How is the integrity of your roofing system? In fact, do you recall the last time you thought to check your roof for underlying issues? If you can’t recall the last time or are uncertain of the condition of your roofing system, you’re not alone. Most property owners don’t pay attention to their roofs until something goes terribly wrong. While roofs are manufactured with the intention of lasting for several decades, failure to properly maintain the roof could cause issues that you weren’t even aware of. What’s the best solution? Educating yourself on common roof issues and being aware of when something isn’t right can save you a lot of money and stress.
Wind and Structural Damage
High winds can be very detrimental to the integrity of a roof. When winds reach high speeds, they can wreak havoc on roofing materials and even blow the materials straight off without warning. It can occur in a particular section of your roof or the side of your roof that is most exposed to the wind. As a result, it depletes the amount of protection your roof can provide to your home, causing issues such as leaking and the potential for mold growth down the line. Simply inspecting your roof after a storm can determine whether there has been significant damage that needs to be reported to a roofing contractor like ABC Roofing for immediate repairs.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
The shingles on your roof are not there just for decoration. They also aid in helping to protect the home from weather such as rain, wind, and snow. Because the shingles are exposed on a regular basis, they eventually give way and become worn down. As the shingles become worn, they will often cup or curl up and become brittle in texture. While you might ignore this issue because there are only a few shingles that look worn, they can lead way to leaks when wet weather returns. Annual roofing inspections can detect areas of the roof that are damaged and need to be replaced.
Roof Leaks
Roofing leaks can often be difficult to detect unless it is a massive hole as a result of storm damage. Leaks can start in areas that the homeowner does not see. Water begins seeping through areas in which the roof is damaged and eventually makes its way to other areas of the home. Typically, by the time the homeowner becomes aware that there is a roofing leak, the damage is pretty significant. As stated above, annual inspections can help to minimize the chances of roof leaks. A roofer can inspect all areas of the roof to ensure that it is structurally sound before the wet weather does more damage.
Gutter and Downspout Damage
According to Braun’s Roofing, a provider of quality roof repair in Houston, your roof is not designed to withstand large amounts of water for long periods of time. That’s where rain gutters and downspouts come into play. Gutters catch the roof runoff allowing for rainwater and melted snow to easily be transported off property grounds and into the sewer system. When the gutters are damaged or improperly maintained, they will not catch the runoff. Puddles then accumulate which can cause foundational issues and other structural damage to your home.
As common as these roofing issues are, there are things that you as a homeowner can do to prevent them. Keeping up with roofing maintenance with a maintenance contract that will include services such as cleaning the gutters and inspecting for damaged roofing materials can prevent issues such as leaks and gutter damage. Also, scheduling a roof inspection at least once per year is ideal to ensure that your home is safe and structurally sound.
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