The most important element of your house is the roof, and yet, for some strange reason, it is also the most neglected part. There is a common saying ‘Out of sight, out of mind,’ and it seems that this holds true for the roof.
Since it is right above your head, you don’t ‘see it’ on a daily basis. As a result, the apparent cracks and damages on your roof are not visible to you. As a result, repair and maintenance work is delayed. By the time you acknowledge the damages in your roof, it’s already too late and you are forced to spend a great deal of money on roof repair.
You can cut down on all of these expenses if you follow some basic tips. You should not only get your roof properly inspected, but you should also learn about the common causes because of which your roof receives the most damage.
Here is a list of most common problems that can lead to severe roof damage.
1. Roof Leaks
Your roof has to deal with different weather patterns. Harsh weather conditions can damage your roof. It is, therefore, important to get it thoroughly inspected, especially after rain showers or heavy snowfall.
2. Faulty Installation
Installing a roof is a difficult task and a minor mistake can result in unmanageable damages. So the one thing that you can do is to get a professional to fix your roof.
3. Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing is the material you install on your roof to provide it protection from harsh weather. This weatherproofing technique can come to bite you if you don’t exercise caution while installing it. Besides sealing areas such as chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes, flashing also results in blown off tiles and open seams if it is not installed properly.
4. Critter Infestations
Small animals and birds love to spend some time on your roof. But once they are done with their leisure time, they leave behind a trail of damage. Keep your roof tidy and ensure that only a few animals and birds are spending time on it.
5. Standing Water
Clogged drains lead to the accumulation of water on the roof. This water damages the layer of the roof.
6. Shrinkage or Blistering
The membrane of the roof (or its layer) is sensitive. It is exposed to the blazing sun, and other harsh conditions, for a long period. Over time, the membrane can weaken because of which your roof can be damaged at various places.
7. Improper Maintenance
If you leave your roof as it is, the chances are that it will be damaged in a short time. You have to get your roof inspected regularly, preferably by a professional, so that you can identify and address any problems in a timely manner.
Summary
The above-mentioned list is not exhaustive. There can be several other factors that can cause problems and damage your roof. It is always wise to call a professional roofing contractor to get all the problems resolved in an efficient manner.
