How to Stop Roofing Problems from Happening

If you’re a homeowner, you have probably encountered roofing problems at some point in your life. Roofing problems can range from small leaks to major cracking. Roofs often suffer from a number of common troubles that demand immediate attention.

Bad or Poor Installation of Roof

Choosing poorly qualified or inexperienced roofing contractors can cost you money in the long run. In fact, poorly installed roofs often lead to bigger expenses down the road when complications arise that would not have happened had you used an expert professional roofing contractor.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are the single most common roofing problem that you can face. From cracked flashing to broken shingles, slates, or tiles. Roof leaks have a tendency to occur in the following areas of your house:

• Under damaged shingles
• Around gutters
• In low spots or valleys
• At flashing points

If you notice signs of a leak, including damp walls or discolored ceilings, contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection.

Clogged Gutters

When your gutters are clogged, damaged, or defective, water can be backing up into the system. This can eventually cause water to seep into the eaves, where it can lead to rot. A routine check on your gutters for debris or damaged parts can prevent such damage from happening.

Tip: Installing screens on the gutter openings can prevent leaves and twigs from getting into your system.

Damage Roofing Materials

Roof materials are more than just shingles. Nature is one of the biggest causes of deteriorating roofs. You cannot do much about exposure to the sun and weather elements, but you need to react quickly when the damage of that type occurs

Having your roof inspected by a roofing professional for damaged roofing materials can save you tons of money.

Holes and Punctures

Everything from weather to local wildlife can leave puncture marks, holes, or even scrapes in a roof. Where there's a small bird drilling holes in the eaves or a professional roofer walking over the roof, the small damages can build up over the years, affecting the underlying wood or even exposing it to moisture, which can cause it to rot.

Cracking

Over time, your roof can develop cracks, ridges, and blisters. Seeing such damage depends on the type of roof you have installed. Built-up roofs are roofs made from several layers that cover a flat surface and are particularly susceptible to cracking and blistering.

Shrinkage

Roof materials can shrink, and when they do, it can lead to various roof problems, such as cracking, deterioration, and the damaging of essential components like flashing. Shrinkage particularly affects roofs covered with EPDM (synthetic rubber membrane) and all other roof coverings.

Snow and Ice Damage

Snow and ice can ruin almost any roof. Snow and ice melt into water, which eventually seeps underneath your shingles. And when it refreezes, you will be surprised because the ice underneath your roof can hold up against the shingles or flashing and even lift them away, creating gaps through which more water or snow can enter.

Tree Damage

No roof is fully protected from nature, and one of the most common forms of damage comes from trees. If a tree crashes into your roof, you’re already in trouble. Still, even if tree branches rub against your roof daily, they can scratch the surface of the roof and wear it down to the top later. It’s safer for your roof if trees are trimmed, so no limbs are on top of your home.

Also, you may want to consider cutting down trees that pose a serious threat to the integrity of your roof.

Pooled Water

Pooled water on top of your roof can cause problems in the long run, particularly on flat roofs. A quick solution to this is to form tapered areas over the surface of the roof. Little slopes will allow the water to run off, keeping your roof free from water damage.