Your home is a significant investment, one that needs constant protection from the elements. The best defense is a strong and reliable roofing system. Without it, homes can undergo substantial damage, which can lead to all sorts of unforeseen problems down the line.
If you’re not sure what your roof is up against or you ignore damages, far more significant issues can affect your home. While it’s possible to conduct your own routine checks to gauge the integrity of your roof, a proper inspection from a roofing specialist is typically needed to address problems.
That being said, there are some common problems your roofing may face throughout its lifespan that you should know about.
Extreme Weathering
Depending on where you live, certain weather conditions can put up a real fight against your roof. While strong and durable roofing systems can withstand the elements — over time, damage may occur that will need to be looked at.
For most roofs, you should be especially mindful of:
- Heavy snowfall
- Heavy rainfall
- Strong winds
- Ice
- Hail
- Constant humidity
Over time, these issues can beat down on your roofing system and create potential problems for your home. Hail storms are especially problematic because they can displace granules from a shingle’s surface, which leaves your roofing unprotected from the sun. UV rays can damage the asphalt layer of shingles and cause significant wear at a much faster rate.
Wind damage is also a popular adversary for your roofing system, as strong winds can loosen shingles, displace nails, or expose roofing materials to the elements. So, it’s important to be mindful of high winds and the lasting damage they may have caused your roofing system.
Ice Dams
Ice DamsWhile we mentioned ice in the previous section, ice dams are a result of ice buildup that deserves a deeper look. Ice dams form on the edge of your roof, which can prevent melting snow from properly draining off of your home.
Ice dam removal can be a careful process, as many techniques have the potential to damage your home. A professional ice dam removal service is often needed to safely eliminate ice ridges that form on your roof. Many companies implement more advanced methods that protect the integrity of your roof and home.
For example, we use an Ice Dam Steamer System that removes pesky ice dams that could lead to significant damages to your home’s structure. Not only does this help preserve your home in the long run, but it also saves you the potential cost of repairs down the road.
Hiring an Inexperienced Installation Team
Sometimes, the problem with your roof starts before you even know it’s there. An inexperienced roofer or trying a DIY route might save you money upfront, but it can be a disastrous situation if the installation isn’t done right.
So, from the get-go, your roof may be fraught with potential issues that can turn into major problems at the worst time possible. Installations aren’t the only time a trusted roofing partner is a necessity. Small leaks or repairs may seem like easy fixes you can handle yourself — but sometimes you may be doing more harm than good.
Whenever problems with a roofing system arise, we always recommend a full roofing inspection. This step not only helps with determining what areas need to be addressed but also underlying issues that could be causing damage elsewhere.
Improper Insulation
Sometimes, damages don’t appear as cracks or moisture problems. Energy efficiency may not damage your roof in and of itself; it can be a costly side effect of improper insulation.
The warm air that escapes through your home’s attic around piping, outlets, and wiring can start to show in your energy bill. For homes that experience temperant weather, we mentioned the issues that surround ice damming in an earlier section. Proper attic insulation can mitigate the problems surrounding ice dams — keeping your attic free of moisture and at an appropriate temperature to prevent ice buildup on your roof.
Skipping Maintenance Steps
No part of a home is without some sort of maintenance or upkeep — and a roofing system is no exception. Proper maintenance and diligence in regards to stains on ceilings or leaks can prevent costly repairs.
It’s also important to schedule regular roof inspections from a professional. Severe storms come and go, but the lasting effect they may have on your roofing system and home can lead to significant problems for you and your family. Whenever there are problems, it’s essential that you hire a reliable roofing team to conduct a full inspection and address any potential damages that may have occurred during or after a storm.
Unwanted Wildlife
Roofing systems are the roof over your family’s head, but they may also be home to birds and other animals. As you may guess, these unwanted critters can cause a lot of damage to your roofing structure.
Some common creatures to be on the lookout for are:
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
- Woodpeckers
- Rats
- Mice
- Bats
- Nesting birds
Keep your eyes peeled for any unwanted wildlife that takes a trip up onto your roof. For all you know, they could be ripping away shingles or making their home in vent covers.
Defective Gutters
The last of our usual suspects are defective or faulty gutter systems. Gutters play a crucial role in properly draining water off and away from your roof and foundation. Damaged, clogged, or improperly installed gutter systems can lead to significant moisture damage.
If you want to avoid unwanted leaks and severe water damage to your home, it’s essential that your gutters are clear of any debris. Taking the time to inspect your gutter system and look for blockages like nests or other debris can save you a massive headache in the future.
A Final Word
Rounding up the usual suspects that could be harming your roofing system is an essential step in preserving your home. As we always say here at Advantage Construction: “A safe home starts at the top.”
Taking care of your roofing system and ensuring its integrity throughout its lifespan keeps your energy bill low and repairs on hold.
