Roofs are an asset that roofing companies should keep in constant view to ensure your safety. You can only identify roofing problems by climbing a ladder and inspecting the roof. If you have urgent issues such as a leak, flapping or curled roof shingles, you may need to repair the roof or replace it completely. Integrity Roofers has created a guide to assist homeowners in identifying the 10 most common problems they will encounter while maintaining their residential roofing system.
Ten Roofing Problems: The Best Solutions
Overhanging Tree Limbs
The beauty of trees around homes is that they create a natural environment. But there’s one problem. Trees too close to your home can pose a problem for your roofing system. Low-hanging tree branches can cause damage to your roofing system. Trees don’t keep their yards clean, so leaves and other debris can build up on your roof and gutters, causing pounding and water drainage to the eavestroughs.
A storm can cause a tree branch to fall onto your roof. This can lead to long-term damage. Animals and vermin love trees because they can gain access to your roof. They will rip away roofing materials and burrow into your roof, creating a dangerous environment that could lead to the destruction of your roofing system. Talk to an expert before you start any tree management plans. This will help you determine the best course of action. Regular inspections are a good idea to protect your roofing system, as Mother Nature can be harsh on roofing systems.
Gutters Ready to Give Out
Your eavestroughs are designed to drain water from your roof to the gutters and then to the ground via the downspouts. The eavestroughs are at risk from ice dams and blockages in winter. The ice dam’s additional weight will cause the fascia to collapse and create a gaping hole that allows water to escape.
The gutters won’t drain enough water if there is sediment in them. As the sediment builds up, the gutters will become clogged with water. The best solution is to use gutter meshing or a gutter guard. However, it’s important to keep the guards clean to avoid future problems. It is important to establish a good relationship with a professional roofing company that has experience in eavestrough cleaning to protect your roof and home.
Roof Leaks
Check the attic at specific times for any discolouration that could indicate roof leaks. Drips are the best indicator of rainy weather, but it’s not always possible to be in the attic. Stains on the ceilings at the top of the house are another sign of leakage. You can also check outside for signs of leaks. If there is a leak issue, it will be visible just below the roofline. If it becomes darker or doesn’t look right, you may have a problem.
Another source of water leakage is the skylight and vent. You will immediately know if your skylight is leaky. Vent problems can be a major problem that will require costly repairs. While you can temporarily fix the problem by caulking the areas where there are leaks, it is best to hire a professional to do a permanent solution to prevent more damage. You don’t need to be a professional roofer if you don’t have the experience and tools necessary to do a quality job.
Roofs: Improper DIY Projects
When weighing the pros and cons of DIY roof repairs versus professional assistance, one thing is certain: DIY solutions can cause more harm than good. You could fall if you don’t have safety training. Every year, thousands of Canadians try to fix their roofs.
Hiring a qualified, licensed roofer is best to inspect the problem. A professional roofing contractor will use their experience and professional insight to determine the root cause of your roofing problems and offer a solution. A professional can save you money as they can quickly and effectively solve your problems.
Flashing failures
Flashing is required to protect roof vents, skylights and chimneys. Flashing is a thin metal strip surrounding the inserts to prevent water from getting in. The flashing will eventually lose its utility and begin to degrade over time. This can allow water to leak into your roof structure. Flashing can also be installed at joints, seams and roof edges. It closes any valleys that your roof may create.
Flashing is an important part of your roofing system and should be checked regularly to ensure your home’s safety. Poor-quality flashing can cause damage to your home’s flashing. Call a professional roofer if you notice deterioration in flashing.
Poor Ventilation
Although it might seem strange, a roof must breathe. Vents are installed to allow air to circulate in the attic to keep it cool and dry. Your attic can become a sauna in summer and a frosty place in winter if it has poor or non-existent ventilation. Your roof will sag as the damp, humid air causes your decking and trusses to become spongy. A complete roof rip-off, including the trusses, is the only way to fix wood rot.
Mold can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. It can spread if there is a moist environment for the spores. Poor ventilation will cost your HVAC system and monthly budget a lot. The A/C will work harder in summer, and the heating system will heat the attic. Ventilation is essential to keep your attic dry and cool throughout the year.
Roof Gaps
Having a roofing problem can start as an inconvenience and then escalate to the worst nightmare of your entire life. You will quickly notice signs of decay if your roof sustains damage. Water is the greatest enemy of a roof, and once it’s inside a home, mold problems will threaten your well-being and health.
Call an expert if you haven’t checked your roof for a while to find out the problem and possible solutions. Professional roofing companies have the equipment necessary to spot roofing problems such as gaps or holes that aren’t obvious to the naked eye. They can catch them even if they are not major problems. Drone technology has been a great advancement in roof repair in scarborough.
Wear and Tear
Although we all want our roofs to last forever, it isn’t possible. Shingles have an expiration date and will need to be replaced once their life span is up. While it’s important to keep up with your maintenance schedule to replace damaged shingles, eventually, it will be more economical to replace the entire roof. Mother Nature is unpredictable, and Father Time cannot be defeated, as they say in sports.
A roof installed more than 20 years ago can be updated with new materials. You also have the advantage of not having the roof replaced before selling your house. New materials can withstand a fire of any kind and weather conditions. This will provide the protection that your home requires from the hazards and risks that a roof system presents.
Shoddy Repairs, Incorrect Installation
Let’s face the truth, not everyone who claims to be a professional roofer is. Any homeowner could have problems that are not obvious to them. Trust is key to roofing work. The homeowner expects that their contractor will fully understand the nuances of a roof system. It is a fact that poor roofing repairs can lead to more problems down the road.
Poor installation can void a warranty on products installed that do not follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. You think your warranty covers $10,000 roof repairs, but the previous contractor doesn’t know the ropes and voids your warranty. In the event of a problem such as this, it is possible to face costly legal proceedings. Make sure you thoroughly vet the contractor before signing on the dotted sheet.
Inadequacy of ongoing maintenance
Your roof is just as important as your car. Although a roof accentuates a home’s exterior, it still needs attention. If you don’t have a routine roofing maintenance program to maintain the entire roofing system, these problems will only worsen.
A regular roof inspection will prevent major problems from happening and help nip minor problems in the bud. Regular roof inspections are much cheaper than roof replacements and repairs. It is money well spent.
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