8 Most Common Roofing Concerns That Homeowners Face

Roof systems are built to endure a variety of elements. They can even be designed for the specific type of climate in your region to ensure that the roofing is capable of excellent performance amidst weather events that typically occur in your area.

Depending on the quality of the material and other factors such as maintenance and extreme weather events, a roof can last for many years. However, it is also common for roofing issues to arise over the years, especially as the roof ages. These problems can range from minor leaks to extensive material deterioration.

Fortunately, most of these issues can be avoided or reduced with proper and regular maintenance. That said, you should see to it that your roof is inspected annually and after every severe storm. This will help you keep up-to-date with the condition of your roofing and be able to address existing problems or prevent potential issues.

It also helps to familiarize yourself with the most common residential roofing problems. This way, you can catch some signs indicating your roof might be in bad shape. Ultimately, knowledge about these common roofing issues will enable you to take action early and avoid bigger roofing problems and costly repairs.

In this post, stucco and roofing expert Precision #1 Contractors Inc. lists the most common roofing problems that homeowners encounter.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks usually start small, and they are almost undetectable in the beginning. However, by having your roof inspected on a regular basis, you can find potential sources early and avoid major problems during storm season. Typically, when leaks remain unaddressed for a long time, they can turn into bigger leaks and cause extensive damage to your home. In this case, you may need to call a roofer to do some emergency repairs. To avoid the hassles of roof leaks, make sure to fix such issues as soon as they are detected.

Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles normally shed granules as the material ages. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless your roof is already near the end of its life span or you notice large piles of granules on the ground or in your gutter. Losing excessive amounts of granules could easily result in bald patches on your roof, exposing the material to the elements and making it susceptible to damage. Roof granules are crucial in absorbing the sun’s harmful UV rays, and they provide a protective layer that shields the shingles from other elements. So when you notice a significant loss of granules, call your roofer for a thorough assessment of your roofing.

Splitting

Roof shingles usually expand in hot temperatures, and this eventually causes splitting in the material. If the problem continues to happen for  a long time, your roof could warp — which is a more serious issue that could cost the safety of your roofing.

Damaged Flashing

Your roof is made up of various components that deteriorate over time. The roof flashing, for instance, can last for several years. But much like other parts of your roof system, it can get damaged or become worn out. If a severe weather event recently occurred or your roof is getting old, you should have your roofer pay special attention to the flashing as it may already be in need of repair or replacement.

Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles may be the result of roof aging or extreme weather events. During high winds, roof shingles can get damaged or blown off since these winds can pry up the tiles as well as the metal flashing. Storms can also cause your roof to become destabilized. And when the shingles are damaged, missing or loose, the underlying layers of your roof will become susceptible to water damage and eventually pest infestation.

The sun’s heat can also cause problems such as cracking or breakage over time. These cracks and gaps can compromise your roofing during a severe storm, so you should have your roof inspected regularly. Through regular roof inspections, you can detect such issues and address them before they can cause bigger problems during harsh weather.

Damaged Gutters

Roofing contractors consider gutter maintenance as part of roof maintenance because the gutter system also functions to protect the roofing against water damage. So if you notice your gutters or downspouts are sagging or not effectively diverting water away from your home, your gutter system might be clogged. Clogging is a very common problem in gutters and downspouts, especially if there are no gutter guards to prevent debris from getting into the gutter system. Dirt, leaves, twigs and other sorts of debris can accumulate inside the gutters, causing the system to become plugged. Experts usually fix this problem by unclogging the gutters and reattaching them. But in worse cases wherein the gutters are severely damaged, the best solution is to replace the gutters.

Too Many Roofing Layers

Adding excessive roofing layers does not equate to better protection for your roof system. In fact, having too many layers of roofing materials might lead to the failure of your roof. Keep in mind that your roofing system can only handle a certain load. So when the weight goes beyond its capacity, this could put your roof and your home at risk.

Inadequate Roof and Attic Ventilation

Due to their location, the roof and attic are consistently exposed to the sun’s heat. They are also at risk of being damaged by other elements such as rain, snow and ice. Furthermore, without proper ventilation in the roof and attic, they become more prone to heating up. To ensure adequate roof and attic ventilation, make sure there are vents at the eaves or in the soffits as well as on the roof ridge. Vents placed in these areas will allow warm air to escape the attic and cool air to enter, enabling the regulation of temperature and moisture levels in your attic.

Precision #1 Contractors Inc. is a reputable home improvement contractor that specializes in roofing, stucco remediation, siding, windows and skylights, and more. Our team is composed of skilled and experienced individuals who will go above and beyond to ensure the success of your project. Call us at (215) 364-5115 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.