Roof damage is the bane of every homeowner’s existence. Not only is damage to the roof often costly to repair, but it can affect every other part of the house.
Thus, you must recognize the type of damage as soon as possible and take the necessary steps to repair it. Otherwise, the damage can get worse and spread to other parts of the roof or worse–the house.
Here are the common types of damage that can happen to your roof and how to fix them:
1. Hail damage
When your car gets battered by hail, you would immediately call an auto repair service to fix the dents. The same urgency should go for roof damage caused by hail. Since hail can cause punctures in your roof and moisture damage at the same time, a prompt response is necessary to prevent the problem from getting worse. If ignored for too long, the roof might need to be replaced entirely.
2. Moisture damage
Moisture damage can cause mold, mildew, decay, and moss, which can weaken the structural integrity of your roof and attract all sorts of opportunistic pests. When moisture damage is neglected, it can easily seep into other parts of your home, especially your ceiling and walls.
That said, you must check your roof every once in a while for signs of moisture damage. If there are water spots on the ceiling, moisture on the exterior of walls, or spongy wood decking, call a professional right away to address the issue before it spreads.
3. Structural damage
The supports underneath your roof that is keeping it up can grow weaker over time, especially when they are consistently exposed to moisture. As a result, structural damage can occur, which can take the form of a tilting roof or something more devastating, such as portions of the roof falling.
Don’t wait for structural damage to occur. Call a professional when you think that the supports are weakening.
4. Shingle blistering
Asphalt shingles are prone to blistering when exposed to extreme heat or poor attic ventilation. More than a cosmetic issue, it can also cause early deterioration of your roof.
To address blistered shingles, you can either repair them or replace them entirely. Call a contractor to assess the damage and help you determine which is the best course of action.
5. Storm damage
Strong winds can easily blow off your roof’s shingles if they were not properly installed. Unfortunately, you most likely won’t know if your roof decking is not secured properly until a storm passes through and blows your shingles off.
If you live in an area that is prone to strong storms, you have to check the fasteners and adhesives keeping your roof in place more regularly.
6. Heat damage
In areas that experience extreme heat, roof shingles are more prone to fracturing, which can make the roof system susceptible to all sorts of damage. Moreover, heat can compromise the watertight ability of the roofing material, which can increase the risk of moisture damage.
If you want to prevent heat damage, frequent inspection and regular preventive maintenance are necessary. A roofing expert can tell you where the risky spots are, and can thus give you suggestions on how to address it before it becomes a real problem.
For shingled roofs, ensuring adequate ventilation in the attic is a must. If the area underneath the roof is well-ventilated, the heat won’t get trapped inside and thus avoid damage due to excessive heat.
7. Age-related damage
Even the most durable roofing materials will wear down over time. Signs of damage, such as cracking and blistering, will start appearing while the roof ages. A great way to address these issues and maximize the life of your roof is to perform regular preventive maintenance. However, there will always come a time that a complete replacement is necessary.
If the damage to your roof is severe, ask the contractor if a replacement will be more cost-effective than spot repairs. In many cases, replacing the roof can save you more money in the long run, as well as increase the value of your property in case you sell it later on.
Roof damage is often difficult to spot since many homeowners don’t make it a point to check their roof. Therefore, signs of wear are not addressed until it’s too late.
If you want to protect your roof from further damage, prompt repairs are necessary. However, to protect your from damage in the first place, make preventive maintenance a priority.
