Have you ever had a leaking roof? You’re not alone. It’s both the biggest problem and the most common symptom of a roof that needs repair or replacement. There are, however, other signs that your roof may need to be repaired or replaced. Here are the top roof problems that you may encounter.
Leaking Roof
As I mentioned before, leaks are the most common symptom of many roof problems. The causes of leaking roofs include damaged shingles, cracked flashing, and improper installation. You will most likely see the damage in water stains left on the ceiling. You may also notice dampness, a mildewy smell, or visible drips in your attic.
Damaged Shingles
Shingle damage can be caused by extreme weather conditions such as wind, hail, or snow. However, they can also fail with age. Curled or missing shingles can be a sign that you’ve had weather damage, but they can also be signs that you need a new roof. It’s important to know how old your roof is so that you can know if you can replace a few shingles or if you need to replace your whole roof. Can you replace just some of the shingles or half your roof? Yes, you can, but your best bet from a warranty standpoint is to replace your whole roof.
Poor Ventilation
Old or inadequate ventilation systems may not seem to affect your roof, but they do. From ice dams to mold growth on the underside of the underlayment or insulation, improper ventilation can cause damage to your roof and your energy bills. The solution is to install new, properly installed ventilation and attic insulation. Also, it’s important to make sure your vents are unblocked.
Flashing Problems
Flashing is the metal that helps with transitions around areas like chimneys. More specifically, flashing is typically made of thin pieces of impervious material, such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper, and is installed at various junctions and edges on a roof. If your flashing corrodes or is poorly installed, you can start to experience leaks around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys. Proper installation is of paramount importance since these areas tend to be vulnerable to weather.
Roof Punctures
Falling branches may be the most common cause of roof punctures, but animals and humans can also puncture or even fall through rotten underlayment. The signs are often obvious with visible holes or punctures, although smaller punctures may not be visible from the ground. To avoid roof punctures, remove overhanging branches and large trees that may be near the perimeter of your home. Ensure safety during maintenance or contact an expert if you are experiencing leaking or other problems with your roof.
Tree Damage
Falling branches don’t just puncture roofs. They can also scratch the granules off shingles and leave debris on the roof that can rapidly age your roof. You should be trimming your trees regularly so that they don’t hang over your home. For a longer roof lifespan, keep those leaves and other tree debris off your roof.
Moss and Algae Growth
Those black, mysterious streaks on your roof are actually algae that forms on your shingles. Again, trimming your trees to remove shade can help. Your roof can also be cleaned with an algae or moss removal product. Consider shingles with built-in algae resistance, such as the architectural shingles installed by Volpe Enterprises, Inc.
Gutter Issues
If your gutter is clogged or improperly sloped, you can have both roof and foundation damage. Ice dams are a winter occurrence where snow and ice back up over your gutter and onto your roof. Then, the water melts where the roof is warmer, allowing moisture into your attic. While sagging gutters or gutters with water spilling over the edges might not directly be a sign of a roof failure, they can cause soil erosion and foundation damage.
Read more: Common Winter Roofing Problems
When to Get Help
If you’re worried about the condition of your roof, you should seek the advice of a professional who is trained in detecting roof damage. Consider Volpe Enterprises, Inc. for a free roof evaluation and estimate.
