According to Forbes Advisor, a roof with little to no damage can last over 30 years. If damage does occur, it’s important to call a qualified roofer as soon as possible to mitigate it and maintain the durability of the roof. There are plenty of ways a roof can be damaged, but routine maintenance will help the roof’s longevity. This article will discuss some of the most common types of roofing problems.
Leaky Roof
Leaks can occur for a host of reasons. A shingled roof is built to withstand inclement weather, but water may find a way in. High winds may blow the rain at an angle that allows it to work its way underneath the shingles if they’re not secure. If this water sits idly until the temperature drops and it freezes, it will then expand. Expansion from heat or ice can cause nails to pop out of place and puncture shingles, leaving an easy access point for further water to enter through. Gutters can clog and lead to ineffective drainage, which can result in water pooling onto the edges of your roof, which are vulnerable to water damage.
The results of a leaky roof are not pretty. Your foundation can be damaged, walls and paint can be ruined, and the water may cause electronic appliances to short-circuit. Additionally, furniture exposed to leaking water can stain or experience mold growth. If you spot a leak, use the time-tested method of placing a bucket or pot underneath the spot to restrict the affected area until professionals arrive. If you have the know-how and equipment, you can also temporarily patch the leak. If your roof is difficult to access or you are unprepared to patch it, though, it’s time to call a professional roofer.
Damaged Shingles
Your shingles are the scaly armor that is the first line of defense for your roof and home. Asphalt shingles are certainly tough, but excessive force or wear and tear can push them to their limits. High winds can rip off shingles completely and leave the less-sturdy underlayment exposed to the elements. As mentioned above, heat expansion can push nails out of place and create bulging shingles, leaving them cracked and ineffective.
Inspect your home every so often to see if there are any abnormalities in your shingles or whether any are missing. You don’t need to get on the roof to do this. Simply walk around your home’s exterior and check for issues. If you notice or suspect any issues, it’s recommended to call a professional roof repair service.
Impact Damage
Impact damage can knock a few shingles out of place or cause an entire section of the roof to collapse. It depends on the size of the debris that hits the home. While you don’t want small branches raining on your roof and clogging your gutters, it’s a far more manageable situation than an entire tree collapsing onto your home.
Check the trees around your home for signs of disease or damage. An arborist service can quickly and safely remove any that pose a high risk to your property and your family’s safety. If you experience severe impact damage, you will probably not be able to handle it on your own. Call a reputable and licensed roofer to come and survey the damage. They can make a report for the insurance company to help pay for repairs.
Wear and Tear
As mentioned above, a well-maintained asphalt roof can last up to 30 years. That’s a significant amount of time, but it won’t last forever. As asphalt roofs age, shingles become brittle and may curl up around the edges. They will lose their UV-reflective granules and begin to fade in color, which may lead to a decrease in your home’s energy efficiency. The frame underneath may begin to rot if the weakened shingles cannot protect it from water and pests. In this case, the roof will start to become unsightly and its performance will weaken even further
A roof replacement is a significant but necessary investment. Spending your money on repairs that are more involved and more frequent will cost you in the long run. If you plan on selling your home, its value will drop significantly if the roof is in bad shape. There are plenty of benefits of a roofing replacement, too. You can re-up your warranty, improve energy efficiency, and prevent damage to the interior of your home.
If you are looking for a reliable roofer to handle roof repairs, replacements, inspections, or maintenance, look no further than Frontline Home Solutions LLC. Call today or visit our website to find out how we can improve your roof.
