Your roof is an integral part of your home. It protects you from the elements while also adding beauty to your property. This constant exposure to environmental phenomena means it is liable to develop problems or damage. You will encounter many types of roofing problems while owning your property. Some of these problems can be prevented by learning their causes and implementing measures to avoid them. In this guide, we will explore some of the most common roofing problems and what typically leads to their causes.
Leaking Roofs
This is the most common Roofing issue you will encounter as a homeowner. The downside is that there are multiple reasons why your roof could be leaking. Mitigating one or more of these reasons will decrease the occurrence of leaks. Compromised seals around the vents or chimneys could lead to roofing leaks, which only applies to homes with chimneys.
Missing or damaged singles are also a significant factor that causes roof leakage. Poor installation of Roofing tiles could also lead to leaks, so you should only use licensed and certified contractors with experience for your roofing installations. When leaks occur, examine them thoroughly to determine if you need professional help or if it is something you can fix yourself.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters channel water from your roof down into the sewers. When they are clogged, this blocks the flow of water and leads to water pooling on the roof. Excess water left on the roof for too long can damage the edge and fascia. Furthermore, these could lead to leaks, which could be major or minor. The leading cause of clogged gutters is the accumulation of debris such as leaves, twigs, and granules. You should clean your gutters frequently to improve the water flow from your roof and make any repairs where necessary.
Structural Issues/Sagging Roofs
The major cause of sagging roofs is exceptional weight placed on the roof for a long period. It also indicates deeper structural issues, such as weakened trusses and rafters. If you notice your property has a sagging roof, first try to ascertain the cause. If there is a buildup of snow, try clearing it out to see if there’s any improvement. If it is caused by layers of roofing materials, you may need the help of professionals to get the job done. Similarly, if it results from weakened trusses, you may need to have them reinforced or changed to combat the sagging.
Ice Dams
This roofing problem is unique to areas with extremely cold weather. It occurs when melting snow freezes at your roof’s edge. The frozen ice traps water, which goes under the shingles and damages them. This leads to a leaking roof. This can be prevented by upgrading the insulation and ventilation of your house. This will ensure that ice melts reliably, which prevents freezes from occurring. Ice dams are destructive for your roof because they lead to a chain of events that cause serious damage and increase the costs of repairs.
Poor Ventilation
Heat and moisture build-up are bad for your roof because they weaken shingles and damage the roof structure. This is caused by poor ventilation of your attic and roof. Poor ventilation may not cause immediate problems for you, but after prolonged exposure to moisture and heat, the integrity of your roof will be affected. These can be imported by adding more vents, unifying your ventilation systems, and changing vent placements to improve air flow around your property. Ventilation is important because it also prevents the formation of ice dams during winter.
Flashing Problems
Flashing is important to roof integrity because it seals roof joints and penetrations. Flashing can be metal or plastic strips, which can have various issues. Depending on the material, cracks and corrosion can occur, affecting the integrity of your roof and contributing to leaks. They could also become loose, which allows water to seep in and lead to roof leaks. The most common causes of flashing issues are poor installations or aging materials. You must have a frequent roof inspection schedule, preferably by a roofing company in Akron. Professionals know how to look for signs of weakness in your flashing and can recommend the best course of action.
Endnote
These are some of the most common roofing problems you will face over the lifecycle of your property. As they say, prevention is better than a cure, so you must try to be as proactive as possible. Prevent these roofing issues from occurring where you can and tackle them as quickly as possible when they occur. These issues, if left unattended, can balloon into serious structural issues, which will cost thousands of dollars to fix. Always seek the help of professionals if any of these problems arise.
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