Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/21/2014 -- The roof of a home is the one place that many homeowners fail to think about. Over time, even the sturdiest of roofs can begin to break down leading to disastrous problems if unchecked. Homeowners must learn the signs of roof problems early on and have them taken care of before the problems become severe.

Broken Shingles

Shingles take a lot of abuse from Mother Nature and over time small pieces may break off. Replace them right away. Rain water may not be getting into the house now, but eventually the shingle will wear down to where water can get inside the house. It’s much easier to replace a shingle than an entire section of roofing because a problem was allowed to worsen.

Loose or Missing Shingles

The most obvious roof problem is loose and missing shingles. Shingles that are old or have not been adhered properly may loosen and during strong winds come off the house. If the homeowner notices shingles moving in the wind or if there are spaces where shingles are missing, then they will need to be replaced right away. Shingles not only provide cover for the home, but keep water from seeping into the ceiling. When shingles are loose or missing, it increases the chances of water getting inside.

Standing Water

Most roofs are slanted so when it rains, the water simply runs down into the gutters and onto the ground. If a homeowner sees standing water on the roof, then it means either the gutters are full or there is an area on the roof that isn’t draining properly. Check the gutters for debris and run water down them to make sure it drains. If not, then the gutters need to be cleaned out. There are places on a roof that may make it difficult to drain such as behind chimneys. Homeowners should check behind these areas for standing water. Standing water, can weaken the adhesive for the shingles and create seepage as there is nowhere else for the water to go.

Leakage and Discoloration

It may start as a discoloration of the ceiling and then the homeowner will notice the sound of dripping water. By that time the roofing problem has developed into a leak, it’s pretty far advanced. Where the leak is happening, doesn’t mean above it is where the roofing problem is located. The leaks can travel quite a distance before finally dripping on the area of the ceiling. A leaky roof should be taken care of right away. Water can rot the wood joints in the ceilings as well as the plywood underneath the shingles.

About Reiter Roofing
The company has a fantastic reputation due to great service, quality work, and reasonable prices. Developing a following of customers that have used services for many years. Loyal customers include; realtors, contractors, shopping centers, commercial maintenance accounts, synagogues, churches, management companies, and of course homeowners that trust Reiter roofing www.reiteroofing.com to take care of a place called home.