Your home's roof is a critical structural element, protecting your family from the elements. At first glance, the answer to the question, "Is it normal to see daylight through my roof?" would seem to be a resounding "no." That said, while a large hole is certainly a concern, some daylight streaming into your attic does not automatically mean you need a new roof.
Douglas Construction, the leading provider of expert roof replacement in Atlanta, can help you determine whether you need a professional roofer to make repairs.
Streams of daylight coming into the attic seems concerning, but sometimes it's normal, and no reason for alarm. Some of the places where it's normal to see light from outside include:
These areas are part of the roof's design and allow fresh air into your home. Although they should not allow water or significant daylight into the attic, they can sustain damage. Roofing contractors include vents in roofing inspections to ensure they work as they should.
Although the answer to "Is it normal to see daylight through my roof?" is sometimes yes, it's more likely that unexpected light is a red flag indicating you need help from a professional roofer. You should not see daylight around:
Seeing the Georgia sun shining through these areas means that water can also enter the attic. In most cases, replacing the flashing around these spots on the roof surface or another minor repair can solve the problem,
If you see daylight coming through the roof boards, also known as roof decking, your roof needs immediate repair. You should never see daylight through the roof boards, as that indicates damage to the boards themselves, the waterproofing materials, and the shingles. Essentially, it means there is a hole in the roof.
In most cases, daylight coming through the roof boards means you need a total roof replacement. If you can see the sky, the hole will allow water into your attic, causing additional problems during the next Atlanta rainstorm.
Unless you go into the attic frequently, you may not notice the light coming through the roof until problems appear elsewhere, like a puddle of water on the hallway floor. That's why annual maintenance inspections for an honest assessment of your roof's condition are so important. A professional roofer can identify common roofing problems and recommend solutions before they cause costly damage.
If you suspect a problem with your roof or have more questions like "Is it normal to see daylight through my roof?" get in touch with the experts from Douglas Construction. Their experienced team can explain the common causes of roof leaks, and if your roof needs work, provide high-quality repairs that protect your Atlanta home for years.
