4. Gutters, Fascia and Soffits
Gutters, fascia and soffits work together to direct water off your roof. As they often see a steady flow of water, they are a prime spot for leaks.
While the components can wear out over time (10 to 15 years in some cases), the most common cause of leaks in these areas is lack of maintenance.
Clogged gutters, in particular, are frequently the culprit. Clean your gutters at least twice a year and watch for cracks and other damage in your fascia and soffits.
5. Old, Damaged Vent Pipes and Chimney Flashing
Vent pipes and chimneys create holes in your roof, and no matter how well they are sealed, they can leak. During your mold inspection, check for cracked rubber, loose fasteners and rusty attachments or nails.
Chimney caps can also be an issue. If your chimney cap is damaged or blew off during a storm, rainwater can flow freely into your home.
6. Roof Add-ons
Anything that creates a gap in your roofing creates an increased risk of leaks — and that includes skylights. During your mold inspection, check your roof add-ons, such as skylights, for problems.
Skylights are especially concerning because they create a large opening with glass rather than just a small pipe or vent. This leaves them vulnerable to even more problems.
Common skylight problems include:
Preventing Mold Growth
It is arguably impossible — according to the Environmental Protection Agency — to get rid of mold spores in your home.
What you can do is ensure that those spores don’t have the moisture they need to spread. That means doing everything you can to prevent roof leaks and catching them early if they do occur.
James Brandon is a roofing specialist and owner of Hometown Roofing ATX.
