A roof is an essential part of a home that protects you from direct sunlight, wind, snow, and other natural elements. However, it can only last as long as it should when it is properly taken care of. Over the years, you will encounter some minor or major problems on your roof that need to be addressed sooner than later. This article discusses some of the common problems you may encounter on your roof and their solutions to keep your maintenance costs at a minimum.
- Water Damage
Standing water can cause a serious problem to the structural integrity of your roof when it stays longer than 2 days after heavy rain. It gets soaked into weak areas or small penetrations on the roof affecting its structure and lifespan.
Over time, you may experience mold growth on certain areas of the roof and leaks inside your home. A professional roofer may recommend installing additional drains, redirecting water, or re-patching the roof. Patching it temporarily with plaster or pumps can help if you cannot afford full-on repairs.
- Loose or Missing Shingles
Missing or loose shingles not only affect the overall appearance of your roof but also create weak spots that could weaken the entire structure. Some of the reasons why your roofing shingles could be loose, broken, or missing are due to heavy rains, strong winds, or falling twigs and branches. First, you need to assess the extent of damage to know the number of shingles that need to be replaced. You can replace each shingle separately or an entire section based on the extent of the damage.
- Moss, Mold, and Mildew
You can encounter a mold growth problem on your roof if certain areas of the roof are partially shaded or are not exposed to sunlight. Another reason could be standing water or cracks on the roof that pack moisture. Moss, mold, or mildew can get under shingles over time and break their seal, causing leaks and decay. The best way to deal with this problem is to get rid of all moisture by repairing any cracks or imperfections on the roof. First, you will have to wash it down thoroughly to assess the problem.
- Defective/Clogged Gutters
Gutters can cause potential problems on your roof if not properly maintained. This often happens when the downspout clogs, causing the gutter to back up. As time goes by, vegetation starts growing in the gutter damaging the fascia and rafter tails. It is good practice to clean and inspect your gutters regularly, especially if you live in wet regions. You should also consider replacing your gutters and downspouts if they are old.
- Poor Installation
If poorly qualified or inexperienced roofers installed your roof, you can end up spending a lot of money on endless repairs in the long run. Not only is this time-consuming but also costly when you think of the amount of money invested in the project. It is crucial to do thorough research on the best roofers in the area and see their quality of work before signing a contract with them. The sales representative may be knowledgeable about the roofing materials but the team may not do their job correctly.
- Damage from Falling Trees or Branches
Strong winds or heavy storms can cause branches or trees to fall on your roof. Falling leaves and debris can also clog the gutters and downspouts causing leaks and mold growth. Trimming hanging branches or cutting down trees that are hanging loose or can fall at any time will help protect the structural integrity of your roof. Taking care of the growing problem beforehand is the best solution because you never know when it will fall.
- Poor Maintenance or Neglect
Performing regular checks and maintenance on your roof is very crucial. It helps protect your investment by extending its lifespan and preventing unnecessary repairs. Ignoring simple routine maintenance could cost you a lot in the long run because small issues can grow into large problems over a short period when they go unnoticed. The best solution to this problem would be to schedule a professional roof inspection at least once a year to keep it in good condition.
It is important to take proper care of your roof as it shields you from natural elements all year round. Identifying these problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run since they can be easily repaired. It is also a good idea to hire a professional roofer to help with the repairs as they have the right skills and years of experience to deal with many roofing problems.