Roof damage can be one of the most stressful home repair problems a person can experience. There’s nothing worse than a leaky roof. Not only does a damaged roof make it almost impossible to live in your home comfortably, but it also risks damaging your possessions inside the house as well. Once your roof is damaged, there are usually very few options other than simply paying for a professional to get it fixed.
However, there are often some common causes that you can avoid to prevent your roof from getting damaged at all. While it’s obviously not possible to protect your roof from wear and tear over the years, by staying mindful of these causes of roof damage you can ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Here are the three most common causes of roof damage in residential homes.
Poor Installation
One of the most common causes of roof damage actually stems from improper installation of roofing materials, to begin with. There could be many reasons why the initial roofing for your home was installed incorrectly: the previous owner may have paid an unlicensed contractor to do the work at a lower price or even attempted to do it themselves as a cost-saving measure. At the end of the day, both of these options can actually cost the house owner more money than it saves. It’s always best to hire a professional roofing company to install your roof.
Incorrect roof installation can actually be tremendously detrimental to the long-term longevity of a roof. An unlicensed individual might attempt to install new shingles over old ones, increasing the risk of leaks and broken shingles over time. Additionally, amateur mistakes such as failing to use underlayment, incorrectly installing appropriate flashing, low-quality or missing sealant, and failing to overlap shingles properly can all lead to greater risks of roof damage down the line.
Lack Of Maintenance
Another common reason for roof damage is a lack of appropriate maintenance. You should have your roof inspected at least once a year for damage and issues. A good time to do this is in the spring, since your roof experiences the most stress during the cold winter months. Any damage or problems these annual inspections uncover should be dealt with immediately. If left ignored, over time, small issues can lead to much more significant damage to the foundations of the roof. You should also have your roof swept and the gutters and downspout cleaned annually, to keep your roof in peak working condition.
Exposure to Extreme Weather
Finally, exposure to severe weather such as freezing water, wind, and storms, as well as extreme heat will cause excess stress to your roof and may damage components of your roof over time. While it’s obviously not possible to shield your roof from severe weather, you can take measures to minimize the risk of weather-related damage. You should always pick a wind-resistant material for your shingles when installing a new roof, to improve durability in the long term. Proper ventilation and insulation in the attic will also help to minimize damage from heat. This way, your roof will last as long as possible, saving you money over time.
