June 22, 2021
When's the last time you took a minute to check the condition of your roof?
If you're like most people, it's probably been a while.
Many people ignore their roof until it's too late and they must deal with a major issue.
Many roofing problems can be fixed for little money if caught before they turn into major issues. Your roof is the only thing between you and the elements. Routinely checking them can help extend the life of your roof and keep you and your family safe and dry.
But roofs don't last forever, and in addition to regular maintenance, you will need a roof replacement every twenty years or so.
But if you spot some of the common roof issues everyone must deal with early, you can prolong the life of your roof.
In the article below, we will discuss five common roofing problems and how they should be fixed.
Leaks
Water damage is your roof's biggest enemy, and roof leaks are far more common than most people realize.
Leaks can occur for several reasons, including holes in the roof, missing or broken shingles, gutter issues, attic condensation, and more.
If you can catch a leak early on, it typically is an inexpensive fix.
If you don't catch it early and the leak causes more damage, you could spend thousands of dollars to have it repaired.
Fortunately, roof leaks are usually easy to identify.
Most people first notice a stain on their ceiling.
When you notice the stain, you need to figure out where the leak is coming from so you can inspect the roof to see if there’s a missing or damaged shingle.
If there is a missing or damaged shingle or you notice any other damage, contact a professional roofing company that can have the damage repaired.
Overflowing Gutters
Your gutters play an essential role in keeping water off your roof.
Many problems that occur, like ice damming, that will have an adverse effect on your roof are related to backed up and overflowing gutters causing water to pool on your roof.
Many people love huge shade trees in their yard, but those shade trees can wreak havoc on their gutters and drainage systems.
Falling leaves and twigs can quickly clog up gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts, causing water to stagnate.
This is why properly functioning downspouts and eavestroughs are essential and one of the most common roof maintenance issues homeowners face every year. It's also why gutter guards are a good idea to help keep your gutters clear.
You always need to be sure to clear clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
If you notice any damage while cleaning, many roofers will offer gutter cleaning and repair service.
A skilled local roofing company will ensure that your gutters are working at maximum effectiveness, and they can install gutter guards that will keep your gutters from clogging during the summer and winter months.
Flashing Failures
Sometimes you have a hole in your roof that is supposed to be there.
Things like skylights, satellite dishes, vents, and chimneys will all put holes in your roof that are necessary.
Flashing is the material used to seal these areas to ensure that the elements don’t get in.
Flashing is also used around roof edges, seams, and valleys.
It is often installed poorly, and it is susceptible to environmental exposure and old age.
A flashing problem is an easy fix for professionals, but it can be hard to spot from ground level.
Damaged Roof Vents
Several things can damage roof vents, like a falling tree branch.
While checking for other roofing issues, check for cracked housing on your plastic roof vents, or if you have metal roof vents, check for broken seams.
Many homeowners use caulk to fix these issues, but that isn't a long-term solution.
The only long-term fix for a damaged roof vent is to have it replaced.
While you're at it, look for pulled or missing nails at the bottom edge of the base of the vent.
If you notice any, replace them with rubber-washered screws.
There will be nails across the top of the vent, too, and you can also work those loose without removing shingles.
Algae
If you notice black streaks, spots, or moss growing on your roof, you have an algae buildup.
This is a relatively common roof problem experienced by many homeowners.
The ugly streaks you see are aquatic plants that grow and thrive in humid conditions.
Algae can be considered a form of tree damage because homes with trees on their property can easily develop algae if a spore settles on your roof.
Clogged gutters and standing water on your roof can also lead to roof algae.
Roof algae are most common in climates that are humid and experience higher than average rainfall.
To prevent algae from growing on your roof, ensure trees near your house are trimmed to eliminate spores from settling on your roof. This will also expose more of your roof to the sun, which helps dry your roof faster, resulting in less chance for algae to thrive.
Make sure that your gutters are kept clean year-round as well.
If you notice algae streaks or spots on your roof, you should contact your local roofing experts.
Cleaning agents from home improvement stores can do more harm than good, so you should always contact a professional roofer.
Don't Let Small Roofing Problems Turn Into Big Ones
As your roof ages, the more likely you are to experience roof leakage, broken vents, and algae buildup.
But if you have a consistent roof maintenance regime, it will help you extend the lifespan of your roof.
You also need to ensure that the roofing contractor you hire to take care of any of these potential issues has the skill and experience necessary to perform the repairs and routine maintenance.
TK Roofing and Gutters has an experienced team of roofers that can help you resolve any of the issues we talked about above.
Or, if necessary, they can replace your entire roof.
If you need to speak to a roofing expert at TK Roofing and Gutters, click the button below to schedule Your Free Estimate.
