10 Common Causes of Roof Damage
Your roof is obviously an important part of your home, but it’s not something that many homeowners regularly think about. That is, until there’s a problem at least. The biggest issue with this way of thinking though is that by the time your roof is leading to problems inside your house the damage has likely been developing for a while. It’s important to be able to identify the top 10 common causes of roof damage.
It’s understandable that so many homeowners overlook their roof though, after-all, it isn’t something that’s easily inspected by most homeowners (especially those afraid of heights). Being aware of what state your roof is in is very important in maintaining your home. It’s vital to be aware of what common threats exist to your roof in your area. Knowing what could cause roof damage will make it easier to know when you should look for any signs of damage or call on an expert for maintenance. Being in the South and near the coast we can get hit with some extreme weather from time to time so it’s critical to keep your roof in good shape. Doing so will help keep the rest of your house protected and reduce the chances of you getting caught off guard with a major problem.
Below are some of the most common causes of roof damage. All of these have the potential to cause damage to even new roofs, so it’s important to be aware of these things in case your home experiences any of them. If you’re unsure if your roof has been exposed to any of these, then our team is available to perform a thorough inspection and make sure your roof stays in good shape.
Weather
Weather is one of the most common causes of roof damage, but there isn’t just one kind of weather that can cause damage to your roof unfortunately. Anything from extreme wind to hail can shorten the life of your roof and increase the chances of damage.
Strong winds have the potential to lift shingles up or even blow them off completely. Damage happens when wind allows rain to get under the shingles, causing leaks on your ceiling and possibly down your walls. Similarly, heavy rain or hail can weaken the protective coating of your roof’s asphalt shingles. This increases the chances of future rain causing damage through the shingles’ weak spots.
It’s a good habit to do a cursory inspection of your roof and property after big storms to see if any shingles were blown off. If you notice any obvious signs of damage you’ll want to have it inspected before the next storm.
Gutters
Gutters and downspouts are designed to help direct water away from your roof, but if they aren’t maintained correctly, they can actually cause damage to your roof instead. If your gutters are overflowing and clogged with debris then they will not properly flow water away from your roof like intended. Instead, the water will build up and possibly leak onto your roof. Overtime, this buildup of water can cause rot to your roof, especially during rainy periods.
Animal Activity
Unfortunately, those sometimes cute critters you have running around your yard can cause trouble for your precious roof. Nesting birds, raccoons, squirrels, mice and bats are animals that may frequent your roof and contribute to damage. If you notice regular activity by these animals on your roof we recommend inspecting it for damage.
Fallen Trees or Branches
A tree falling on your roof is sure to be noticed by you immediately, but homeowners often miss smaller tree branches that could cause just as much damage. If you have trees surrounding your home, especially older trees, then a storm, ice or wind could be all it takes for a nearby limb to fall onto your roof.
Falling trees or branches can be prevented though with proper tree maintenance. Inspect the trees surrounding your home for weaknesses. If you notice some limbs over your home look overgrown or weak, then it might be a good idea to preventatively remove those before they cause damage.
Flashing Damage
Roof flashing is the thin strip of material that is intended to weather-proof your roof around the edges, chimneys and vents. This is an important part of your roof designed to help keep the elements out and protect your roof from damage. If the flashing becomes damaged then it can lead to water sneaking in and potentially causing roof leaks.
Flashing damage is pretty common because the flashing’s seal can become damaged over time and by weather elements just like your roof. When the seal is weakened, the flashing can become dry or loose and leave your roof vulnerable.
UV Rays
We love the sun and in this area we tend to get a lot of it. While we may love the sun, the sun’s UV rays aren’t exactly great for your roof. Most roof’s have little to no shading from strong UV rays and overtime, it can dry out your roof’s shingles. Regular roof inspections will note any damages or weaknesses that have been caused by the sun.
Moisture
Most of the common causes of roof damage have one thing in common and that’s moisture. Damage that allows moisture to sneak in will lead to more damage sooner or later, so it’s important to look out for. Regular roof maintenance and inspections will help catch any problems that could result in moisture getting into your roof and causing damage.
It’s important to know the top ten things that can cause damage to your home’s roof. We recommend regular, yearly roof inspections to stay on top of any potential damage or small problems that could lead to bigger problems.
We provide free roof inspections to make keeping track of your roof’s health easy. Insurance is more likely to cover any roof damage if it’s addressed early on, so staying on top of the shape your roof is in is not only good for your home, but good for your wallet as well!
Contact the professionals at New Beginnings Construction by calling (843) 789-4604 for a complimentary roof inspection!
