The roof is one of any building’s most important assets, but it is often the most neglected. Although many may disagree, a roof helps make everything possible. Common roofing problems that arise from lack of maintenance can surface at the most inopportune times. A neglected roof can lead to a significant amount of problems, and most homeowners don’t realize that there’s a problem until damage has already been done.
Common roof problems arise at the worst time and can be a burden on the entire home. If you have ever had to deal with a total roof failure during bad weather, or just a small leak that is in the worst place possible, you realize how important it is that your roof be in good condition.
Not only does your roof help keep everyone inside dry, but it is also essential to:
- Help prevent mold growth
- Improve energy efficiency
- Enhance the structural integrity of your building
- Provide a pleasant aesthetic and finished look to any structure.
That being said, the roof is one of the most neglected structures on any building. Most building and homeowners stick to a fairly regular schedule of HVAC and other system maintenance. But they take the roofs that provide daily protection for granted. It is very common for roof maintenance to be reactive. Most will wait until there is a leak or an obvious reason before doing roof maintenance at all. Although this can fix the immediate problem, there are many serious issues that can result from an aging, unmaintained roof.
Why reactive roof maintenance doesn’t work
Although reactive roof maintenance may appear to be addressing the issues as they occur, it is not a very good long-term strategy for your roofing. By only reacting to issues as they arise, you risk having an old, poorly maintained roof that has hidden issues. This can potentially result in dangerous situations and costly repairs.
Common roofing problems you can avoid
Leaking
A leak can be incredibly inconvenient to everyone involved. When you notice a leak, there is already a lot of damage. Before you ever see the water inside your building, there are many roofing components that must already be completely saturated. This means that it could be days, weeks or months before you actually notice and address a leak.
Structural damage
In addition to the obvious puddles and water spots, leaks can damage the structure of your roof and home itself. If a leak is not found quickly, it can result in long-term structural damage that can cost you a lot more to fix.
Moisture
In addition to damaged and deteriorating roof decking, moisture can cause your insulation to become saturated, effectively eliminating any R-value that it may have originally had. The added water weight can increase the load on your roof structure, cause rust in fasteners and components and promote the growth of mold and other microorganisms. All of these factors contribute to the reduced structural integrity of your home, as well as a diminished level of indoor air quality due to the excess moisture and mold.
Exterior siding damage
One of the first places that you will visibly notice the effects of an un-maintained roof are in the exterior of your home or building. Moisture retention, structural issues and increased weight due to the added water lead to damaged stucco, brick, concrete wood and any other exterior building components. Whenever this damage is apparent, you can expect extensive repairs and replacement.
Shrinkage and Blistering
When the roof membrane shrinks, it can cause cracks. Blistering, ridging, splitting and surface erosion on shingles can also cause cracks. These cracks in the roof could lead to larger problems, such as leakage.
Deteriorated Flashings
Flashing is pieces of metal that prevent water from seeping through any intersection of projection on your roof. They are found around valleys, chimneys, vertical walls, and pipes. Deterioration of this material exposes the nails, joints and seems, which could cause leakage. Also, if the sealant around the flashing is deteriorated or damaged, a leak could occur.
Poor Maintenance
Neglecting your roof can turn minor problems into major damage. Performing routine maintenance can prevent roofing problems from escalating. Homeowners should be vigilant enough to notice problems such as ice dams, pooling water, and cracked sealant. This will save you from repair costs and a stressful situation.
Poor Installation
A faulty roof installation will be the beginning to your roofing issues. Poor workmanship from the installation can dramatically increase the chances of problems for your roof. Along with the long list of problems such as leaks and deterioration, a bad installation can lead to premature aging and failure. Make sure to get a certified contractor that you trust to install your roof properly.
Preventative maintenance
The best way to prevent these common roofing problems is to enact a preventative maintenance program. This type of program begins with regular, thorough inspections that are designed to discover, document and repair any current or potential damage before it becomes a serious issue. Although there is a cost associated with this, preventative maintenance is highly preferred to reactive maintenance. Repair and replacement costs of serious roofing issues are typically much more extensive than if you stick to a regular preventative schedule.
If you notice any of these common roof problems, contact All Weather Tite, located in Port Charlotte, FL. Our roofing contractors will provide quality roofing services to help fix the damage to your roof. If you need to install a new roof to your home, we offer a free estimate to get you started.