Your roof is one of the most important parts of a functioning home, but many homeowners take it for granted. The roof is there to protect you from the elements, keep out pests, and give you a comfortable living space. But it’s more susceptible to damage than other parts of your home. If you’re a homeowner, you have encountered one or more roofing problems at some point. While it’s possible to fix some of them on your own, most require a professional roofing company.
Here are some of the most common roofing problems and how to prevent them.
#1: Roof Leaks
This is a common roofing problem that many homeowners face. It can happen for a number of reasons, but it can be frustrating. If they’re left untreated, roof leaks can cause serious damage that’s expensive to repair. And if you let it go long enough, it can lead to structural problems. Roof leaks can have a variety of causes, so you need to watch for any signs of water damage or leaks. You can usually see them near your chimney, around your flashing, near your gutters or skylights, in valleys, or close to your roof vents.
Some of the most common causes of roof leaks include the following:
- Cracked flashing.
- Broken shingles.
- Structural damage to tiles or slate.
If you see any of these signs, you need to contact a professional to get your roof inspected.
#2: Standing Water
Also referred to as “pooled water,” this is another common roofing problem. It can happen if your roof starts to sink in certain areas, but it’s more common on flat roofs. Water needs to drain off, because it can avoid serious problems. Any amount of standing water can create can expose areas to constant moisture, which may cause a variety of problems (such as mold, mildew, algae, and rot). The water can eventually get into your support system, which can lead to structural damage that may threaten your home’s stability.
#3: Damaged Shingles
This is one of the most common roofing problems that many homeowners see and experience. Shingles can get damaged because of strong storms, debris, exposure to sunlight, and even the passage of time. It may not seem like this kind of damage isn’t that urgent, but it can leave parts of your roof exposed (which may make it more susceptible to damage). The longer you let damaged shingles go unfixed, the more likely you will experience problems that go deeper than the roof’s surface.
#4: Damaged Flashing
The flashing around your roof can keep protruding or awkward areas sealed and protected from water damage or leaks. It’s usually installed around chimneys, skylights, venting pipes, and HVAC systems on your roof. If the flashing gets damaged, the seams that seal your roof and any protruding structures will be open (which can cause a variety of problems). If you see any damaged flashing, you need to contact a professional as soon as possible.
#5: Shrinkage
This can affect all roofing materials, but it’s more common on systems with some type of roof covering (such as synthetic rubber membrane). It’s often caused by added pressure from materials that shrink and pull from all directions. You will usually see cracking or tears in certain areas (such as flashing or shingles), but it can be prevented with a good installation along with regular inspections and maintenance.
#6: Clogged Gutters
It may not seem like a problem that can affect your roof, but clogged gutters can lead to serious damage over time. The longer a gutter is clogged, the more water will get backlogged into your roof and other parts of your home. And as more water is allowed to seep in, the more likely you are to experience leaks or rot (which can cause serious structural damage). Cleaning your gutters is a necessary part of home maintenance. You can also install screens on your gutters to reduce the amount of accumulated debris.
#7: Storm Damage
If you have experienced a strong storm in your area, you need to have your roof inspected by a professional so you can find problems before they get worse. Storm damage can cause issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye, but they need to be taken care of as soon as possible. That way, you can avoid expensive repairs or any uncomfortable living situations.
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Bayfront Roofing.
