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Living in Los Angeles means we often breathe a sigh of relief when the winter rains finally stop. We assume that if we did not see water dripping into our living room or spot a stain on the ceiling, our roof survived the season unscathed. However, this is a dangerous misconception that can lead to expensive repairs down the road. The period immediately following the rainy season is actually the most critical time to perform a roof audit because your roof waterproofing system has just been put to the ultimate test.
Hidden damage often occurs deep within the layers of the roofing structure where it remains invisible to the untrained eye until the summer heat turns minor moisture issues into major rot. In this post, we will guide you through the essential steps to audit your roof waterproofing and ensure your home is ready for the year ahead.
Key Takeaways
- A lack of ceiling leaks does not guarantee your roof is healthy so a visual audit is necessary.
- You must inspect your gutters for granule loss because this indicates your shingles are losing their protective UV coating.
- It is vital to check the sealant around flashing and vents because temperature shifts can cause cracks that let moisture in.
- Flat roof owners need to ensure water drains within two days to prevent the membrane from deteriorating.
- Any blistering or bubbling on the roof surface is a sure sign that moisture is trapped underneath and requires immediate professional attention.
Check Your Gutters for Granule Loss
The first place you need to look during your post winter audit is not actually up on the roof but inside your gutters. You should look for an accumulation of small granules that look like sand.
These granules are the protective armor of your asphalt shingles. If the heavy winter rains have washed a significant amount of these granules into your gutters, it means your shingles are aging.
This often means the fiberglass mat underneath is now exposed to the sun. Once this protective layer is gone, the UV rays will rapidly deteriorate the roof. Finding these granules is a clear signal that you need to clean your gutters and plan for maintenance before the next wet season.
Inspect Flashing and Sealants
You must also pay close attention to the metal flashing around your chimney, vents, and skylights. These metal pieces are responsible for sealing the most vulnerable joints of your roof.
During the winter, the temperature fluctuates between cold rain and warmer sunny days. This constant change causes the metal to expand and contract.
Eventually, this movement can cause the sealant or caulking to crack and pull away from the roof. Even a hairline crack in the flashing sealant is enough to allow water to seep into the underlayment. This trapped moisture can sit there for months and slowly rot the wood decking without ever showing a leak inside the house.
Look for Ponding Water on Flat Roofs
For homeowners with flat roofs, the most important thing to check for is ponding water. It is generally acceptable for water to sit on a flat roof for a short time after a storm.
However, the water should evaporate or drain away within forty eight hours. If you see standing water that remains for several days, it indicates that your drainage system is clogged or the roof structure has sagged.
This standing water acts like a magnifying glass for the sun and will burn through your waterproofing membrane much faster than dry areas. Addressing drainage issues immediately is the only way to prevent premature failure of the entire roof system.
Identify Blistering on the Roof Surface
Finally, you should look for signs of blistering on the roof surface. Blisters look like bubbles or raised bumps on your shingles or flat roof membrane.
These occur when moisture has already penetrated the waterproofing layer and is trapped underneath. As the sun heats the roof, that trapped water turns into vapor and expands.
This pressure pushes the roofing material up and creates a bubble. If you see blisters, it means your waterproofing seal has already been compromised. Ignored blisters will eventually pop and create an open pathway for water to enter your home during the next storm.
Performing a post winter roof audit is the best way to catch waterproofing failures before they become expensive structural problems. By checking for granule loss, inspecting flashing seals, and monitoring for ponding water, you can extend the life of your roof significantly.
If you spot any of these warning signs, do not wait for the next storm to act. Contact LA Roofing Materials today for expert advice and supplies to keep your home dry and secure.
FAQs
1. How often should I check my roof waterproofing?
You should perform a visual inspection at least twice a year. We recommend checking once before the rainy season begins and once immediately after it ends to catch any storm damage.
2. Can I perform a roof audit from the ground?
Yes, you can spot many issues like missing shingles or heavy granule loss in the gutters from the ground using binoculars. However, a close inspection is always more thorough.
3. What does a roof blister look like?
A blister looks like a bubble or a raised bump on the surface of the shingle or flat roof membrane. It is usually caused by trapped moisture expanding in the heat.
4. Does a dry ceiling mean my roof is fine?
No. Water can be trapped in the underlayment or insulation causing rot and structural damage for months before it ever soaks through to your ceiling.
5. What is the best way to fix ponding water?
You can fix ponding water by clearing clogged drains or installing crickets to divert water flow. In some cases, ensuring your flat roof has a slight pitch toward the scuppers is necessary.