Most homeowners neglect their roof condition until water starts to leak and drip inside. But by the time you are observing a leak, the roof is already severely compromised. In most cases, an unnoticed cracked roof often leads to a new roof. As you prepare for a roof inspection, here are the common roofing problems and how you can fix them.
Damage from Overhanging Tree Limbs
Overgrown tree branches extending to your roofing system can be a big problem. Low-hanging tree limbs often scrape, wearing away shingles, which leads to leaks. Debris and leaves gather in the gutters and on the roof, creating water ponds and causing water to drain over the eavestroughs. The worst scenario is when a storm dislodges a tree branch, making it fall directly on the roof. The solution here is to engage a tree trimming service and initiate a tree management plan. If damage has already occurred, engage a professional roofer.
Faulty Roof Installations
If you recently installed a new roof but are already noticing droughts or leaks, the installation might have been defective. For instance, high winds can blow away improperly fixed tiles, creating room for water infiltration. The best thing to do in such a case is to call back the company and let them re-inspect the roof. A reputable company will fix the issue for free if they are at fault.
Wear and Tear
While every homeowner might want their roofs to last forever, that is not always the case. Tiles, shingles, metals, and other roofs have a shelf life and require a replacement once they get to the end of their life cycle.
You might be doing all you can to keep up with your roof’s maintenance schedule, but it reaches a point where the most cost-effective solution is to replace the entire roof. If your roof has lasted more than 20 years, it might be time to call residential roofing experts serving southwest Florida to help you upgrade to new roofing materials that can withstand class 4 weather and class A fire.
Poor ventilation
Your roof needs to breathe as well. That is why there are vents to help keep the attic cool and dry. Proper air circulation helps regulate temperature and moisture in the roof, hindering mildew build-up and other issues.
A poorly ventilated roof can cause damp, moist air to accumulate in the attic, causing your roof decking and trusses to become spongy and result in a sagging roof over time. If wood rot has already set in, the only viable solution is to reap off the entire roof, including the trusses. Consider installing vents at roof edges, gables, and ridges to promote maximum ventilation in the home.
Membrane Shrinkage
Roof tiles have a protective membrane beneath them that can start to shrink if exposed to UV light. If you notice that your roof shingles are pulling from the roofing system, that could be another sign that your membrane is shrinking.
One effective way to prevent membrane shrinkage is proper roof maintenance, which includes promptly replacing damaged or missing tiles and shingles. If you think your roof membrane has already shrunk or is shrinking, getting a professional assessment is the best step to take. An already shrunk membrane calls for a replacement. Keep in mind that not all roof membrane materials shrink. It’s important to ensure that your roofer uses quality materials to avoid this problem.
Even though these common roofing problems happen, they are avoidable. First, ensure you get professional roofers with years of experience to install your roof. Also, develop an ongoing roof inspection and maintenance routine to fix issues as they arise.
Image from Tan2 on Pixabay
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