Do you notice reoccurring issues with your roof? Your roof will deteriorate when faced with harsh weather like hurricanes and snow. Depending on your roof type, it could only last up to 20 to 50 years. It’s also going to take a lot of time and energy to mend and replace materials needed to fix a roof. Several unacceptable roofing issues can cause more damage to your home. More damages mean more expenses to cover. Avoid these occurrences by reading below about some of the roofing problems you may have at your home.
1. Leaks
Leaks are one of the most frequent roof problems that homeowners encounter. Leakages happen from broken or missing roofing materials. You can find leaks by looking for discolorations on your walls or ceilings.
Fixing a hole with a caulk gun seems like an easy fix for most residential homes but not for commercial houses. Problems like fractured flashing to busted shingles are common causes of leaking. These damages need more than using a caulk gun.
2. No Roof Flashing
Improper placement of roof flashings can cause rotting and faster deterioration. It’s usually the contractors who do roof installations cause these to happen.
Sometimes, installing roof flashings can get overlooked by people who install roofs. This problem happens when contractors rush the work because they want it to get done fast.
The process involves placing metal sheets redirecting water and debris off the roof. Allocations of flashings are at the bases of chimneys, vents, and roof edges. A cricket or a saddle is a flashing form like a small roof at the back of a chimney.
3. Improper Roof Installation
One reason houses have poor roof installation is because of the melting of roof cement. Bad contractors would usually stick them at the base of chimneys or where the roof edge meets a wall.
Placing a roofing cement is a quick fix to most roofing problems, but not for the long run. Over time, the slathered roof cement will dry and crack. Cracks can lead to leaking and more issues later.
4. Punctured Holes
Having these holes can invite pests into your home. Small animals and insects can invade through even the slightest opening in your roof.
Vaulted ceilings are grand but are susceptible to roof problems. Meanwhile, houses with attic entrances are places creatures can hide.
Mend holes on your roof as soon as you can ward off the critters in your home. Otherwise, resolve your critter problem by contacting pest control services.
5. Broken Gutters and Missing Gutter Apron
Damaged gutters allow water and debris to run down at the side of your home. This can lead to the rotting of your sides or have your landscaping in ruins.
No gutter apron means the runoff from the shingles will direct itself to the fascia board. In short, the damped board will decay and extend the rot to your other roofing components.
The best time to install gutter aprons or drip edges is when you replace your shingles. To install, remove the gutter brackets, then apply the gutter aprons with roof cement. Re-fasten the gutter aprons by placing back the gutter brackets or straps to the roof.
6. Broken or Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are a headache to deal with if the sealant wears off. Shingles on old houses experience wear and tear when rodents or forces of nature break them.
A solution to this problem is to upgrade your shingles by applying a topcoat. A protective layer can improve the lifespan of your shingles, but this is not a permanent solution. You will need to do reapplications to increase its longevity.
You can also do a complete roof reconstruction by changing new shingles. A slate tile roof can withstand anything for more than a century. Although, the downside to slate roofing is the weight and price; otherwise, you can opt for asphalt shingles.
7. Ponding Water
A common occurrence for flat roofs is water pooling. This roofing problem usually happens when water pools on the surface. Large puddles can form because of inadequate drainage systems.
A poor roof design can create chances of having a pond of water on your roof. It happens when the architectural design of the building does not match the roof layout.
Flat roofs are not like bathtubs that can hold water. They usually have tapered systems built over.
Contractors would build short slopes on flat roofs to prevent stagnant water. This way, water will run off to the drainage system.
The lack of flat roof drains allows water to pool on your roof. A proper drainage system can avoid expensive roofing repairs.
8. Moss
The lack of drainage can be from stocked debris or moss in your gutters. Untreated moss will make your roof will lose its structural integrity.
Moss grows in the crevices of your shingles. As it grows thicker, shingles will lift themselves, allowing water to come through. Moss absorbs water to sustain itself and make your roof rot.
You can dry up moss by making a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Moss won’t be an issue if you treat it early. If you have a mossy problem on your roof, consider hiring professionals to solve your issues.
9. Blistering
Asphalt shingles are the primary culprits to blistering on your roof. In LA, you cannot avoid blisters unless you install quality shingles.
One of the main reasons for blistering is the uneven temperature changes. The moisture inside your shingles bloat by the constant heat then pops. Blisters pop even at the slightest contact, so be careful when you run a check on your roof.
If this happens to you, we recommend you construct a new roof to avoid blisters. After the construction, do a routine maintenance check for popped shingles. You can also hire a contractor to help identify changes that need attention.
Fix Your Roofing Problems Today With Our Help
Prevent expensive repairs by maintaining your roof. Avoid these problems with Innovative Roofing to help with your roofing needs. Our services include commercial roof coating, residential roofing, and repair services.
You can also check here if you need repair and read more about roofing problems.