Your home’s roof plays a critical role in protecting your family and belongings from harm during storms, cold weather, or when other contributing factors affect your roof. Roofing damage is typically unexpected, and it’s best to address the issues right away through a reliable exterior roofing and remodeling company. With help from experts, you can deal with roofing damage swiftly and at a lower expense.
Recognizing Signs of Roof Damage
Residential roofing damage can happen unexpectedly, but it’s essential to deal with it right away. Allowing roofing issues to grow out of control can result in costly repairs. Be prepared for roofing damage to occur under a few specific sets of circumstances.
Common Culprits Causing Your Roofing Problems
Any experienced property owner understands that roof damage is bound to happen at some point. There are several ways that a residential roof can become damaged. The two most significant concerns for most homeowners include:
- Weathering: Unforeseen storms and extreme weathering events can cause a variety of residential roofing problems.
- Lack of Maintenance: Poor planning and a lack of annual roof maintenance can make your home’s roof susceptible to more damage due to external forces.
Understandably, your roof will undergo regular wear and tear from time and weathering. Regular upkeep and maintenance make all the difference in your roof’s durability. Don’t hesitate to take care of any roofing damage you incur to avoid a more expensive repair in the end.
The 10 Most Prominent Roofing Problems
Your home’s roof can incur damage in several ways, although weathering and a lack of maintenance are the most likely contributing factors. Homeowners should watch out for these common residential roofing problems and seek professional repair services immediately when they arise:
1. Leaks
The most common concern that homeowners face when it comes to roofing is leaking water. Cracked shingles, ice dams, uninsulated roofing, and other issues can all lead to leaks in your roof.
Leaky roofs can cause extensive damage to important property stored in your attic. Avoid leaks with annual roofing maintenance and immediate roof repairs after a storm.
2. Pooling Water
Another problem homeowners often face is pooling water on their roofs or in the attic of their home. A poor roof design is typically the real cause of pooling water on your roof. With an experienced exterior roof remodeling company, you can find the right roof design to avoid damage from pooling water.
3. Poor Ventilation
Proper attic and roofing ventilation are vital for several reasons. First, most shingling manufacturers require the right amount of ventilation the maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. Without adequate ventilation, roofing issues that the warranty would typically cover may become void.
Second, poor ventilation often leads to mold in your attic. Mold, mildew, and other hazardous growth are leading contributors to severe health issues for the home’s residents. Undetected long-term symptoms such as continuous colds or sinus problems can be explained by inadequate ventilation in your attic and roofing.
4. Pest Infestations
Pest infestations can also be the cause of your roofing problems. Burrowing animals and other insects can cause extensive damage to your home’s roof. The most likely mammals and insects causing your infestation include:
- Squirrels
- Rats and roof rats
- Mice
- Raccoons
- Chipmunks
- Birds
- Bats
- Insects and other small critters
An exterminator can help eliminate the infestation problem on your residential roof. Residential roof contractors can assist in assessing and repairing and necessary problem spots when animals and other pests can enter your home through your roof.
5. Low-Quality Installation
Many homeowners make the mistake of opting for the cheapest roofing installation when moving into their new home or repairing an existing roof. Although this saves you money in the short-term, the final cost of inadequate roofing installations can ultimately be more expensive. Utilize a trusted exterior roofing contractor to complete your roofing repairs, replacement, or installation.
6. Inadequate Insulation
Attic insulation is another crucial component of a well-functioning roof. When a roofing contractor fails to insulate an attic properly, there is potential for ice dams, leaks, and other roofing problems to occur.
Do your research before hiring an experienced exterior remodeling company to complete your roofing installation or repairs with the right insulation. Secure your roofing system (plus your personal belongings) with the proper attic insulation.
7. Ice Dams
Ice dams are a roofing issue that many Midwestern homeowners run into in the colder months. You know you have an ice dam when a ridge of ice forms along the edge of your roof, and it prevents melting snow, ice, and rainwater from draining off the edge of your roof.
Snow and ice will often accumulate on your roof after repeated freezing and thawing, resulting in dangerous ice dams that can damage your roof. Regular winter roof maintenance minimizes the likelihood of ice dams on your roof.
8.Holes and Other Structural Damage
Storms can cause extensive roofing damage when you least expect it, so it’s crucial that you have a high-quality roof installed. Structural damage like leaking and holes can occur during several severe weathering events, such as:
- High winds
- Rain
- Hurricanes
- Tornados
- Lightning
- Hail
- Heavy snow
- Ice and freezing rain
The likelihood of an extreme weather event happening depends entirely on your local environment. People in southern states are more susceptible to hurricanes and heavy rains, while Midwestern states regularly experience tornados, snow, and high winds. Your roofing materials and maintenance plan should be perfected to suit your local climate.
9. Failing Gutter Systems
Gutters are a great way to protect the foundation of your home, but they’re not infallible. Failing gutters are another notable sign of residential roofing damage.
If you notice poor drainage, pooling water, or excessive debris in your home’s gutter system, roof damage is probably to blame. Bring in an experienced roofing contractor to assess any damage and repair your failing gutter system.
10. Improper Roof Maintenance
Finally, improper roofing maintenance can make your roof prone to worsening problems over time. Annual maintenance is necessary to ensure your home’s roof is functioning at peak productivity.
Work with your preferred roofing company to come up with a comprehensive maintenance plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. The best and most durable roofs are the ones that receive the right amount of attention and care throughout the year. Call a trusted roofing company to take care of your roof’s regular maintenance and make sure you’re ready to withstand weathering and any other damaging agents.
Wrapping Up
When your home’s roof incurs damage, it’s best to contact an exterior repair company like MN Contractor Pros to provide expert solutions for your roofing problems. Don’t let damage linger; instead, deal with it right away to avoid more extensive (and expensive) issues in your attic or your home’s interior. Take the first step and schedule a consultation with a trusted roofing repair company in your area to avoid more costly repairs in the long run.