The roof does multiple important jobs, protecting your house from harsh weather and serving as insulation. And since it is under the constant impact of snow, rain, and temperature changes, it can get damaged very easily. Find out what are five most common roofing problems that you shouldn’t ignore or avoid.
Common Roofing Problems
Followings are the most common roofing problems that you need to know about:
- Leaking Roof
- Broken Shingles
- Shingles Losing Granules
- Stagnant Water on the Roof
- Roof Damage from Tree Branches
Let’s have a detailed look –
1. Leaking Roof
Leakage is the most common problem with roofs. After a certain time, due to shrinking and expanding from temperature changes or because of physical damage, the water finds its way through the shingles and insulation into your house, causing lots of trouble.
Leaks usually appear in places of a junction, for example, near chimneys. To locate one, it is best to go to the attic if it can be reached and look for moist or dark portions of the roof.
Locating and fixing a leak is not easy and requires special tools and skills. The best way to deal with it is to hire professional roofers.
2. Broken Shingles
After years of rain, snow, and rodents, the adhesive attaching the shingles can wear and won’t hold it in place anymore. Shingles can also get damaged as a result of a direct hit or during repair and installation works if someone steps on them in a wrong way.
You might have some extras left after installation, so put them to good use and replace any missing or broken shingles. If you don’t, maybe, you’ll get lucky to get them by piece in a local construction shop.
3. Shingles Losing Granules
While it is okay for some granules to fall off the shingles during installation, if you suddenly start seeing more of them in the gutter, it is a bad sign. Those granules are not just for good looks; they protect the house from UV lights and fortify the shingles themselves. Exposed shingles will start to dry and crack under the sun.
So, if they start clogging the gutter, don’t hesitate and examine your roof. If damage is big, you might have portions of shingles replaced.
4. Stagnant Water on the Roof
Owners of houses with a flat roof should regularly check if there are pools of still water on their roofs. When the gutters get clogged, the water cannot escape and stays in one place before drying out under the sun. Such wet patches are ideal places for mold and mildew to grow, which eventually causes severe damage to the materials.
Make sure that your roof is constructed in a way that the water is directed to the gutter. Also, pay attention to the gutter itself and unclog it if necessary.
5. Roof Damage from Tree Branches
If there are high trees nearby your house, watch out for weak branches that may fall and cause damage. While big and heavy ones are obviously dangerous, small ones can be a menace as well since they can scratch the roof.
The best way to avoid roof damage from the tree branch is to trim the trees as soon as they start reaching your rooftop. If you live in a windy area, any weak old trees around the house should better be removed.
Now you know all about the most common roofing problems, so, add this roof inspection task to your monthly or weekly home maintenance chores. And, if you notice any above issues, take preventive action ASAP to avoid tedious roof repairing work.