Any Jacksonville roof contractor will state the importance of maintaining a roof as it is the most essential protective component of any home. However, roofs are often overlooked and taken for granted. They tend to not get fixed or repaired until it is too late, causing homeowners to pay hundreds of dollars to a Jacksonville roofer to get it repaired. One of the primary causes of damage to a roof is rotten wood. While wood is an extremely durable material, able to withstand the test of time, it can still just as easily become rotten and collapse. The wood becomes rotten as water begins to penetrate it, causing mold and mildew to form, which eats away at the wood.

Rotting wood is one of the worst things to happen to a roof. When the wood is probed, it is actually very soft to the touch, almost spongy. A small steel rod could easily push holes through the wood. One of the biggest warning signs that wood is rotting along the roof is leaks in the home. Algae growth is another warning sign as the buildup of algae is a good indicator that the wood on the roof is becoming rotten. Algae can continue to grow for years and years and is difficult to remove. Mold is another primary warning sign. While difficult to detect, if found in the attic of a home, it is extremely likely that the wood is beginning to rot, causing leaks that create the mold. Mold is an extremely serious health risk and can impact the entire structure of a home. The biggest warning sign, however, is the creation of rotten rafters. The rot eats through the roof and starts to hit the structure of the home, including the rafters in the ceiling. As the ceiling rafters begin to succumb to the rot, the ceiling becomes damaged as well, including leaks, cracks, and the formation of mold.

To locate the area where the roof is rotting, homeowners need to first remove the shingles in the area and locate the rotting wood. Because the wood is soft and not stable, individuals need to be extremely careful as they can easily fall right through. Once the location is found, there are a number of DIY articles on how to fix rotten wood. However, if the area is much larger than originally thought, and/or the rot has started to really eat away at the rafters and cause additional problems, it is beneficial to call in the assistance of a Jacksonville roof contractor to fix the roof. They will ensure that the roof is fixed and all rotten wood is removed.

To prevent wood from becoming rotten and having to replace it, have an annual roof inspection done by a Jacksonville roofer. They will do a complete evaluation of the roof and identify any locations where wood may be starting to rot and possibly needs to be replaced. A professional, reputable roofer will also check interior spaces, such as attics and ceiling joints, for any water damage that is causing further wood to begin to rot. Regular inspections are the best thing to diminish these warning signs that there is rotten wood on a roof that needs to be replaced. If homeowners see any of the possible warning signs of rotten wood, they should do something about it immediately instead of letting it wait and cause further damage. The last thing a person will want to do is have to replace their entire roof as the rot has spread throughout the entire roof as well as ceiling rafters.