Having an efficiently-functioning roof is something you shouldn’t take for granted. It protects you against snow, hail, rain, and debris. Additionally, if your roof is in good shape, a potential home buyer assumes the house is well maintained. Consequently, this translates into a high resale value. Proper care and maintenance of your rooftop are essential. Neglecting and forgetting about your rooftop is, however, a frequent occurrence. Detecting roof problems in advance is vital because it saves you costly repairs. Look out for the following common issues in your roofing and take the necessary action.
Leaks
This is a common issue faced by many homeowners. It happens due to several reasons. This includes age, if the roofing materials have reached the end of their lifespan. Poor installation of the flashings along the roof joints causes leakage. Also, the roof vents cause leak problems when improperly sealed. If left untreated, leaks lead to costly repairs and other structural problems.
It would be best to keep an eye on the signs of seepage, such as water spots on your roof and walls. Look also for discoloration, especially brown stains in the shape of puddles with faint rings along the edges of the stains. Mold on the exterior walls also indicates roof leakage. In addition, check for damaged or cracked shingles on the roofing. Call experts for a thorough inspection if you notice any leaks in any of the above areas.
Pooled Water
Water accumulation on your rooftop leads to undesirable consequences. This condition is common in flat roofs. An increase in the amount of pooled water increases the weight the roof is supposed to bear. With time, it exceeds the standard weight, leading to sink-in in the affected area. Pooled water is a great hazard; it causes collapsing and damages equipment and inventory. Worst of all, it can take lives. Another impact of pooled water is consistent moisture that leads to biological growth, like mold, and the associated problems. Roofing Indianapolis building experts recommend the installation of roofs in a sloppy design to promote water run-offs
Snow and Ice Damage
Snowflakes and icebergs on your roof are detrimental even in a single winter. They destroy roofs by thawing and refreezing due to temperature fluctuations. When the icebergs melt, water seeps into the small cracks in your roof. When temperatures decrease, the water freezes again and expands, leaving the holes wider. Consequently, more water enters the roof during the subsequent thaw. Moreover, ice accumulation leads to the formation of ice dams that tear the flashing of your rooftop. In addition, they cause gutter damage due to blockages. Also, they cause icicles that are heavy enough to break the gutters. This creates a safety hazard when walking beneath them. As the snow accumulates on your roofing, the weight becomes unbearable. This increases the stress on the roof, which becomes susceptible to cave-in problems. The best way to prevent this damage is by scheduling routine spring and fall inspections.
Faulty Installation
Improper installation is another frustrating issue you face as a homeowner. Having inexperienced and unskilled workers put up your rooftop may cause serious problems in the future. You save some money during installation by hiring cheap unskilled individuals; however, you end up paying for expensive repairs later. Signs of improperly installed roofing include mismatched shingles. Using different batches of shingles makes your roof more susceptible to damage. The use of different colors that don’t match the roof texture causes an odd appearance. Unsealed nail heads are another sign of improper installation. They cause water seepage with time.
It can take time to notice the problems, but it will be too late for repair when they begin to show. You’ll probably have to replace the rooftop completely. The best way to avoid this problem is to hire experienced specialists from reputable companies.
Lack of Maintenance
When noticed early, most roofing concerns are avoidable. Lack of routine maintenance turns minor issues into major troubles. These problems include increased liabilities because most contractors and roof manufacturers void the warranty if they prove the problems are due to negligence. Moreover, if the roof is damaged beyond repair, it prompts replacement which is quite pricey. Proper care extends the life of the roof, so you don’t have to replace it often.
Schedule at least one inspection of your rooftop each year. In addition, ensure that it’s thoroughly inspected after a heavy storm. This ensures that potential problems are identified and corrected in advance. Maintaining your roofs also means maintenance of the supporting beams and rafters. As a result, you keep your home safer and increase its lifespan.
Clogged Gutters
Water begins to back up in the system if your rain spouts are blocked. Accumulated moisture ultimately affects the structural integrity of your roof. It stimulates the growth of moss and other hazardous fungal outgrowths. When left untreated, fungal growths dramatically reduce the roof’s longevity. In addition, they pose a direct health hazard to your family. Most of them cause allergic reactions and respiratory complications. Another effect is reducing the aesthetic appeal of your home because of the black or green spots. Furthermore, water buildup results in wear and tear, leading to seepage. It also causes the peeling of paint on the interior walls.
Tree Branches
Trees benefit your property in many ways; they provide shade on hot days, protect your home from strong winds, and prevent soil erosion. However, they cause damage under certain conditions. For instance, if the sharp branches touch the roofing surface, they scrape the top protective layer. Consequently, this exposes the backing material to UV light which causes damage. Moreover, the exposed metal is susceptible to corrosion. On flat rooftops, the underlying materials cause moisture infiltration, leading to water issues in the long run.
High-speed wind makes the rooftop more vulnerable than you think. It causes continuous whipping of the branches on the roof. As a result, the roofing is subjected to too much pressure, causing sagging and weakening of the entire structure. Be vigilant in cutting back and tearing down the leaning trees to be safe.
Most roofing problems are avoidable as long as you pay attention to the changes on the roof. Ensure you work with experienced professionals from recognizable companies. They’ll solve all your roofing issues and nearly all problems associated with homeownership.
