There are three reasons why you should have a sturdy roof: enhanced protection, energy efficiency, and improved home value. According to Style Roofing, your roof contributes up to 40% of your house’s visual appeal. That means it can impact the aesthetics and value of your home significantly whenever you want to sell it. As such, your goal should be to keep a reliable roof at all times. But first, you must understand the common roofing issues and their solutions. They include these:
Roof Leaks
A leaky roof allows water to seep through. This is a common problem caused by either of the five factors: inclement weather, poor rooftop equipment, seam issues, neglect, and human damage. People will cause leaky roofs by walking on the roof from time to time. These roofs cannot withstand heavy traffic. Negligence can also allow the roof to deteriorate, causing leaks. Neglecting your roof implies that you’ll not know when the pitching pans and caulking crack or dry.
Regular monitoring is an excellent way to avert roof leaks. This inspection ensures that you identify the various problems that your roof might have, avoiding further problems. However, once you get a leaky roof, you could consider a roof coating. Silicone coating has proven to be the best option, thanks to the durability and robustness offered. Suppose the problem is too big, it would help if you replaced the roof.
Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles often come with deteriorated or uneven surfaces. This deterioration results in discoloration, loss of granules, and uneven surfaces. This roof will also lose its fire-retardant touch. In some instances, the shingles’ matting and asphalt will get exposed. Understanding how to handle each of these issues will help avoid any further damage.
Water damage can also cause significant issues. In this case, some shingles will miss, crack, stain, or leak. This water damage will often result in moss, mildew, decay, or mold. Pests could also take advantage of the situation, inhabiting the place.
You’ll need to repair the shingles first, preferably using sealants. Ensure that you spread the putty evenly, covering the entire space. However, in extreme situations, you could consider replacing the roof. Proper maintenance of the newly installed shingles will help improve value for your money. Ensure that you do not expose them to direct sunlight, minimizing cracking and fading.
Snow and Ice Damage (Ice Dams)
Undoubtedly, ice and snow are some of the biggest causes of roof issues. This snow and ice will melt and seep through the shingles, causing water damage. That means refreezing will cause much further damage. This refreezing will push the shingles up, cracking or lifting them off. In the long run, ice dams loosen shingles, tear gutters, and cause water pooling.
Preventive measures will often be the best way out. Most experts suggest using heated cables, which equalize the roof’s temperature by heating it outside. Equalizing temperature implies that the snow or ice will not seep through the shingles. Instead, it will melt and slope off the roof.
You could also consider various ice removal methods. You could blow in cold air or rake the ice, depending on your preferences. Blowing cold air will help melt the snow and ice, slipping off the roof. If you consider raking, it will help if you pick a rake with wheels. This way, you’ll not damage the shingles.
Permanent fixes will also be worth your time. These fixes include ventilating ridges, capping the hatch, insulation, sealing, caulking, and flashing around chimneys. The method used will depend on the amount of ice or snow on the roof.
Poor Roof Installation
Poor roof installation could be a significant problem both in the short and the long run. This will happen if you choose an inexperienced or inadequately skilled roofing contractor. Usually, poor roof installation causes leaks, molds, pests, decreased safety levels, and severe water damage. What’s more, such poor installation exposes you to unwanted roof repair expenses.
There is only one solution to poor roof installation: replacement. Always engage a reputable and experienced professional to help repair or replace this poorly installed roof. At the same time, it will help if you use premium-quality materials, thanks to the durability they offer. Such quality materials will also assure you of incredible returns in the long run.
Roof Blistering
A blistering roof shows that there is moisture trapped within the shingles. An increase in this moisture will weaken the shingles and cause perforation or bubbles on them. Usually, these blisters increase with temperature increases. As the temperature rises, the moisture in the patches expands, causing these blisters.
While they might appear harmless, blisters often cause extensive damage to the roof. They could also affect the curb appeal offered by this roof. That means it’ll be wise to address them as soon as possible.
You can prevent and even fix roof blistering. The best prevention measure is to embrace proper roof installation. For this reason, hire a reputable roof specialist to help install and even maintain the roof. This move will avert significant roofing issues in the long run.
On the other hand, fixing will depend on the extent of the damage. Most experts would suggest that you handle the issue before it balloons. This element requires that you carry out regular maintenance procedures. Replace the shingles if the damage is way beyond control.
Roofing Material Shrinkage
Various roofing materials can shrink over time. This shrinkage will cause multiple issues, including cracking, fading, and deterioration. Ideally, roof shrinkage is the continuous shortening of the membrane that coats your roof. This membrane helps protect the roof against extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
The most common cause of roof shrinkage is the manufacturer. The manufacturer might have incorrectly applied the membrane, making it susceptible to shrinkage. Improper installation will also cause such shrinkage. Often, the shrinkage pulls the flashings on the roof, causing cracks, tears, and ridges.
Proper installation will cushion your roof against shrinkage. That means you must hire a qualified roofing expert to help in the process. This professional must also commit to inspecting the roof regularly, addressing minor issues before they balloon. Addressing issues before they explode will protect you from costly repairs in the long run.
Damaged and Worn Flashing
Flashings are metal strips attached to the seams and edges of your roof, enhancing protection. You can use these devices around the chimneys and the valleys of your roof. A faulty flashing causes the roof leak, resulting in significant water damage.
Various aspects could cause damage to your flashing. Poor installation, repairs, age, and inclement weather are some of these causes.
Fortunately, it is easy to identify faulty flashing. Such a flashing will highlight small holes, rust or corrosion, cracks or bends, and missing pieces. Mold and internal leaks will also be a significant sign to be wary.
The best solution to damaged flashing would be a replacement. Ensure that you replace it with top-quality flashing, preferably from a top manufacturer. However, you could repair the flashing if the problem is not significant.
Failing Granules
Roofs lose granules quite often. The loss of such granules will leave your roof with several patches, losing its appeal. This roof will slowly lose its appearance, becoming balder over time.
Engaging a professional will help address this problem. This professional will help ensure that the other shingles become less vulnerable to UV damage.
In conclusion, various roofing issues suffice. However, since this is an invaluable part of the house, it would be best to address the problem much sooner. The information above will help guide you through the project.
