It is said that the sky’s the limit if you have a roof over your head. The roof is the essential element of every home and every building. It covers and protects a building and all that is inside it from rain, sunlight, extreme cold and heat, strong winds, and all other undesirable conditions and calamities. As roofs serve as a shield for our buildings, sooner or later problems are bound to occur and your roof is most likely to start getting damaged. Most of the time, homeowners have a tendency to neglect proper roof maintenance and preservation. This leads to weak and damaged roofs which causes leakages and more problems for your home or your building.
Things that can damage your roof
Before we learn about roof repair and maintenance, we must first be aware of what can cause damage and harm our roofs. It is always good to hire a professional to regularly inspect the condition of your roof, but as an owner of your property, you are also responsible for being conscious about possible problems that might occur.
1. Moisture
Moisture is the root cause of most roofing problems. Moisture can seep into your roof and damage the roofing structure. Moisture can also lead to mold and mildew problems, poor indoor air quality, water leakages on ceilings and walls, deterioration on roof shingles, rotting of the roof structure, and damage of the roof material.
2. Debris
On rooftops and in their cracks, tree debris including branches, pine needles, twigs, sticks, and leaves tends to collect. If such objects are allowed to gather, they may damage your roof. As the debris builds up, the area below is continually damp, which accelerates the deterioration of your shingles and the rot of the roof’s structural elements.
3. Critters, Pests, and Animals
Animals such as nesting birds, bats, squirrels, raccoons, and mice can be responsible for damages in your roof. Under your shingles and fascia boards could be infested by insects causing damage and this can also be a target for fowl to invade, seeking such insects. Shingles and vent covers can also be torn off by rodents as they try to go inside. Pests and animals can chew into the materials of your roof which will eventually lead into an infestation not only damaging your home but could also possibly cause the spread of diseases.
4. Heat and Ultraviolet Rays
As our roofs protect us from the sun, it is also taking damage from the extreme heat and ultraviolet rays, particularly in areas that are already vulnerable, damaged, and exposed, such as where shingles or granules are missing. Heat and UV rays can lead to fading on some roofs and cause shingles to dry out and crack, especially on older roofs that are reaching the end of their lifespan.
5. Strong Winds
Wind is one of the most common culprits of roof damage. Winds that are strong enough can lift up edges of shingles and sometimes blow them off the roof, leaving a vulnerable and exposed area on your roof. It is always a good idea to inspect your roof after a strong storm or a better option would be to call a professional to do a thorough inspection of your roof.
6. Precipitation
There are many types of precipitation — rain, hail, and snow to name a few. All of these can damage and cause wear and tear to your roof. When hail or heavy rain falls, it can damage and weaken the protective coating on roofs, creating vulnerable spots. This makes the roof more susceptible to more problems like UV rays. This can also cause moisture to seep into the crevices of your roof. Hail can also cause large dents and cracks in roofing structures. When snow falls, it could pile up on top of your roof and the weight could place stress on your roof. Furthermore, when ice from hail or snow melts, the water could seep into the crevices. It is also common for water to reach the eaves and then refreeze, forming ice dams — preventing water from flowing off the edge of a roof and into the gutters as it is meant to. This allows the water to pool on top of the roof and potentially seep into your house and cause leakages.
Steps to take in roof maintenance and repair
It is always better to hire a professional to regularly inspect the condition of your roof and perform whatever repairs are necessary. Although, there are steps you can take to maintain a good condition for your roof as this is also your responsibility as a homeowner.
1. Inspection
The first step in detecting potential threats and issues on your roof is to perform a thorough inspection. Although, caution must always be exercised and safety should be a priority since working on a roof is no easy task. Inspecting a roof also depends on the type of roof you have. In the case of roof shingles, shingles sometimes get loose, break, or fall off. You can check to see if there are any that need replacing. You can also inspect and check if there are pests, insects, and animals that have infested your roof. You should also always be attentive and look out for any watermarks on walls or ceilings and the smell of musty water as this is an indicator of a leakage and water damage on your roof.
2. Solution for small leaks and holes
You might think sealants and caulk is enough to cure a leaky roof. This is not the case as rarely will caulk or roof cement be able to last for very long. You must always attempt a mechanical fix for a leaky roof whenever possible. This means that it is best to replace or repair existing flashing instead of using any type of sealant to fix and prevent leaks. And this is also a reason why it is better to get professional help when it comes to roof care.
3. Check the gutters
The gutters divert the water that falls onto your roof down to the ground. Gutters can become loose and rusty and can also be dirty and clogged by debris. It is important to always check the condition of your gutters and then clean and fix them when necessary.
4. Check the surroundings
Always be attentive and look out for potential threats and dangers to your roof. Be aware of nearby trees that could fall onto your roof or drop some debris on it especially after experiencing heavy winds. Also be aware of your location and the possibility of whatever wildlife could be a potential threat to your roof.
5. Clean your roof occasionally
The roof is usually neglected and ignored when it comes to house cleaning. However, occasionally cleaning your roof from debris can prevent big issues in the future. Do not forget to clean your roof from time to time especially after a heavy storm.
Asking for professional help
Going up on the roof always poses a huge risk and is always dangerous. It is not recommended to risk endangering yourself and having more trouble especially without the proper tools and knowledge. It is wise to hire a professional to do all the necessary inspections and fix anything that needs to be fixed. Have your roof inspected at least once a year or after a heavy storm. This ensures that all damages and threats will be fixed before it escalates into something more complex and serious.
Professionals at Mighty Dog Roofing Detroit Metro have provided homeowners and business owners nationwide with high-quality roofing services they deserve. Their services include the use of innovative technology, safety and insurance, customizability, and immediate response which gives you enough reason to choose their service. Their trusted and certified experts can handle roof repair and roof replacement, no matter the size.
