How to Prevent Roof Problems
The best way to prevent roof problems is by checking the status of your roofing system on a regular basis. If a minor problem is caught early, it can be easily addressed before escalating into major damage.
Keep gutters free of leaves, debris and other items that could cause blockage. This allows your roof to properly dispel water and avoid leaks and rot.
Falling Tree Branches
We've all seen pictures on the news after a storm of buildings or homes that have had their roofs caved in by toppled trees. However, while it is possible for a tree or a tree limb to fall on your home, it is more often the result of a less dramatic problem such as overhanging branches or debris from nearby trees.
Overhanging tree limbs rubbing against your roof for a prolonged period of time can eventually damage the asphalt shingles and create leaks in your roof. The best way to prevent this is to have your trees regularly pruned to keep them at a safe distance from your roof.
Pine needles, leaves, and other debris that accumulate on your roof will cause wear and tear over time which shortens the life of your roof. They also hold moisture which can lead to mold, moss, and other algae growth which will require costly roof repairs. It's important to have your trees trimmed as often as you have your home's gutters cleaned.
Another major problem is that when tree limbs rub against your roof they erode the protective outer layer of the shingle, which can also shorten its lifespan. This can happen over a prolonged period of time and it may not be obvious until you notice water leaking into your home.
It's a good idea to have your trees regularly assessed and the health of your trees monitored by a certified arborist. This will give you peace of mind that any weakened or dying trees will be removed before they are likely to fall on your home during a severe storm.
You should also watch out for a splitting trunk, fungus, rotting branches, leaning, swollen spots, and discolored leaves or fruit, which are all signs of a weak or unhealthy tree that could potentially fall on your house. It is also a good idea to have your trees professionally pruned as soon as they begin to get too close to your home. By doing this, you'll save yourself a lot of headaches in the future and protect your home from expensive roof damage.
Water Leaks
A leaky roof is one of the most common problems home owners face. Leaks can be caused by cracks in shingles, improper sealant around shingle edges and holes or penetrations from things that penetrate the roof. The best way to prevent a leak is to check for these items regularly.
During storms, make sure gutters are free of debris so rainwater and melting snow can flow freely away from the house. If shingles are missing or cracked, they should be replaced immediately to avoid water seeping through and damaging the roof structure.
Keep a watchful eye for the following signs of trouble:
Water spots in the ceiling are a sure sign of a leak. They may appear in a line along a single wall or across an entire room. Often the spot will be in a room that gets the most sun or has a vent, skylight or chimney. You can also look for water stains on the insulation inside the attic or a musty smell in the attic.
If you suspect you have a leak, get a helper and use a garden hose to soak the roof. Start low, soaking the area just above where you see the water stain or drips inside your home and work your way uphill to the suspected leak location. This will reveal any soaked or discolored felt paper or rotted wood that may be the cause of your problem.
Other problems that can lead to a leaky roof include clogged drains, which can allow water to back up over shingles and into the house; and loose flashing. Loose flashing can create a welcoming sign to animals who want to nest in your attic, and it can allow air, rainwater and other things to get under shingles and into the house.
Some leaks can be tough to find. If you can’t locate the source of a leak, ask your contractor to do a more thorough inspection on the roof using a moisture meter or an infrared camera. This method can identify the area of water damage without climbing up on the roof and can also be used to spot areas that need repair before a leak occurs.
Insects
The roof protects your home from the elements and intense climate conditions. However, it is vulnerable to the whims of nature’s animal inhabitants. Birds drop acidic waste which can eat away at the materials of most types of roofing. They also build nests in gutters which can clog or block water flow and contribute to a leaking roof.
Bees and wasps can create heavy hives on your roof, leading to holes in the roof and structural damage to your house. Termites are another problem. They feast on cellulose, which is found in most wood. This can destroy the structure of your roof over a period of time leaving it prone to collapse.
Small animals like squirrels and chipmunks are attracted to moist attic spaces. They can chew through shingles, sheathing and drywall. They can also track in debris such as twigs, leaves and bark which contribute to the need for roof repairs. They can also gnaw on electrical wires, which increases the risk of fires in your home.
These small creatures can make their way in through cracks around window frames and vents. They can also cause a rotting effect on the fascia boards, which will then lead to further damage to your roof.
Birds and bats can leave behind unsanitary droppings which will also erode shingle materials. They can also make their homes in eaves, where they will be susceptible to rain water and wind damage. They will build their nests on the shingles which will then lead to leaks, and they can also clog gutters with mud and twigs.
You can prevent insect infestations by regularly cleaning your gutters to get rid of twigs and leaves. You should also cut back trees that touch your home to stop pests from using them as ladders to climb onto the roof and in through the windows. In addition, you can use dehumidifiers in your attic and move potential food sources out of the attic to keep moisture levels low. Lastly, you should call Contractors Port St Lucie Fl for regular inspections to ensure your roof is safe and functioning as it should.
Pests
There are a wide variety of pests that can cause damage to your roof. From rodents to birds and insects, a pest problem can quickly escalate into major structural damage to your home. In addition, these pests can also carry diseases that pose health risks for homeowners.
Rodents like mice and rats will chew through the various materials that make up your roof and can even enter your home itself. They will gnaw on wood beams, electrical wires, and other objects on the structure of your home and can cause fire hazards and weaken the overall integrity of your house. Squirrels can also create problems by chewing on overhangs, shingles, and other items. They may also climb into your attic and damage insulation, water lines, and other items. Other types of pests such as carpenter ants and termites will create tunnels in wood, which can significantly weaken your roof structure.
Bird droppings are especially corrosive to shingles and other roof material and can erode them over time. In addition, bird nests in gutters can block drainage and can cause leaks. The abrasiveness of bird droppings can also eat through the sheathing of your roof and may even compromise the insulation in your attic.
Bees and wasps can also be problematic. They can sting or kill you if they get on your head, and they can also destroy the insulation in your attic and rot the wood of your roof and siding.
The best way to prevent these problems is by having a professional roof inspection and making any necessary repairs. A roof inspection can identify any cracks or holes in your roof that can be used by pests. It is also important to keep trees and other plants that touch your roof well-trimmed. In addition, replacing any rotting fascia boards can help to keep rodents and bugs away from your roof. Finally, by improving attic insulation and ventilation you can prevent moisture from building up in your attic, which can lead to ice dams. This can lead to loose shingles, damaged gutters, leaking water and rotted attic wood.
The best way to prevent roof problems is by checking the status of your roofing system on a regular basis. If a minor problem is caught early, it can be easily addressed before escalating into major damage. Keep gutters free of leaves, debris and other items that could cause blockage. This allows your roof to…