6 Common Roofing Problems and Their Solutions
Your roof is one of the most critical and yet often overlooked components of your home. It’s a silent guardian that protects you and your family, come rain, shine, or snow. However, even guardians need tending to.
In this blog post, we will explore six common roofing problems that can threaten the integrity of your shelter and provide actionable solutions to ensure your roof remains a barrier against the elements.
1. Leaks and Water Damage
Leaks can occur due to a variety of reasons. Weather damage, poor installation, or simply the natural aging of materials can all lead to water penetrating your home. The first step in resolving a leak is to identify the source.
This often involves climbing into the attic and looking for water stains on the underside of the roof. Once identified, the source can usually be found near a damaged or missing shingle, a cracked vent pipe boot, or corroded flashing around a chimney.
Solutions range from replacing individual shingles to resealing the flashing to redirecting water flow through proper guttering and downspouts.
2. Poor Installation
If your roof is prematurely aging, has missing shingles, or was installed over an existing layer without inspection, these could all be signs of a poor initial roofing job. The only remedy for a poorly installed roof is to have the work redone by a professional roofing contractor.
It’s critical to address the underlying issues, such as improper ventilation, that may have led to the poor installation in the first place. This ensures the longevity of your new roof and prevents the same problems from resurfacing.
3. Weather Damage
Sun, wind, rain, and snow all take their toll on roofing materials over time. Wind can remove shingles, rain can cause algae and moss growth, and excessive sun exposure can lead to cracking and aging.
Regular inspection of your roof after severe weather events can help you identify and address damage before it becomes a bigger issue. For example, securing loose shingles after a storm can prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof.
4. Pests and Infestations
Birds, rodents, and insects can all cause damage to your roof. They may build nests in your gutters or attic, scratch or chew through roofing materials, or cause other forms of destruction.
Regular pest control and roof inspections are necessary to keep critters at bay. Trim back any overhanging tree branches and ensure there are no gaps in your soffits or fascia where animals could enter.
If an infestation is discovered, work with a professional to remove the pests and repair any associated damage.
5. Lack of Maintenance
Failing to maintain your roof can lead to any of the above issues. Debris build-up in gutters can cause water to overflow, which can lead to leaks and structural damage.
Implement a regular maintenance schedule that includes cleaning your gutters, inspecting for damage, and trimming back any overhanging branches. This proactive approach can prevent most of the common issues that we’re discussing here, and save you from major headaches down the road.
6. Aging and Wear
If your roof is over 20 years old, you’re likely seeing signs of wear such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles, and daylight showing through the roof boards in your attic.
In the case of an aging roof, your best course of action may be a full replacement. However, there are ways to extend the life of your roof such as applying protective coatings or installing a new layer of shingles over the existing one.
