The roof on your home is a critical component of its structure. It’s the first line of defense against the elements. Keeping it in good condition is essential to protecting your home and family.
Five Types of Roof Damage to Immediately Address
Unfortunately, roofs are often subject to damage due to extreme weather or other factors. If left unchecked, this damage can cause a variety of problems, including leaks and structural instability. Therefore, it’s important to know what types of roof damage require immediate attention. Then you can act quickly to prevent further issues.
Broken or Missing Shingles
One type of roof damage that requires immediate attention is broken or missing shingles. Whether due to wind damage or age-related wear and tear, missing shingles make your roof vulnerable to water infiltration from rain and snow as well as pest infestations. In addition, damaged or missing shingles causes adjacent shingles to become loose, exacerbating the problem. To fix the damage, you’ll need to replace the affected shingle(s) with new ones that match the original manufacturer’s specifications.
Ponding Water
Another common issue is ponding water. Ponding water is the accumulation of standing water on your roof after a storm or heavy rains. This water buildup can lead to:
- rot
- mold growth
- structural weakness
in your roof if left untreated for too long. To address this problem, remove any debris preventing proper drainage around your gutters and downspouts. Removing the debris allows water t0 flow freely away from your house. Additionally, installing gutter guards may provide an extra layer of protection against ponding water in the future.
Cracked Flashing
Flashing refers to thin pieces of metal or plastic installed around edges where two different materials meet on a roof such as at chimneys or vents. When flashing becomes cracked over time due to exposure to extreme temperatures or aging material deterioration it creates an easy entryway for moisture into your home which can cause significant water damage if not addressed immediately through roof repairs or replacement flashing installation.
Loose Gutters/ Downspouts
Gutters are essential for proper drainage away from your home. However they must be securely attached to your home to be effective. If not secured properly, they may come loose during storms allowing additional water buildup on top of your roof. All that accumulated water can lead to many other problems if not addressed right away. Be sure to check all gutter attachments after any major weather event in order to avoid future roof damage issues.
Sun Damage
Finally sun exposure (UV radiation), especially in climates with high amounts of sunlight, can cause cracking, warping, and peeled paint. If damage isn’t noticed or taken care of as soon as possible, it can lead to costly repairs, ultimately reducing the roof lifespan.
Keeping up with regular maintenance on your rooftop is key in preventing more serious issues from developing down the road; however certain types of damage should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs. Taking time to inspect the rooftop yourself every now again is a great way to identify any potential areas of concern before they become bigger problems. However if find yourself needing repair services contact professional roofers to help.
About the Writer: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
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