The roof is one of the most important parts of your home or property. This is the part that directly defends you against harmful environmental and weather elements. Therefore, your roofing system must be designed to last a long time and keep your valuables safe and secure. However, depending on the type of roof you have installed and the conditions at your location, it is not uncommon to face various roof problems, some of which require professional repairs or even require roof replacements.
Fortunately, roofing contractors have what it takes to restore your roof and can fix any problems you may have with your roof. But keeping in mind that some of the problems can be costly, it’s best to have regular roof inspections and maintenance so that small problems are handled before they become larger and more expensive ones. Below are the most common roof problems you might face.
1. Shingle damage – Aesthetic roofing option protects underlying roof structures from the elements. But over time they can weaken due to UV rays, wind and rain. Warped, missing or broken shingles will require roof repairs and your roofing contractor will be able to offer you the solutions you need for this.
2. Roof leaks – These are major roofing issues and should always be fixed as soon as they are identified before they cause damage to your property and valuables. Because some of the leaks can be difficult to identify until there are clear signs of water damage, it is safer to schedule a regular roof and property inspection to ensure the roof is waterproof and problem areas are addressed before become something important.
3. Stagnant water – If you notice standing water on the roof, you definitely have a drainage problem that needs to be fixed. The best way to tell if you have drainage problems is to check your roof after a storm. For sloped roofs, gutters must be free of debris to ensure water drains properly. It’s best to fix these problems before you start seeing water stains on your ceiling.
4. Penetrations and punctures – They are usually the result of damage to the roofing material either by hail or wind. Flashing and caulking around penetrations can often be damaged leaving some portions of the roof exposed and not functional as they should be. Regular checks on the roof are helpful to ensure that everything, including the sealant, is actually in place and serving its purpose.
5. Damage to trees – Trees around your home can be very beneficial in keeping the air around your home cool and providing shade on sunny days. However, when you have tree limbs hanging dangerously over your roof, you are at risk for a lot of roof problems. The branches could end up rubbing and abrading the roof surface with the protective coating on top. There is also a risk of branches falling onto the roof and causing serious damage.