Roofs are meant to last and provide unwavering performance for an extended period before you start to notice problems. However, not all roofs are the same. Some are flat, others raised and steep, while others are asphalt and metal shingles.
Regardless of the roofing style or material you’re using, every roof type exhibits some common problems. Below, we’ll look at the six most common roofing problems you’re likely to encounter with your roof and how you can fix them.
1. Roof Leaks
Whether you live in Dyersburg or Chicago, roof leaks can be a stubborn problem. However, with committed inspection intervals, you’ll likely catch the problem early before it escalates. Some of the common places to check for roof leaks are:
- The attic: Check your attic for discoloration that indicates roof leaks and trace the source to see if your shingles are cracked or damaged. The discoloration is likely from drips from rainwater that dried up, leaving marks on your attic.
- Ceiling: Leaks can also cause stains on the ceilings in the upper part of your house, so be sure to check the ceiling for confirmation.
- Roofline or roof edge: Checking the roofline or roof edge is a quick way to confirm a roof leak because you won’t have to climb a ladder or access confined spaces. You’ll know there’s a leaking problem if the roofline is discolored or has an unsightly appearance.
Catching these signs early can save you significant repair money, regardless of where you live. Whether you’re planning residential roofing in Dyersburg or Chicago, you’ll need expert help to identify and correct roof leaks if and when they occur.
2. Overhanging Trees
While trees are a great exterior element of your home, having them too close to your roof can be problematic. Some tree limbs can hang so close to your roof, dumbing dead leaves and tree branches on your roof, which accumulate and cause trouble on the roof over time. The hanging tree limbs will also scrap and wear away your shingles, creating weak points that might allow water into your house.
In worse scenarios, harsh winds and storms can dislodge heavy tree branches, landing them right on top of your roof and causing expensive damage or even harm. Moreover, rodents and other tree-loving animals can easily access your roof or house through the trees growing next to your house. They may scratch your shingles and accumulate droppings in your gutters, causing water drainage problems.
The best solution for overhanging trees is to trim or uproot them altogether. You may plant trees at a safer distance from your house and ensure they’re regularly pruned and trimmed for a perfect appeal and to give the tree a healthy, successful growth.
3. Faulty or Incorrect Installation
Poor or faulty installation is an expensive problem any homeowner can face. Since roofing work is based on trust, many homeowners may not even recognize when there’s a problem with the installation work. Homeowners trust their roofing contractor to understand any roofing system’s nuances, leaving everything to them from start to finish.
However, a poor contractor may ignore any signs of potential future problems. While you may not experience roofing problems immediately after an installation, they will eventually come, and when they do, it might be too late for quick repair work. To avoid having to replace your entire roof due to faulty installation, ensure you carefully vet your contractor before hiring them.
4. Storm Damage
Storms are unavoidable, but when they happen, your roof always sustains most of the storm’s rage. Some storms are not as raging as others, leaving only minor hits on your roof. However, for major storms, roofs can sustain significant damages, needing expensive repair works or a replacement. Some of the most common storm-related damages that need immediate attention include:
- Gaping holes or fractures in asphalt shingles
- Dents or punctures in roofing materials
- Sagging roof deck due to accumulated snow
- Loose or missing shingles, especially after a windstorm
- Exposed underlayment of your roof
Most storm-related damage is difficult to recognize, as it requires being elevated on top of the roof or above it to spot. This is why you should schedule a professional roof inspection after a heavy storm.
5. Flashing Failures
Satellite dishes, chimneys, skylights, vents, and other irregular structures on your roof all need one thing in common during installation: flashing. A flashing system is a metal strip that surrounds the inserts to keep water from leaking into your house from the roof. However, with time, the flashing system wears and tears, losing grip of your roof and creating spaces through which rainwater can seep into your home.
For optimal performance, the flashing needs regular maintenance and inspection to ensure it remains intact throughout its installation on the roof. Call a professional roofer to replace the problem and prevent worse damage whenever you notice your flashing is degrading.
6. Ventilation Issues
Your roof plays a significant role in your home’s effective ventilation. Installing vents at the roof’s base and close to its edge enables efficient airflow in and out of your home. Warm air rises to the top, and cool air enters through the bottom. However, when your home’s ventilation isn’t working properly, it can lead to problems within and outside your home.
A poorly ventilated roof causes moisture to accumulate in the attic, leading to rising house temperatures. When not sorted out in time, the moisture accumulation in your attic can lead to sheathing damage, insulation problems, and shingle deterioration. Ice dams may also form during winter due to this ventilation problem, posing structural and safety issues.
Even if your ventilation was perfectly done during roof installation, conduct regular inspections to identify and correct issues that may cause expensive problems. Professionals may advise when changes need to be made and how soon.
While some roofing problems are inevitable, most are avoidable. By hiring an experienced roofing expert to install your roof, you save yourself from a majority of roofing problems in this list. Scheduling regular roof inspection also helps ensure any developing problems are identified on time and solved before they escalate.
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