Whether you are building a new home or looking to replace your current roof, knowing what causes roof damage and how to avoid it is essential. This will help you save money and get your roof back in great shape.
Roofs are prone to damage from storms, high winds, heavy rain, hail, and freezing temperatures. Depending on your region, these weather conditions can wreak havoc on your roof.
Wind
The wind is one of the most common causes of roof damage, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. Although most of the damage occurs at the edge, where the materials are loosest, there’s also a risk for the center of the roof to get damaged.
The layout of a roof as well as the materials and installation, play a role in determining how susceptible it is to wind damage. For instance, a hip roof (with four slopes) tends to be more wind-resistant than a gable roof with two slopes.
When strong winds strike, trees can be another problem, as they may drop branches on your roof or knock shingles off. To prevent this, you’ll want to inspect any trees around your house and trim them to keep them safe from your home.
Rain
Rain is a common cause of roof damage, especially in areas where storms regularly occur. If you aren’t keeping your roof up to par, you could face serious problems requiring expensive repairs.
One of the biggest causes of roof damage from rain is pooling water. If water can’t drain away, it collects and creates moisture issues that could eventually lead to rot and mold damage.
Those with sloping roofs also face a higher risk of this problem, as water collects at the joints between the roof’s parts. Luckily, experts in roof repair Sacramento can add waterproofing to this type of roof to protect against moisture problems.
Snow
Roof damage caused by snow is a typical winter issue. Heavy snow accumulation and ice can cause shingles to break, causing water leaks or deteriorating the roof.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid snow-related issues and repair them when they occur.
Removing snow as soon as it accumulates keeps the weight off your roof and prevents moisture from getting, which can result in ice dams and other damage to your home.
Removing snow and ice from your roof can also help you protect your investment, as a heavy layer of snow can cause your roof to leak or deteriorate. This can be a costly and frustrating fix, so make sure to remove snow quickly as the winter progresses to keep your roof protected.
Debris
Wind and weather are the biggest causes of roof damage, but other things can also cause it. Precisely, debris can rip off part of the roof or an entire structure.
During thunderstorms, branches and twigs can snap off and flutter down to your roof. These pieces of debris can be hard to spot, but they can do much damage.
In addition to causing much damage, debris can harm the environment. It can also contaminate water, soil, and air. This can lead to many problems, from mold and mildew to water pollution.
Leaks
A leaking roof is one of the most common reasons for water damage to a home. But not all leaks are caused by the same issues, and some can be easily prevented.
A leaky roof is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It can cause significant damage to your home, including mold and rot.
Many of the leaks come from problems with the roof flashing – the thin metal sheeting installed under shingles to create a waterproof barrier. Over time, the tar used to seal the flashing can corrode, allowing rain to seep through.
