The Most Common Roofing Problems
Your roof is the part of your home that is taken for granted the most. Roofs are usually neglected and forgotten about until minor damages that went unnoticed become major problems that can’t be ignored. By the time roofing problems are visible, they may have already caused a bunch of other issues.
Your roof protects not just one of your major investments, but you and your family as well. We will walk through common roof problems and how you can fix them.
Roof Leaks
It’s probably the single most common roofing problem facing homeowners. From cracked flashing (those thin, weatherproofed pieces of metal that are designed to keep water out) to broken shingles, tiles or slate there are nearly as many causes as there are roofs.
Mostly, you’ll find leaks near the chimney, around gutters, at flashing points, and close to vents or pipes.
The leak is usually located several feet away from the penetration, and the best way to track by checking the attic. Go to the attic with a flashlight and check for water stains, mold, or black marks. Once you start seeing water spots indoors, it is time to call in a roofing expert.
Broken or Missing Shingles
If parts of shingles are randomly showing up in your yard or you have noticed dark areas on your roof where a shingle used to be, it is an easy problem to fix if you catch it early. Missing shingles are usually caused due to the sealant that keeps the underside attached to your roof wearing off.
When the sealant strip becomes damaged, either by rodents or weather, your shingles will start to peel off. They may break in parts that you’ll find dispersed in your yard, or they may come off in one piece.
Depending on the age of your roof, shingles may start tearing off, which should be expected.
This is an easy problem to fix – all you have to do is replace the shingle. Some stores even sell single shingles if that’s what you need, or you can get a box and replace several that seem to cause problems. If you’re a handyman, you can replace the shingles yourself.
Damaged Flashing
To keep water out, flashing is installed to seal areas around vent pipes, skylights, HVAC systems, and chimneys. If the flashing is damaged or poorly installed, it can become detached and lead to leaks. Temperature changes cause even greater expansion and contraction of roof flashings, which makes it all the more important that they are installed correctly. Even in good installations, roof flashing can rust or become damaged, or the sealant can dry up and crack.
Snow and Ice Damage
Over the years, snow and ice can cause significant damage on almost any roof. That’s because ice and snow melt into water, which eventually gets underneath your shingles. If it refreezes, the ice underneath your roof can push up against the flashing or shingles and even lift them, leaving gaps through which even more ice or water can enter.
The only way to ensure that winter conditions aren’t permanently damaging your roof is to schedule routine spring and fall inspection and maintenance so you won’t be stuck in a situation that demands emergency roof repair.
Tree Damage
One of the most common roof problems homeowners face is damage from falling branches.
You may think that only large branches would damage your roof, but when smaller branches come in contact with your roof and rub against it for a prolonged period, they erode the top layer of the roof.
The solution here is to trim your tree branches when they reach the roof.
Clogged Gutters
If your gutters are clogged, water might be backing up into the system, which might eventually seep into the eaves and can lead to rot. Preventing such damage involves routinely checking your gutters for debris, as well as broken parts. Installing screens on the gutter openings also prevents twigs and leaves from getting into your system.
It is recommended to clean your gutters twice a year. Check out our how to guide here.
Poor Installation
Installing a new roof can be one of the most expensive home renovations you will ever have to do. When it’s done right, your roof will last you a long time. Improper installation or repairs, trying to fix roof problems on your own, or hiring a contractor who uses inferior materials can cause serious damage to your roof.
Choosing inexperienced roofing specialists can cost you money in the long run. In fact, poorly installed roofs remain one of the most common reasons for long-term complications and short life expectancy and mold.
Our team is highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable. Whether you need residential or commercial roof installation, we do the job right the first time so you don’t face costly repairs down the road.
