While roofs are our homes’ most important external features, many homeowners only think of them when problems emerge. This is largely true because homeowners don’t interact with the roof as frequently as they do with other home features that are easily accessible.
With time, a roof develops structural and aesthetic problems that put the entire home in danger of exposure to the elements. Some problems are more serious than others, but early detection is crucial for the well-being of your roof. Here are three common roofing problems you should know about and how to fix them.
Storm or Hail Damage
If you live in an area prone to strong storms, there’s a higher likelihood of a storm or hail damage occurring on your roof after a heavy storm. Instead of waiting until there’s a leak or air escape from your home, inspect your roof every time there’s a storm to catch damages early.
Since many homeowners don’t know how to spot hail damage on a roof, it’s always best to work with professionals. If you’re curious to do it alone, some common signs to look out for include:
- Granules from shingles accumulating in the gutters
- Broken pieces of roofing materials on the ground around your property
- Visible signs of hail damage on your roof
- Hail damage on other exterior features such as walls, sidings, and outdoor AC units.
Once you spot these signs, call a professional for effective repair and restoration work.
Roof Leaks
When your roof starts to leak, it’s always an indication of other bigger problems that weren’t noticed early. Regardless of what causes the leak, leaking roofs can be frustrating and challenging to resolve on your own. When roof leaks are detected early, homeowners can prevent expensive damages that might lead to structural compromises. First, find out why your roof is leaking so you can approach the problem with the right solution.
Damaged shingles, clogged gutters, or cracked flashing can cause roof leaks. To fix a leaking roof, identify the cause and solve it at its source. If it’s damaged shingles, replace them to seal the loopholes. Unclog the gutter system for clogged gutters and replace damaged parts to ensure seamless water flow. Alternatively, you can hand over the fixing work to professionals once you’ve identified the cause of the leaks.
Ventilation Challenges
Your home’s ventilation system can only be as effective as your roofing system. If your ventilation system isn’t working effectively, it can lead to challenges inside and outside your home. Moisture may accumulate inside your attic, and your home’s internal temperature could rise due to a failed ventilation system. When left unresolved over time, these problems can lead to shingle deterioration, damaged sheathing, high energy costs, insulation problems, and structural damage to rafters.
If you experience winter climate, these ventilation challenges can lead to ice dams, which can compromise the structural integrity of your roof. Solving a ventilation problem starts with regular roofing inspections to catch the problem early. You can install additional vents and remove blockages to solve a ventilation problem. Consult with roofing professionals to assist in designing a functional ventilation system for your specific roofing needs.
As your home’s critical feature, your roof needs effective care to ensure it serves its purpose seamlessly. By catching these problems early and solving them, you can help your roof perform well against harsh elements to give you value for your money.
