The roof protects your house against Mother Nature, but things can go wrong. If you don’t fix roof problems early enough, the issues will grow larger and cause permanent damage to your roof. Be on the lookout for the following common things that can damage your roof.
Animals
Bugs and animals such as raccoons, bats, mice, squirrels, and birds can damage your roof. The birds can build nests on the roof while the animals chew the materials. For example, woodpeckers will poke into the shingles to look for insects, causing serious damage to your roof. Raccoons can also pull and lift shingles off the roof, while bats can cause myriad problems for a roof, especially in the attic.
Pests and animals can spread diseases and damage the wiring and insulation on your wall. With time, pests can produce strong odors and affect your health. The solution is to call a pest control company to inspect the roof and remove pests.
Moisture
Moisture is the primary cause of most types of roof damage. When moisture or water finds its way into the inner sections of your roof, it can cause damage. If you don’t address the problem quickly, mold and mildew will appear on your roof. The water can also find its way into your home and damage carpets, drywalls, and insulation.
Wind and Storms
High winds can lift or blow off your shingles, exposing the roof to other elements. The solution is to select a material that can withstand strong winds. If a significant windstorm happens, check your property for pieces of shingles that may be lying around. You can also call an expert roofer to inspect the roof for signs of damage, curling, or missing shingles.
Heat and Ultraviolet Rays
The beautiful warm sun in summer can damage your roofing system, especially in parts that are already exposed or damaged. Places where granules or shingles have fallen off can become vulnerable to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Excessive heat can also cause the shingles to dry out and fade over time. Cracks may also appear on your roof, particularly if the roof is old and approaching the end of its lifespan. If your roof is prone to sun damage, ventilate and insulate the attic to prevent this. A radiant barrier can also protect your home and roof from UV rays.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain can weaken the outer layer of your asphalt shingles and create visible cracks and dents on the roofing structure. You may not spot rain damage until the hairline cracks become too large.
Heavy rain can also dislodge granules from your shingles. This may not seem like much of a problem, but missing granules shorten the life of your shingles.
Improper Installation
Incorrect roofing installation is often the root cause of many roofing problems. For example, if you install new shingles over old shingles, the underlayment will cause problems for the new layer.
Other common problems include improper installation of roof sealants and failure to fasten shingles properly.
Trees
Many people think that a whole tree or large branches must fall on the home for the roof to sustain damage, but trees can damage your roof in surprising ways. The most common way is when small limbs break off from nearby trees due to strong winds. If the roof is already supporting much weight, the limbs can cause the roof to collapse. Trees can also encourage moss and algae to flourish on your roof.
If you suspect your roof needs repairs, contact Dana Logsdon Roofing as soon as possible to repair any damage. Your safety is our priority, and we are willing to do a complete roof replacement. Contact us today for a quote.
