What are the Most Common Roofing Problems?

Most Common Roofing Problems

Whether your roof is new or old, you can bet that roofing problems will occur at some point. These include leaks, faulty shingles, clogged drains, and roof depressions. When they occur, a homeowner typically calls in a roof contractor. If a leak or depression is noticed while on the roof, the homeowner should make arrangements to have it repaired right away. The same goes for a cracked or chipped shingle. While it is perfectly possible to repair some roof problems on your own, most roofing issues should be handled by a skilled roofing contractor so as not to create more extensive damage, improper repairs, or dangerous conditions.

Roof Leaks

Even though roofs are designed to be waterproof, they do not always stay that way. Depending on the roof materials, and roof construction techniques, moisture can penetrate the roofing materials and create leaks. This is why it is so important to regularly maintain your roof with proper cleaning, including repainting, down-filling, and sealing. Regular maintenance will also keep existing problems from developing.

Roof leakages are one of the most common roofing problems experienced by consumers today. The improper installation of shingles, the improper design of the roof, a leaky roof, and other roofing materials, are all culprits in leaking. Although roof leaks may not always result in immediate roof damage, over time these leaks can greatly increase the amount of water damage that occurs to your home. When you experience an unexpected leak in your roof, it is important to repair the leak right away to prevent further damage.

Most Common Roofing Problems

Snow Buildup & Damage

Another roofing problem that most people don’t consider is the occurrence of snow buildup. Unfortunately, snow can be the most devastating roofing problem when it comes to ice dams. When snow builds up on the roof, it can often cause the roof to sag, creating damage to the ceilings and walls of your home. This is especially true during the winter, when temperatures may be dropping. If snow doesn’t scrape off, it often accumulates on the roof, causing more damage.

Melting snow can be one of the many reasons for a roof leakage. Small animals – such as cats and dogs – can easily sneak into the attic through a small hole created by the snow. Even small rodents such as mice and rats can have a negative impact on the structural integrity of your roof, so it is imperative that this type of problem is fixed right away.

Tree & Storm Damage

Tree damage is another very common roofing problem for homeowners. Whether it’s extensive damage from a falling tree branch or just dry rot from a few leaves, tree damage can wreak havoc on a roof. Whether the damage is from falling branches or insects, your roof needs to be inspected and treated to prevent further damage to the roof and your personal property.

Storm damage is yet another huge culprit when it comes to leaking roofs. Whether it’s debris washing up onto your roof or high winds causing leaks, storm damage can lead to everything from broken shingles to roof collapse. Because roofs are exposed to so many different elements day in and day out, they need to be maintained regularly in order to prevent leaks or cracks. A qualified roofer will know what types of repairs to make to your roof, as well as which ones to avoid, and will help you choose the right roofing services for you.

Cracking & Blistering in the Roofing Materials

When cracks become larger, they are most often caused by deteriorating roofing materials. Over time, many roofing materials will begin to crack, split, or shrink. These cracks can become bigger and thus more susceptible to leaks and damage, especially if there is no added protection for the roofing materials. In some cases, deteriorating roofing materials may cause the roof to cave in, exposing the underneath structure to damage from the outside.

Blistering is also quite common in older homes. Just like cracks, blistering usually occurs because of deteriorating roofing materials, such as shingles and slate. If these materials are poorly installed or not cleaned properly, then they will develop cracks or blistering. Sometimes, flashing between roofing materials may not be properly installed, which can also cause blistering. In some cases, cracks may also be caused by the presence of termites or other pests, so it’s important to have your roof inspected for signs of infestation.

Clogged Gutters

Lastly, clogged gutters are a roofing problem that can be fixed easily. Gutters should open and close according to normal weather conditions. Unfortunately, some gutters are not built to handle extreme weather conditions, which can result in them becoming clogged. The qualified roofing professionals can clean your gutters and make sure they are working properly. Clogged gutters are an eyesore and can lead to other maintenance concerns. 

Conclusion

All roofs face challenges whether they are damaged or not and whether you live the townhome life or in a single-family home. Whether you’re dealing with leaks or roofing structural issues, it’s best to address problems as they arise rather than allowing them to get worse. The good news is that it’s possible to repair most minor roof issues yourself. Whether you’re repairing shingles or replacing a roof, it’s important to know the most common roofing problems so that you can address the issue in a timely manner. If you suspect that your roof needs help, contact an experienced roofing specialist to discuss your options.