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Roof problems are the source of many homeowners’ anxieties. The roof is the most critical part of your home, and it can be incredibly costly to replace. But if you know what signs to look for, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding expensive repair bills down the road. Here are some common problems homeowners should watch out for:
#1 Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are the most common problems that roofs will encounter. The roof’s job is to protect your home from water, but leaks in the roof can cause damage to your home by allowing water to leak into it.
Here are some signs of a leak:
- Water damage on walls or ceiling below the roofline
- Indications of moisture buildup inside the attic, such as mold or stains on rafters or joists and/or soft spots in insulation (usually caused by heat-related damage)
- Damp spots near windows or doors (indicating exterior leaks)
These leaks cannot be ignored. These may seem like minor issue at first, but if neglected can cause huge problems in the future. If a leak is not repaired right away, it can even lead to structural damage to your home’s frame.
How To Fix Roof Leaks?
Fixing a roof leak yourself could be tough. It involves spotting the leak, removing the old shingle and roofing nails, and then replacing the shingle. If you notice a roof leak, it is always best to contact a roofing contractor right away.
#2 Clogged Gutters
You might be surprised to know that gutters are considered part of a roofing system. This is because these are connected with the roofs and are tasked with the work of transferring the water safely to the ground and protecting your property from water damage. As time passes, the gutters become vulnerable to clogging.
During rains and strong winds, leaves of surrounding trees, dust, and other debris can fall into the gutters, making it difficult for the water to pass through the system. In some cases, granules of shingles can also pass through. Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks as the water can seep into your home.Check your gutters regularly and use a washer to clean the gutters and downspouts.
#3 Damaged Shingles
Though there are a lot of roofing materials available in the market, asphalt shingles are the most popular. These are used on more than 75% of homeowners in the USA. However, there are specific issues associated with them. These tend to break or get blown away. Broken or missing shingles are common roof problems. If you notice broken or missing shingles, it’s important to identify the cause of the damage and how serious it is.
- Broken shingles: Asphalt shingles can be damaged, and you can find that some of them are cracked, curled up, or broken in half. This can be an indication that you have a leak somewhere in your home that needs immediate attention. The moisture from rainwater can get underneath damaged shingles and cause mold growth inside your home.
- Missing Shingles: This typically occurs when they fall off due to exposure to weather conditions such as wind gusts and temperature changes. However, if this repeatedly happens over time, then there can be a problem with the structure.
To avoid this problem, inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage.
#4 Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing is a metal or plastic covering that covers the vulnerable areas of a roof, such as the sides of a chimney, space between the roof and a sidewall, or another building element. It is designed to protect the structure from water infiltration.
Roof flashings play a huge role in your roofing system. If the flashing on the roof gets damaged or cracked, then the water can seep in through these vulnerable areas.
#5 Ice Dams
If your home is located in a cold climate, you may have heard of ice dams. Ice dams are a common problem for homeowners, especially in the wintertime. When the snow melts on your roof and does not run off, it can cause water to back up behind the shingles and eventually leak into the house. Most people are familiar with this problem—after all, it’s what causes icicles to form on the edge of your roof!
- What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a ridge or bulge of ice that forms down the middle of your roof after heavy accumulations of snow melt into ponds near the eaves.
- How can I prevent an ice dam? The best way to prevent an ice dam from forming is by clearing any snow accumulation as soon as possible after storms pass through.
#6 Poor Quality Roofing Materials
Low-quality roofing materials is another major factor that contributes to roof problems. When the materials used in the roofing process are not high-quality, it can affect the longevity and energy efficiency of the roof.
In addition to being low-quality, cheap materials may not have been stored properly, which makes them prone to mold and mildew growth. Always make sure that the roofer is using roofing materials of the highest quality.
#7 Damage From Surroundings
One of the most common causes of damage to your roof is trees. The constant growth and movement of trees can cause a lot of pressure on your roof and underlying structure, which can result in cracks, leaks, and other problems.
There is always a risk of a tree falling and tearing the roof apart. If you live near a wooded area or have lots of trees growing around your home, then you need to make sure that the trees are trimmed and stay away from your roofing system.
Want The Best Roofing Services?
This article is meant to give you a general idea of the most common roofing problems and how they can be fixed. The best way to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible is to have it inspected regularly by a professional with experience in roofing services in Pittsburgh, PA. They’ll be able to tell you what needs to be fixed and if anything else should be done before any repairs happen.
If you are looking for roofing services, then the team at McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC can help. We offer free, no-obligation roof inspections. Our inspectors will thoroughly inspect your roof and tell you what steps you can take further. Contact us today at (412) 353-5660
