover that your roof is leaking, you need professional service to repair the flashing on your roof before you end up with structural damage or need a complete roof replacement. Low Cost Roofing serves Falls Creek, VA, and nearby communities. Fill out the online form to schedule a free estimate and discuss repair options to fit within your budget.

There’s never a good time to discover a water leak. Over time, your roof starts to deteriorate and needs maintenance to avoid expensive problems. When you know what to do if your roof is leaking, you can handle the situation with minimal stress.

The place to contact for Falls Church's trusted roof repair is Low Cost Roofing. We work within your budget for roofs damaged by harsh weather conditions like wind and hail.

Catch the Water

If you have a simple drip coming from the roof, use a bowl, trash can, or bucket to collect the water until a professional can come for a service call. The goal in the event of a leak is to minimize the amount of water that gets on the floor and your belongings. 

Identify and Relieve Water Pressure

If your ceiling has a bulging spot from the leak, put down towels and containers to catch the water and then carefully poke a hole in the center of the bulge. Relieving the pressure and letting the water flow downward can prevent water damage from spreading throughout the roof and causing hidden mold infestation.

Document the Situation

Even though it might be a stressful situation, take the time to take photos or video of the leak and any damage it caused. It gives your insurance company proof of all damaged items, like electronics and furniture. It helps to document the situation as thoroughly as possible.

Move Everything Out of the Way

When you panic and wonder what to do if your roof is leaking, one of the first steps is to move as much as you can out of the way. Clearing the space will reduce the amount of property damage the leak causes, but it will allow the repair technicians to have easy access while they fix the problem.

Anything that gets wet can end up growing mold, so move important documents, decor, and soft goods to a dry area as soon as possible.

Preventative Maintenance 

The best way to avoid roof leaks entirely is by investing in annual maintenance with a professional roofer. An annual maintenance call with a licensed professional can include the following:

• Inspection of the area for trees near the roof that could cause property damage if they fall. 
• Gutter cleaning to remove excess debris. If your gutter system can’t move water off the roof, it can cause water damage.
• Checking for loose or missing shingles that could lead to serious roof damage.
• Ensuring roof vents are in good working order and have no signs of wear.

Reliable Roof Repair in Falls Church

Now you know what to do if your roof is leaking and the best way to prevent future roof leaks in Falls Church, VA.A neglected roof could result in a major leak, roof rot, and even high energy bills. Contact the team at Low Cost Roofing and find out about our new roof service for as low as $79 per month.

Roof rot is a problem no Falls Church homeowner wants to experience. However, it doesn’t happen suddenly. If root rot affects your home, it’s usually a sign that you’ve neglected the roof for too long. Many people ignore their roof as long as it’s doing its job, but problems like roof rot are there to remind you how that approach can be counterproductive.

In this article, the roof replacement experts in falls church, VA, will look at the causes of roof rot and what homeowners in Falls Church can do to fix it.

What is Roof Rot?

Roof rot is the decay of the wooden components in a roofing system. The roofs on most homes across Falls Church, VA, feature tough, impermeable materials like metal, clay, or composite on the outside.

However, underneath the structure lies a largely wooden support system that includes the roof decking, trusses, beams, and more. Roof rot targets this support system. If ignored long enough, it can erode the roof’s structural integrity.

The Main Causes of Roof Rot Across Homes in Falls Church, VA

The main causes of roof rot across homes in Falls Church include:

• Water leaks
• Poor roof ventilation
• High humidity
• Condensation
• Wood-eating fungi

From the list of possible causes above, it’s clear that moisture issues are the leading cause of roof rot. Mold and moss (which can hasten the rot) thrive in such environments.

In a smaller percentage of cases, fungal growth can cause roof rot. The industry term for that problem is dry rot.

How Does Roof Rot Affect Your Roof?

Roof rot causes cracks in the wood supporting the roof system. Over time, it increases the risk of sections of the roof collapsing. Roof rot damage makes your roof more prone to leaks and other forms of damage, which further hastens the roof rot — a vicious cycle that will leave you in need of complete roof replacement.

What Are the Signs of Roof Rot?

You don’t have to remove your roof tiles to check for roof rot. Below are some signs of damage you should watch for inside and outside your home:

• Sagging portions across your roof
• Damp smell in the attic
• Dark spots, mushroom-like growth, or white fungal growth on visible wood
• Streak marks across your walls and ceiling
• Spongy feel to roof support wood.

If you spot any of these problems, call a roofing professional quickly to prevent more serious damage.

What Is the Fix for Roof Rot?

The only way to fix roof rot is to completely remove and replace the affected sections. It’s the only way to stop the fungi from spreading. If the rot has spread too far, you’ll need a complete roof replacement.

Request a Roof Inspection From Low Cost Roofing

As a homeowner in Falls Church, the high humidity environment poses a risk to your roof system. You need to schedule regular inspections to stay ahead of potential moisture-related problems.Call Low Cost Roofing today to request an inspection to ensure you don’t have ongoing roof rot and other common roof problems.

