Minor roof damage can easily go under the radar and, eventually, turn into a major one within a few years, month, or maybe even days. A great thing is that you can spot most of the danger signals from the ground if you pay at least some attention. And if you want to be able to prevent leaks and cracks before the damage is done, stick around, because today, we are talking about common roof repairs split into categories by what is causing each.
1. Hail Damage
Large hailstones hitting your roof can severely damage asphalt shingles in just a couple of seconds. The damage is sometimes not obvious right away, however, hail can easily take off the protective layer of granules on top of each shingle, and that’s the only beginning of a problem. Left untreated, shingles are left exposed to UV rays that only contribute to their deterioration. In the worst-case scenario, as the bruises are getting worse, water will be able to pass through the deteriorated shingles, which will cause one to multiple leaks. In this case, you’ll have to consider having some or all of the shingles replaced.
2. Snow and Ice Damage
The colder the weather, the more roofing issues. Snow freezes and turns into ice overnight, then thaws during the day. During this process, some of the water manages to find its way under the shingles. And then, once the temperature drops again, more and more ice starts accumulating down there. The ice lifts the shingles, leaving more space for water to seep, which can result in a major threat to your roof’s structural integrity. To get rid of or prevent ice dams, make sure your attic is well-insulated, ventilated, and seal and insulate ducts. If the water has already crept under the shingles and the ceiling and interior walls are already damaged, contact a professional to stop the damage from getting even worse and file an insurance claim for ice dam damage.
3. Tree Damage
As small tree branches grow, they start rubbing against the shingles and damaging their protective layer so that, after some time, they should be replaced entirely. On the other hand, leaves and debris from trees fall into the gutters and cause blockages so that water can’t pass through but crawls under the shingles. A fallen tree can wreak havoc on your roof, bend metal gutters, and even break into the living space, and situations like this happen pretty often. The best thing to do is to hire a professional to trim the branches or remove the trees that are too close to your home, otherwise, the structural integrity of your roof and your entire home can be endangered.
4. Shrinkage
A shrinking roof is only a tip of an iceberg. Once your roof starts shrinking, you’ll, sooner than later, start noticing cracks and leaks and vital components of the roof (f.e, flashing) will start pulling apart as well. Note that shrinking of the roof is actually caused by shrinking of the EPDM membrane that should be re-installed or a new one should be installed for the roof to be fully functional. Replacement of the EPDM membrane is among the most common flat roof repairs.
5. Damaged Flashing
Flashing makes sure hard-to-reach areas on your roof such as chimneys or skylights and other connectors and fixtures are leak-proof. Flashing is made of different materials, such as steel, aluminum, and weatherproof plastic that is slightly more prone to cracking and breaking. If the flashing material is not secured and properly attached or if it cracks, the connections become less secure and water and moisture can easily pass through. Roof flashing repairs are quite common but, luckily, simple to conduct.
6. Improper Roof Ventilation
Poor ventilation and excess heat accumulating in your attic can make shingles crack and deteriorate entirely. What’s more, improper ventilation can also cause moisture buildup. Altogether, heat and moisture can make the shingles move, lift, or crack when exposed to ice or UV rays. To prevent this issue, make sure there are not too many soffit or gable vents in your attic, and be careful about the choice between a ridge and a soffit vent.
7. Poor Maintenance
Ultimately, poor roof maintenance results in minor, unnoticed issues turning into major ones. This also leads to costly roof repairs, such as flashing, leak, gutter, and saggy roof repairs. To prevent this, make sure to have your roof inspected once per year, and, if you live in a windy area or an area where it rains often, it would be wise to have your roof inspected almost after every major storm.
Does Buildings Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?
Yes, buildings insurance covers roof repairs, partially or fully, if the cause of the damage is a sudden and unexpected event (storm, tornado, fire, etc).
Summary
Now that you know more about the signs of trouble, we guess you will start inspecting your roof regularly in order to prevent costly repairs. If you ever need professional help with roof repairs, Groom n Co is there to come to the rescue. Our experienced team will make sure no leak or crack goes undetected and take steps to protect the largest asset you own, your home. Contact us via this form regarding roof repairs in Bromley and surrounding areas.
