Many homeowners can think about looking after their roof with just an understanding of the usual causes, however, looking after your roof means understanding sometimes real obscure risks that can sneak up over time and cause real trouble. More than just a storm or a fallen branch, there are plenty of other factors that can slowly but surely undermine the integrity and structure of your roof, meaning costly repairs further down the line, including the following:
Blocked Gutters
Timely gutter repair is essential when gutters are blocked because they fill with leaves, dirt, and moss that prevent proper water drainage. What does this mean for your roof? Rainwater pools on or underneath it, which eventually weakens the materials, causing leaks and can cause the rooftops to rot. Even small blockages can have a big impact as water backs up underneath the shingles.
Improper Roof Fixings and Installations
Roofs are built all the time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the craftsmanship was there. Incorrect installation of roof vents, skylights, or flashing around the chimneys can create points of entry for moisture. Using the wrong-size fixings or poorly attached shingles can cause premature roof failures and, in extreme cases, collapses. Experienced contractors who have the credentials are critical for roof installations of any shape and size.
Pests and Critters
Few homeowners realize that birds, raccoons, squirrels, and even insects can wreak havoc on their roofing. Nesting animals can tear up shingles for bedding, gnaw wooden beams, and create entry points for water and mold. Even something like bird droppings can be extremely acidic and therefore degrade the surfaces of tiles gradually over time. Looking out for signs of critter activity is vital, particularly during the spring and fall months.
Overhanging Trees and Debris
Falling branches can certainly damage roofs, but what about those precarious pieces of wood? Overhanging trees can drop leaves, seeds, and sap, which can accumulate on the roof and in valleys and gutters. They retain moisture and can be a breeding ground for mold growth. Additionally, the increased shade also means more moss and lichen, which further trap moisture and can lift shingles as they expand. The simple solution to this is pruning back trees to keep the shingles dry and clear.
Air Pollution and Exposure to Chemicals
Roofs are exposed on a daily basis to exhaust, industrial pollutants, and airborne chemicals, which means over time these substances break down roofing materials, resulting in premature aging, brittleness, or weakness. Any urban home near a busy road or factories is most at risk, but the solution is simple: periodic roof washing and using modern pollution-resistant materials to extend the lifespan of the roof.
Poor Ventilation
Ventilation and insulation are critical for materials to breathe. If there’s poor ventilation and insulation, condensation can accumulate in the attic, resulting in rot, mildew, and structural damage from the inside out. Unfortunately, these problems are hard to detect until the damage is extensive, so make sure you have a professional roofer check your attic vents and insulation as part of standard roof maintenance.
The key to looking after your roof is about more than the obvious, and particularly paying attention to small details that will keep your home safe and dry.
