Out of all of the structures that make up the home, your roof is the biggest, yet, is often the most overlooked. This is because your home’s roof is so large that any form of damage cannot be easily seen on it.
If the damage gets big enough to be noticed from the ground, then it is likely too late for you to perform preventative repairs or any patchwork on it. This will result in costly repairs that could have been easily avoided.
When you handle maintenance around the home, it’s very important to include your roof in your routine. One of the most important forms of preventative maintenance for your roof is a visual inspection.
By carrying this out, you are able to keep an eye out for any potential signs of damage so that you can attend to them as soon as possible. This is something that you need to do because roof damage, if left unchecked, can lead to extensive damage that will cost thousands to repair.
It is far easier and less costly to take care of small forms of damage rather than wait for the damage to get worse.
If this happens, you will be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs, or, in the worst case scenario, a full roof replacement. Because of this, it is important to learn how to identify any forms of roof damage so that you can work on these right away.
Here are some of the most common forms of roof damage and problems to look out for.
Common Forms of Roof Damage
Over the course of the lifespan of your roof, it is not unusual for your roof to see some damage here and there. Keep in mind that your roof is designed to protect your home against common forms of roof damage, but you have to put in the work to make sure that the damage does not spread too badly.
Here are some of the more common forms of damage that you need to attend to so that it does not get too bad.
A Dirty Roof
Your roof is constantly exposed to the natural elements, which means that it is regularly barraged by sun, rain, and hail. Because of this, it is not uncommon for your roof to eventually get dirty.
However, you should pay attention to the kind of dirt that your roof is accumulating. If the dirt that you see looks like green and black streaks, then this is a sign of mildew and mold buildup on your roof.
If you don’t get your roof cleaned right away, then this mold can damage the material on your roofing, because it can eat into the roofing and soften it.
Over time, holes can form, which can lead to leaks and further damage. Not only that, but the presence of mold and mildew can cause health issues like allergies and asthma. Because of this, you should have your roof cleaned regularly to avoid these potential issues.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
It is expected for your roof to lose a few shingles here and there over the course of time. They can break off, fall off, or get blown off by the wind.
A few missing shingles here and there are to be expected, but if it gets to the point where large patches of your roofing is missing, then this is a cause for concern.
The problem with missing roof shingles is that you open yourself up to all kinds of issues if you don’t replace these regularly. Some of the most common issues you may face with missing roof shingles is an increased chance of roof leaks, as the missing gaps are a way for water to get into your walls and ceilings.
Over time, that water can get into the rest of your home, which can lead to extensive property damage. Exposed areas of your roof can also potentially attract pests to your home, which is a health and safety risk.
Finally, all of these issues can lower the property value of your home, so it’s best to keep your roof’s shingles intact and replace them whenever necessary.
Gutter Damage
Your roof’s gutter is designed to keep water off of the surface of your roof. This is important because standing water on your roof can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, as well as direct damage to the roof itself.
If your gutters are damaged, then this will result in water damage to your roof, as there is nowhere for the water to drain off too. Even if your gutter is intact, you should make sure that your gutter is not clogged all the time, as you will see the same issues.
A gutter that is always clogged will eventually break down as well, so you should always make sure that your gutter is included in your roof maintenance.
Common Roof Problems
While keeping an eye out for roof damage is essential to the care and upkeep of your roof, you should also be aware of any roof problems that can contribute to this damage. Here are some of the most common roof issues that can lead to costly and extensive roof damage.
An Improperly Installed Roof
One of the biggest roof issues that will contribute to extensive roof damage is a roof that has not been properly installed. This is because there are a lot of features that contribute to a sturdy roof, and if the roof is not installed properly, then these features will likely be compromised.
These are important because they contribute to certain essential functions, such as waterproofing, roof durability, and other functions that you need for a fully functional roof.
If you want to make sure that your roof is installed properly, then you need to enlist the services of a roofing company like National Star Roofing Specialists to handle this for you. You will want a contractor that cares about your roof, and we can get the job done right.
Close Proximity to Trees
While trees lend a level of aesthetic value to your home, you also have to watch out for how these can affect your home, especially if they are very close to your property. With trees, the biggest issue that you have to worry about is if its branches or fruit end up falling on your roof.
If these create a large enough impact, then they can easily damage your roof, which will need constant repairs to keep it in good condition.
Not only that, but the shade of your trees and the leaves that it drops can cause excess moisture on your roof, which contributes to the buildup of mold and mildew. What you want to do is to keep your trees trimmed and your gutters clean of any debris buildup to avoid these issues.
Small Animals
If you have a pest problem in the form of small animals and other pests, then you have to learn how to remove these from your property to avoid damage to your roof.
These critters can run all over your roof and cause damage, which you will need to watch out for and repair as soon as possible. The easiest way to avoid these problems is simply by removing these pests from your property for full peace of mind.
Your roof is a vital part of your home and property, and as a homeowner, it will always be in your best interests to keep it in good working condition. By learning to identify certain forms of damage in your roof and staying on top of your maintenance, your roof will be a core part of your home for a long time.
To guarantee the quality of your roof, you need a reputable roofing contractor like National Star Roofing Inc to handle your roofing. Give us a call and we’ll handle any and all of your roofing concerns today!
