A roof protects the most significant asset most people own. Your roof is critical in maintaining your home’s integrity, comfort, and energy efficiency. Roofing problems can be some of the most destructive and costly issues homeowners encounter. Unfortunately, many homeowners only realize there is an issue with their roof once severe damage has occurred.
To help protect your property against a major catastrophe, keep a watchful eye out for common roofing problems and call an expert when you notice a problem.
7 Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
1. Poor Roof Installation
Choosing an inexperienced or poorly qualified roofing contractor will cost you more in the long run. Poor installation techniques can lead to premature roof failure, and you’ll need a roof replacement well before it’s time for one. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for shoddy contractors and scammers to arrive after severe weather moves through a region. Only hire a local, experienced roofing contractor to handle your repairs or a roof replacement.
2. Clogged Gutters
If your gutters or downspouts are clogged, broken, or defective, water might back into your roofing system. Water and snow may eventually seep into your eaves, where it can lead to rot. Preventing this problem is easy. Your gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and late fall. Installing gutter guards or screens will help prevent leaves, pine needles, and small twigs from clogging your gutters and downspouts.
3. Undetected Leaks
The most common roof problem is a leak caused by hail or debris impact. Sometimes the problem is evident if you’ve had visible roof damage. Other times, you may only realize there’s a leak once you see stains appear on your ceilings. Some roof leaks can be challenging to locate. Call a professional roofing contractor immediately to locate and correct the problem at the first sign of a roof leak.
Most Roof Leaks Tend To Occur:
- Near chimneys
- Around skylights
- Under damaged or loose shingles
- At flashing points
- Around gutters
- Close to vents and pipes
- In a low spot or roof valley
4. Tree Damage
Tree limbs allowed to hang over your roof can erode its protective top layer by allowing water to drip down continuously after rain or snowfall. Fallen leaves and other debris will also hinder water drainage off your roof, sending water where it’s not supposed to go. A fallen limb can cause severe structural damage. But a branch doesn’t have to fall on your roof to cause damage. Even if a small branch rubs against your roof regularly, it can scratch the surface and damage the shingles. Have tree limbs regularly trimmed back away from your home and roof. Your roof and gutters will stay cleaner, and it will cut down on maintenance costs.
5. Animal and Insect Damage
Squirrels, raccoons, birds, insects, and other pests can wreak significant havoc on your roof and home. Once they enter your attic, they can cause severe damage to your electrical wiring, destroy your insulation, and create a biohazard with their waste. While a roofing contractor can repair damage caused by animals and insects, you’ll need to call an extermination company to eliminate your pest problem. From squirrels building nests under shingles to termites eating away at roofing materials, evicting all pests and rodents before they can cause permanent damage is essential.
6. Lack of Maintenance
Often, the cause of many roofing problems is neglect. If minor issues aren’t located and corrected, they can quickly lead to large-scale damage and costly repair bills. Investing in regular roof maintenance goes a long way toward the long-term health of your roof. Roofs need annual, biannual, or quarterly maintenance depending on the roof type and whether it’s a residential or commercial property. Regular roof maintenance allows you to catch problems early, extends the lifespan of your roof, and gives you peace of mind.
7. Failure to Get Regular Roof Inspections
Having your roof inspected by a professional is the best way to ensure minor problems are caught early and corrected before they result in costly repairs or a complete replacement. Regardless of your climate, roof type, or the age of your home, a thorough roof inspection should be done at least once a year. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends scheduling inspections twice yearly as part of your regular home maintenance routine.
Call a Trusted Local Roofing Company
Since 1999, Brian Dawson Roofing has installed residential and commercial roofing systems throughout the greater St. Louis region. Because all of our work is done under warranty and fully insured, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new roof is dependable and long-lasting.
Contact us online or at (636) 733-6435 to schedule a free inspection and consultation. Our experienced professionals will arrive on time, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to detect leaks and other problems your roof may have. Our mission is to provide quality roofing services and top-notch customer service, all at a competitive price.