For most homeowners, it’s impossible to know the type of damage on your roof. After all, it’s not something you look at every day. There’s an even lower chance that you get on top of your roof regularly. Because of this, it’s important to learn about the most common causes of deterioration on your roof.
Tile, shingles, and other roofing materials are designed to protect your home from the worst that Mother Nature can deliver. Some of the things that are hurting your roof can be found here.
The worst enemy of your roof is moisture. Unfortunately, it’s even in the air. When moisture starts to seep into your roof, it can damage the structure of your home. It may also cause rot, mold, and mildew or damage the insulation in your roof.
Rain is one of the biggest culprits; however, melting snow can re-freeze and create ice dams. If an ice dam forms, it will block water from draining through the gutters, resulting in it backing up under the roofing materials. These types of forced leaks can cause water to come through your ceiling. If you notice a leak, it’s best to contact professionals for repairs.
There is no shortage of wind in the area. The damage it can cause to your roof can be extremely serious. Wind will lift and pull the shingles away from the roof, exposing the underlayment. If this happens, your roof may begin to leak since there are no shingles to repel the water. Usually, the roof edges are the parts that will take the most damage from the wind; however, it can happen anywhere on your roof.
Everyday heat and damaging UV rays from the sun can result in your shingles starting to break down as time passes. In some situations, the sun may fade your shingles and cause them to deteriorate to the point they are no longer able to protect your home. If the roof is sun damaged, it’s smart to contact a roofing expert for help.
Lichen is considered a simple and slow-growing plant that makes a crusty-looking growth on your roof. If moss is present, it is softer but still growing. It will encroach in areas it should not be. If your roof has moss or lichen on it, you should understand it can cause structural damage and wood rot.
Even if limbs don’t fall on your roof, the overhanging branches can cause a lot of damage. In some situations, the damage will be second-hand, like when leaves start to accumulate on the roof and create the perfect conditions for mold growth. Sometimes the damage is first-hand, such as when a branch punctures through the shingles and creates a path for water to get into the structure of your home.
If you believe your roof is damaged, you can’t wait to call for repairs. The longer you wait, the more issues that you will occur. By calling the professionals at the first sign of a problem, you can reduce the cost of repairs.
Posted on 08/30/2022 at 08:44 AM