Do you know the most common roof problems that homeowners will face eventually? Learn more about the potential issues your roof may have as time passes and when you need to rely on a professional roofing company.

Reach out to Low Cost Roofing, Falls Church's trusted roof repair team, to discuss any concerns you have about your roof. Get help fixing roofing problems today.

Common Roof Problems

As a homeowner, you need to know the signs of roof issues before the problem requires a significantly more costly repair.

Lack of Maintenance

Because your roof is the primary defender against weather and environmental factors, it requires regular maintenance to keep it from deteriorating. Annual roof inspections will help you discover minor problems before they spread to the rest of the roofing materials.

Roof Damage

Roof deterioration from age can contribute to many roofing issues, but you also have to watch for damage from things that can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Pests chewing the roofing
• Storm damage from strong winds
• Fallen trees and branches
• Tree limbs scraping or chipping shingles
• Ice accumulation that damages the structure
• Roof expansion and contraction from extreme temperature changes

The above factors can contribute to punctures, tears, split shingles, and many other issues that only an expert roofer can properly identify and quickly correct. Take proactive steps like hiring roofers to inspect and repair minor issues before they cause significant leaks and water damage.

Fascia Rot

Another common roof problem for homes in Falls Church includes rotting or damaged fascia. The fascia helps protect the outer edge of the roofing structure from the elements. Damage to this protective area can contribute to rotting roof lumber, which will threaten the structural integrity of the roof.

Gutter Clogs

Your gutters are a vital feature that guide rainwater away from your home. Gutter clogs can allow water to accumulate and can create pools of standing water. This can damage the home and lead to leaks, which can wreak havoc on internal structures like drywall and lumber.

Poor Installation or Repairs

Improper repairs or poorly installed roofing materials can contribute to more complex issues than you might suspect. Always ensure that your roofers have the appropriate qualifications and tools to perform the services you need. Your checklist will include ensuring the roofer has state certifications, the appropriate training, and offers warranties on labor or materials relating to the repairs your roof needs.

Low Cost Roofing is Here For You

If you find signs of standing water on a flat roof or discover broken shingles landing in your yard, you will need expert assistance to address the problem and protect your biggest investment — your home. Low Cost Roofing provides dependable roofing services in and around Falls Church, VA.

If you suspect that your home has roof problems, contact the professionals at Low Cost Roofing in Falls Church, VA, today. Request assistance and restore your roof to keep you and your property safe.

The short answer to the question, "Why are there black stains on roof shingles?" is one word: algae. As roof shingles get wet, they can create environmental conditions that support algal growth. Algae might seem harmless, but over time, the algae can degrade the structure of the shingle material. 

Several types of algae, including Gloeocapsa magma, grow on roofs. They can grow on many types of roofs, including asphalt, slate, clay, metal, concrete, and architectural shingles.

If you have asphalt shingles, like many homeowners, do not neglect algal growth on your roof. Asphalt shingles contain limestone, which algae use as a nutrient. As the algae consume limestone, the shingles become less durable,

Without treatment, algae on roofs can lead to missing shingles, leaks, and reduced structural integrity. Some experts view algae on roof shingles as an aesthetic problem rather than a source of damage, while others point out that algae can shorten the lifespan of a roof.

If your roof shows signs of algae and your property is in northern Virginia, trust Low Cost Roofing, the roof repair specialists in Falls Church, VA, to treat algae and other threats to your roof.

Why Does Algae Develop on Shingle Roofs?

The roof’s exposure to water and sunlight provides a supportive environment for algae. Many forms of algae do better in limited sunlight, so they tend to grow on the north-facing side of roofs in the northern hemisphere. The dark color is part of the algae’s defense against bright sunlight. 

Algae can travel from wind-blown debris such as leaves and tree branches. Once they land on a damp section of the roof, algae cells proliferate until they cover the shingle surface.

What Can I Do About Algae on My Roof Shingles?

Fortunately, algae growth is easy for experienced roofing contractors to fix. Depending on your budget and the extent of algae growth, you can opt for long-term or short-term solutions.

Fight Discoloration with Household Bleach

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends using a solution of roughly equal parts bleach and water to kill algae and reduce the black stains on roof shingles. They advise against using high-pressure power washing on asphalt shingles because the force of the water can damage or dislodge the shingles.

Replace Damaged Roof Shingles

Replacing shingles, particularly asphalt shingles, eliminates discoloration and removes any damaged sections that could become a weak point in your roof. 

Installing Algae-Resistant Shingles

Copper oxide kills algae, so some manufacturers add a layer of copper oxide to their algae-resistant lines of shingles. The expense of replacing your roof shingles will be worth it if it saves you the cost of repeatedly removing coatings of algae from your shingles.

Book a Service Call for Algae Treatment and Roof Repair by Low Cost Roofing

Don't let black stains on roof shingles keep you from taking pride in your roof. For affordable roof repair and replacement in Falls Church, VA, count on Low Cost Roofing for quality materials at affordable prices. We handle commercial and residential roofing projects.