There are a lot of different roofing problems to be aware of but there are some that happen more often than others. These include leaks, shingle damage, mold and fungus growth, improper ventilation and drainage issues. In this article we will discuss the most common roofing problems homeowners face so you know what to look for if you’re having any issues with your own roof.
Leaks
Leaks are, by far, the most common roofing problems. Many leaks can be easily repaired but others can require a full attic insulation replacement rowlett tx of your entire roof. Some leaks are easy to spot (like a puddle on your bedroom floor) and others may only cause cosmetic damage or an annoying creak in your ceiling. A leak is usually caused by one of two things: worn-down shingles or improper ventilation/drainage.
Worn Down Shingles
Worn down shingles are the number one culprit of most roof leaks. Damage could be caused from stormy weather, high winds or heavy rains (think hurricanes). As they get older, they become weaker and more brittle which makes them susceptible to breaking from simple things like tree branches touching them or heavy snow (if you live in an area prone to that).
Improper Ventilation/Drainage
Improper ventilation can be caused by many things but it usually results in water pooling on top of your roof. This can be due to poor attic insulation or improper ventilation around the ridge vent. Improper drainage can cause leaks when stucco, brick, stone or other building materials all become saturated and are unable to drain properly. In both cases, a qualified professional should do roof repair minneapolis mn on the problem as soon as possible so no further damage occurs.
Shingle Damage
The majority of shingle problems occur because of improper installation. Improperly installed shingles are likely to only last about 20 years and result in a leak. They can cause damage to other areas of the roof as well when they begin to break. If your shingles are less than 10 years old, there is no need to replace them yet but you should know how to spot a problem if one occurs.
Signs of Shingle Damage
The easiest way to tell if your shingle may be damaged is by simply walking around your house and looking up at the roof from different sides (front, back, left etc). You’ll probably have multiple issues going on but it’s better to address all of them now before you get worse problems later on down the road. You can also take a ladder and climb on top of your roof to get a better look from above.
The Fix
If you spot damage, you can fix it now or wait until the next time you need to have repairs completed on your roof. If your shingles are only cracked or slightly curled, then they should be repaired right away so they don’t break completely in the future. Shingle repair is an easy job if you know what you’re doing but it’s not recommended that homeowners try and complete this type of work themselves as it could cause more damage and delay any necessary roof repairs for several months while waiting for another contractor to come out (and do potentially more damage).
Damage from Chemicals
Chemicals can damage your shingles if they’re not removed properly. If you’ve recently had waterproofing, fireproofing or insect repellent applied to the roof, it’s a good idea to call a professional and have them inspect the area for damage. Many times, home owners will try and do this type of work on their own and end up making things much worse than they were before. It’s best to leave repairs like these up to an experienced contractor who can fix the problem quickly with minimal impact on other parts of your roof.
Settling from Frost Heave
Frost heave is most common in colder regions where there has been snowfall during the winter months that then melts before the ground has a chance to dry out. As the ground thaws and expands, it causes pressure in certain areas which can damage or crack your shingles. This type of problem is easily solved by adding an ice and water shield to your roof but if you didn’t do this when your new shingles were installed, you’ll need to have someone come out and fix the problem sooner rather than later so you don’t get further issues down the road.
Settling from Tree Roots
Branching roots from nearby trees are one of the main causes for leaks on flat roofs all over America. Roots will dig into your roof material and cause cracks that allow moisture to collect inside resulting in a leak. Even if the roof seems to be in good condition, it’s a good idea to have tree roots removed by an arborist to prevent future problems from occurring.
Settling from Foundation Movement
Settling of your home is most likely going to occur on sloping roofs or steep shingle angles. It usually takes years for settling to become noticeable as it happens slowly over time. Your roof should be inspected at least once every few months just in case you happen to notice any problems that may eventually lead to leaks and need repair work completed right away.
