A roof acts as a safe cover that will always be there to protect your home and everything in it. We sometimes overlook our home’s roof and forget the need to look after it and protect it from damage that can accumulate over time. Most of the time, your roof’s damage is out of your control and is caused by issues such as time, weather, or other environmental elements. A damaged roof can cause significant physical and financial problems for your family and damage signs should not be ignored.
Familiarizing yourself with some of the most common causes of roof problems is important and ensures you are aware of what to look for. By checking your roof on a timely basis and learning ways to properly care for it, you are likely to prevent significant issues from developing and will know if the issue at hand is more suitable for a specialist to take care of.
5 Common Causes of Roof Damage
1. The Age of Your Roof
Just like anything, a roof can experience wear and tear over time that can lead to problem areas such as leaks, rotting or cracking. A roof that is over 20 to 30 years old can be at serious risk of being subject to severe damage from outside elements, leading to missing shingles or granules, moss accumulation, and dark spots. If physically checking your roof is not an option for you, try inspecting it from the interior of your home through the attic. Doing so can help you see any signs of wear such as sagging areas or daylight coming through the boards.
Do You Walk on Your Roof?
One way a homeowner can damage their own roof is by walking on it. A roof can become punctured if it undergoes constant heavy traffic and is not protected by walk pads. Dropping heavy objects on the roof can also be a danger to your roof’s structure and cause a few shingles to rip out if you are not careful.
2. Weather Conditions
Strong weather conditions can be one of the biggest causes of severe damage to your roof. Because your roof is the first line of defense for your home, your roof can be more susceptible to harsh winds, rain or ice.
Strong rain/hail: When it rains or hails, damage is likely to occur because of the strong continuous impact it can have on your roof. This can weaken your roof’s shingle coating, leading to unprotected spots on your roof. This allows for moisture to seep in, shortening the lifespan of your roof.
Excessive wind: Strong winds can cause your roof’s shingles to rip up and blow away. Because of this, it is important for you to check for stray shingles after a storm to see if you need to get your roof inspected for weak spots. Harsh and violent winds from tornados or hurricanes can potentially demolish an entire roof to where you may have to get an entirely new roof altogether.
Ice/snow: If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, it is important to look out for snow build up and ice. Snow can accumulate in your drains or gutters, and potentially lead to water seeping into your home.
3. Debris
The collection of debris on your roof is not only at risk of damage but also at risk of causing a fire hazard if not removed properly. Certain types of debris such as tree branches can potentially fall on your roof due to strong weather or old age. Regularly trimming overhanging branches can help prevent them from falling directly on your roof or cluttering your gutter. If not cleaned regularly, large amounts of dead leaves and twigs can build up and begin to accumulate moisture. In turn, this can produce organic growth that can be damaging your roof.
4. Critters
Outside insects or animals can contribute to damaging your roof by starting as a small problem and later on becoming a larger issue. Birds, raccoons, squirrels, termites, and mice are just a few of the common animals to look out for that can dismantle your roof, attic, vent covers or shingles.
Detecting little holes or chips to your home early on can be key to calling an exterminator before permanent damage can take place. Roof maintenance experts can also help you catch problems caused by animals before they can get out of hand.
5. Neglect
Putting off roof repairs to save time and money can only benefit you for a short period of time but eventually lead to long-term effects that homeowners often do not consider. Maintenance is instrumental for a roof when it comes to looking for any failures or damage that needs to be repaired in a short amount of time. Neglecting your roof can lead to leaks, increased repair costs, water damage and a potential decrease in property value if problems create mold or water stains.
How We Can Help
Here at Preferred Contractors, we offer roofing repair and installation services to provide your home with a long lasting roof and high quality service to offer you peace of mind. Our team of experts are certified to properly assess any roofing issues you may have and point out any worn and damaged areas that need to be fixed in a timely manner. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your roofing needs.