The roof is one of the fundamental parts of a property. However, many homeowners and property managers tend to overlook the need for proper care and maintenance. There are numerous benefits of regular roof maintenance. First, it ensures weather protection. If a roof is in poor condition, it may leave your house prone to considerable weather damage.
A well-maintained roof will protect your property from harsh weather conditions and other external elements. If you are looking for a way to lower your energy bills, consider regular roof maintenance. This is because it provides effective insulation and proper ventilation, which helps to keep indoor temperatures steady.
As a result, your house will be more comfortable and reduce your energy bills. A healthy roof is also an effective way of preventing serious issues in the long run. Roofing contractors can spot minor issues and rectify them before they worsen and become costlier to fix. Additionally, you can boost your property’s curb appeal by ensuring regular roof maintenance.
A damaged roof in your home detracts from its overall appearance, as it’s one of the most prominent features. According to experts, a well-maintained roof is a proven way of improving home value. You may also have a hard time selling your property, as prospective buyers are wary of buying houses with damaged roofs. The following are the five most common roof problems:
Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles are common due to major storms or other harsh weather conditions. A damaged roof increases the chances of leaking, harming the other parts in a property, and increasing repair costs.
One of the most common causes of damaged shingles is hail. Usually, hail may bounce harmlessly off a property. However, large chunks are likely to cause massive damages. In some cases, small hail can also cause damages by removing the granules on the top of shingles. If that happens, it becomes prone to damages by the rain and sun.
Driving rain is also a common culprit. This is because a combination of the wind and rain can lift and weaken roof shingles. If that happens, your roof will be exposed, which may allow the rain to enter your house and cause damages. One of the signs of the problem is mold growth and rotting. If you notice some damages to your shingles, ensure you contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.
Roof Leaks
Leaking is a common problem in many homes. One of the common culprits for the problem is plumbing penetrations. Contractors are aware that running a pipe through a roof is like drilling a hole in a boat and sealing it using a rubber plug. However, it is necessary.
Some of the common penetrations include ventilation fan ducts and attic ventilation. Cracked rubber boots near piping work can cause leaks. Flashing is a thin metal strip for covering a seam. If the flashing is damaged, you will start noticing some roof leaks.
The strips are installed at all valleys where different planes meet, or the roof meets the walls. Skylights are popular among many builders, as they help to bring light into a house. If you find some water around the downhill side of a skylight, chances are it is causing leakages.
In some cases, leaks occur due to a chimney. This is because chimney stacks create holes in a roof and collect water on their surface. If that happens, the water may start trickling down and get into the smallest holes. Failed flashing is a common cause of chimney-related leaks.
Ice and Snow Damage
Ice and snow are common during the winter, and they are common causes of roof damage. When they build up on the roof, they cause condensation that can increase gradually inside the attic. This causes the rotting of the wood in the attic area and other structural problems, which may be costly to fix.
If the wood falls apart, it can cause the ceiling to cave in. If warm air comes into contact with colder air, frost is formed, and condensation will occur. If you have already noticed high humidity levels in your home, the situation may worsen with time. Ensure you monitor the humidity to make sure it stays at a reasonable level.
Some of the common indications of condensation buildup include drooping ceilings or water leaks. Other signs include creaking sounds and jammed doors. Ice and snow are also known to be major causes of stress to roofs. If there is heavy snow on the roof, the extra weight may lead to stress, and your roof may cave in.
Ponding Water
The term refers to water that remains on a roof for longer than 48 hours after rain. The problem is common in flat roofs. It causes leaks and reduces the performance of the membranes. As a result, ponding water is often an exclusion in many roofing materials’ warranties.
Ponding water on flat roofs is usually caused by improper drainage. The design and structure of a roof can also increase the chances of ponding water. This is a serious problem and cannot be solved by simply cleaning the drains. Improper installation and inadequate roof size can lead to severe ponding water issues.
Another common cause of ponding water is saturated roof insulation. Many flat roof insulation are sensitive to water and can easily deteriorate when wet. When the insulation starts dissolving and losing its shape, water ponds in the indentation. The more the water stands on a flat roof, the higher the chances of leaks.
Roof Punctures
A roof puncture is an emergency and can expose a roof to leaks, resulting in damage to your property’s contents. There are many potential causes of roof punctures. One of the most common problems is foot traffic. Walking on your roof regularly can lead to punctures.
Your weight can damage the roof shingles and the membrane. The risk of damages is high if you walk on delicate parts. An aging roof is likely to experience punctures than a new one. Another common culprit is tree damages if the branches fall on the roof.