5 Common Roof Problems Every Homeowner Should Know About
Many American homeowners tend to forget or neglect the state of their roofing. After all, out of sight, out of mind, right? We tend to assume that we can easily spot an issue with the roofing. But this is not possible unless you are genuinely keen on the symptoms.
There are many clues to reveal roof damage; lookout for loose, damaged, or missing shingles, mold growth, and accumulation of other debris forcing moisture into your roofing. To get a high-quality roof get an expert that has 100 years of experience in roofing.
Detecting a roofing problem early enough is crucial to saving the structural integrity of your roof and saving on roofing repair costs while at it. One effective way to enhance the durability and waterproofing capabilities of your roof is by using sealants. Waterproof silicone sealants can provide a protective barrier against moisture and prevent leaks from developing in vulnerable areas such as around flashing, chimneys, and vents. By applying waterproof silicone sealants during the installation or maintenance process, you can significantly increase the longevity of your roofing system and ensure its resistance to water damage. As a result of taking this proactive approach, your property is not only protected from potential damages caused by water, but it is also likely to save money in the long run on costly roof repairs and replacements.
The following are the most common problems you can expect from a reputable roofing company like Unified Roofing.
1. Damage From Trees
Overhanging tree limbs often rub on a roof which can abrade the surface of the shingles and wear away the top layer. Other times, branches may fall on your roof, which could cause far more severe damage. Ensure all tree limbs are trimmed as away from your roofing system as possible. If a tree is so close that it poses a threat to your home, have it removed.
2. Poor Roof installation
A critical factor that determines a roofing’s longevity is its installation. A poorly installed roofing system is most likely to get damaged and require a complete replacement sooner than it would be, had it been installed correctly.
Chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and other features penetrating your roof require flashing installation. When the flashing is poorly installed, the seal around such components is inadequate, meaning it will allow moisture to slip into places it should not, causing leaks and other issues.
3. Constant Roof leaks
One of the most common concerns property owners face is a leaking roof. The most common areas with leaks include:
- Near gutters
- Near pipes and vents
- Around flashing
- Under damaged shingles
- By the chimney
- In low spots
Roof leaking is way more severe than many understand. If your ceiling has leaks or wet spots when it rains, you should address it urgently.
4. Damage from Animals
Small animals like insects and birds are responsible for surprising damage to roofing systems. Some even dig and drill into your roof, leaving the roof with holes and pictures. Evict any animals that visit or try to stay on your roof before they get a foothold.
5. Damaging Pooled water
Ponding water is often a result of a poorly designed roof. Sagging roofs, flat roofs, and those with weak structures and drains will most likely have pooled water. Any water that stays on your roof for over48 hours can deteriorate your roofing and even result in structural damage.
Pooled water may result from clogged drains, heavy rain, or even roof design. Design-related pooled water is quite unfortunate since you might have to redesign your roof; however, other causes like clogged drains can easily be fixed.
Protect Your Residential Roofing System
Ultimately, the best way to prevent avoidable problems in your roofing system is to contact a reputable roofing company like Unified Roofing. From the onset, we will guide you on what to look out for and conduct regular maintenance checks, helping you avoid further damage.
