A residential or commercial roofing is a significant part of almost every building. More than just a covering made out of different components like waterproof sheets, it is an integral part of the framing system of a building that helps protect adjacent areas from the elements.
With so many things to be considered, a roof should not be treated haphazardly. Here are some common reasons why your roof gets damaged and what you can do about them with the aid of professionals like that Roofing contractor in Clearwater FL.
What Are Some Common Causes of Roof Damage?
Improper Installation/Repair
Probably one of the most common causes of roof damage is improper installation and repair. Improper workmanship is often responsible for roof leaks. The reasons mustered are varied. Contractors do not assess the situation carefully before starting the job or they forget to carry out measures to prevent water infiltration.
They also might decide to cut corners where it is convenient to do so, ensuring a swifter completion of the task. They may be disinclined to use the proper materials – contractors are in business first and foremost, and secondly as skilled workers, so they look at profit margins more often than not. So hiring professional and honest residential and commercial roofers will be crucial to achieve a great roofing installation.
Aging Shingles
One of the most common reasons for your roof to get damaged is due to shingles that are old and worn out. As shingles age, they tend to become brittle and break easily. This can cause them to crack or break easily during strong wind or when something such as a tree branch falls on them.
Foot Traffic
When members of the family accidentally or intentionally go up onto the house’s roof, they can cause any number of problems, which can turn into leaks, cracks, and other issues affecting the structure.
The Weather
Sometimes the weather can be an enemy of your roof. Wintertime brings out snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Summertime earns the heat, humidity, and thunderstorms with high winds. These elements are notorious for taking their toll on roofs which end up in leaks and damage.
Old and Worn-out
Almost all properties will require some roof repair or replacement work at one time or another. It is a given that your roof will wear out and you need to have an idea of the frequency with which the roof should be serviced to protect your home from the elements.
Cracked Flashing
One of the most common reasons for water to get into your ceiling is a cracked flashing. Flashing acts as a barrier between damp walls or other exterior elements and the roofing materials protecting them from damage.
Clogged Gutter
Maybe you haven’t noticed, but a clogged gutter can cause major damage to your roof. This is simply because most of the time water goes into your gutters and soaks into the shingles.
Improperly Sealed Valley
A valley is likely the most vulnerable portion of a roof and is the most problematic to fix and therefore may be the most common reason for roof damage such as leaks.
Ponding Water
Ponding water can weaken the structural integrity of your roof. This type of water collects in low-lying areas of your roof and seeps into the composite materials, like the sheathing. It can also force its way under shingles through open seams. Eventually, this can create leaks that damage your ceiling below.
Poor Maintenance
When it comes to the health of your roof, the biggest factor is how well you care for it. Neglecting to do the small tasks like cleaning out gutters, checking the attic, or fixing minor problems to prevent them from getting worse will lead to a big headache in the future.
What Can You Do About Some of Them?
For Small Leaks
Some leaky roofs are hard to find. Often the water emerges at a ceiling position away from the leak. If your rooftop has a plastic vapor barrier between the plasterboard and the attic insulation, push the cladding aside and look for plastic flow stains.
Cracked Chimney
In some instances, the only thing you need to do is locate the water leakage and repair the missing mortar. However, because the materials used for chimney replacements are different from those used in regular roofing fixtures, you should find a roofer, as this process can be quite complicated and you don’t want to compound a minor problem. If you have a connection to your furnace, a break in the ceiling top is a good bet.
Missing Gutter Apron
The best time to install the gutter apron is when you get the fresh shingles. But the gutter apron can be slid under existing shingles. A dab of roof cement every few feet will “glue” it to the shingles and keep it in place. You’re going to have to remove the gutter brackets or straps and then refill them after the apron is in place.
Vent Flashing Failure
There are two forms of flashing often used to seal the vents: a “boot” that depends on a compact rubber seal, and a soft-lead all-metal flashing that can be bent over and into the pipe. Certain models are made entirely of lead; others are ignited steel with a lead neck. When some kind of vent flickering fails, the remedy is to replace it.
Aging Shingles
Drift the pry bar below the row of nails that attaches the harmed shingle to the one below it. Lift till the nail bursts and then press back on the shingle when extracting the nail. Run again for the remaining nails. Remove the broken shingle, put in a new shingle, and seal it with 4 new nails. If there are far too many worn-out shingles, consider a roof replacement.
Clogged Gutters
Climb up on the ladder and get your hands in there. A lot of people suggest putting a big tarp under the area where you work. That way, as you go, you can drop any debris and wrap it up for easy dumping afterward. Tidy your gutters throughout the spring and fall to get peak water flow.
The roof is one of the most expensive elements of the building, so you need to make sure that it’s in proper condition. The first step towards achieving this goal is to learn about the common reasons for roof damage. If these apply, you should consider having your roof professionally inspected.