As a homeowner, taking care of your roof is essential and is a task that you must complete on a regular basis. It is easy to overlook and ignore the needs of your roofing since it is not something you look at and worry about everyday. Furthermore, far too many homeowners believe that they will be able to detect an issue with their roofs with ease, which is simply not the case oftentimes. Even specialists might make mistakes when it comes to detecting possible roofing issues. To have a better grasp of what to look for when it comes to your roofing repair requirements, you need knowledge, expertise, and hands-on experience. However, spotting this type of damage early is critical to preserving the integrity of the structure of your roof. So, here are 10 most common problems that will signify that you need a roof repair.
Not Enough Maintenance
It is ideal that you should plan an annual roofing check. You must also plan to have a professional examination performed after any major storms to make sure that your roof has not suffered from severe damages and such. Many things may go wrong with your roof over time for various reasons. For instance, mildew, sagging, or huge holes are frequently obvious signs of a neglected roof. With that being, you must stay on top of ensuring the safety of it on a regular basis both by yourself and with professional help.
Insufficient Repairs
This is one of the most serious problems because not only is the homeowner’s roof not fully fixed, but their money has also been wasted. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to avoid it other than hiring a reliable contractor. Too many dodgy contractors take shortcuts when doing their job since they will still be paid when their duty is completed and it will be a long time before anybody finds out what they did. That is why it is important to do some research about the potential contractors that you plan on hiring. You must look at reviews online and ask locally to get some recommendations on who is really qualified for completing the job you have to offer.
Ventilation
Roof and attic air circulation is an essential aspect of making a roof survive for as long as possible. Ventilation happens naturally when outlets are located at the base of the roof and towards the top of the roof so that warm air can go via the top and cold air can be sucked through the bottom. Because warm air naturally rises, no motorised technique is required to generate this air movement. Proper ventilation controls the temperature and moisture concentrations in the attic. Heat and moisture may accumulate if left uncontrolled, causing damage to beams, framing, roofing tiles, insulation, and boosting energy expenses, as well as some unsightly mould and mildew problems.
Exterior Damages Due to Harsh Weather Conditions
Damages caused by storms can occur in any season, including summer, spring, winter, and fall. No matter the severity of the storm, hail, rain, strong winds, lightning, and even broken branches can all cause significant roofing damage. Following any weather-related incidents, it is best to have your roof evaluated for any damages because it is best to catch them sooner than later, since they could get worse over time. The time frame for submitting an insurance claim is limited, and you do not want to be forced to pay for these losses out of your own money.
Leakage
If you have a leak in your roof, no matter how bad it is, you have a problem that must be fixed right away. Your roofing is designed to function similarly like a container cover. This lid’s purpose is to keep everything inside dry and not touched by the exterior conditions. Once a leak has compromised that, all you can hope for is for it to be repaired in time to limit the damage. Leaks can occur for a variety of causes; the key is finding them in time and conducting repairs and cleanup in a timely manner.
Moisture Build-Up
Although moisture is often not a concern in the absence of a leak, this is not always the situation. However, accumulated moisture will cause difficulties, especially if allowed to fester over time. Moisture will breed mould and mildew, which will eventually cause rot and no homeowner would want that in their house. Rot will not only damage parts of your house, but it will also make your living area smell. The worst thing is that it can grow into a bigger problem if it starts to enter into the walls and threaten the house’s structure.
Bad Installation
Some professional roofing contractors who claim that they are qualified for the job, may be out for a fast buck and do a poor job on your roof. Worse, someone who is completely unqualified for this sort of work may take the position. A problem might take years to identify, but once it causes problems, it is usually too late for a rapid repair. You will very certainly need to replace the roof entirely. As mentioned before, you must do your research before hiring any contractor to ensure that you and your house receive the best results.
Trees
Overhanging tree branches can potentially abrade the face of the shingles and wear away the protected top layer of your roof. Branches that fall on the roof might cause much more significant harm. Tree limbs should be pruned back as far as possible from the roof in order to reassure your roof’s safety. If a tree is close enough to threaten your property and nothing can be done to fix this problem, then it should be removed.
Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing is the material that closes the sections of your roof that have been pierced, such as the vent pipes, skylights, chimneys, and heating and cooling systems. When flashing is improperly bonded and placed, it can result in exposed seams and laps, eventually causing tiles to fly off, which is definitely something you do not want to happen. Inadequately placed flashing can also impair the resilience of your roof to punctures.
Critters
Small bugs, birds and insects all pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home’s roofing because they can all cause significant damage. It is recommended that you regularly check for them in order to prevent an infestation. If you begin to notice them in your home, it is best to evict them before they begin to spread even more.
It is your job as a homeowner to take care of every part of your property, most especially your roof. There are many things that may pose a threat to the structural integrity of your roofing. Some of these include poor maintenance, repairs and installation, insufficient ventilation, harsh weather conditions, moisture, leakage, trees and critters. No matter what the problem may be, it is important that you take care of it right away and call a roofing contractor before it gets worse and unfixable. Not only will you save your home if you do so, but you will also save your time and money.
