The roof, like every other part of your home, needs to be maintained. Sometimes, it’s the weather that causes trouble other times it is just time. As the roof gets older – the materials age, so repairs get inevitable. Roof repairs can be a handful, and the roof repair costs can be pretty high if the problems aren’t treated when they first appear, our team at Ridgecon Construction present the 5 most common roof problems you might encounter in Macomb County.
Top 5 Roof Problems
Poor installation problems
One of the most common problems homeowners have to face has to do with faulty or poor installation. This can dramatically reduce the roof’s life expectancy while increasing the likelihood of further problems.
When the roof isn’t installed correctly, rain, wind, snow, ice, and debris can lead to moisture getting under the layers of the roof which might lead to leaks, rot, and mold.
- Inappropriately placed flashing
Improperly installed flashing is also a common problem. Flashing seals the penetrated areas of the roof (the areas where the heating and cooling system, vent pipes, and chimneys are). When this is poorly attached, it can cause open seams, laps which might lead to tiles blowing-off.
- Missing parts and accessories
All components of a roof are important, no matter how small they are. Those parts play an important role in preventing roofing disasters. Often overlooked are drip edge – a flashing for the roof’s edge, and leak barriers – waterproof material that supplement the roof deck
Pests under roof
No matter how cute some small critters may be, animals, birds and, (not so cute) insects can cause a lot of inconvenience and damage. Not only scratching and scampering around is annoying, but their invasion into the structure of your home can cause damage and more inconveniences.
Most common pests under roof are birds, racoons, wasps, and other insect infestations.
It is best to evict them before they get cozy under your roof.
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Poor maintenance, or the complete lack of it, is a roof’s worst enemy. Removing overhanging tree limbs or cleaning the gutters is not a huge task, but if not taken care of in time, these problems can cause serious damage. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and routine inspections will extend the life of your roof and can save you a lot of money!
Trees
As mentioned beforehand, overhanging tree limbs can be a handful. Limbs can rub on a roof and abrade the surface of the shingles and wear away the top protective layer. Branches that are in the way might fall on the roof creating even more damage. To avoid any problems of this nature, tree limbs should be trimmed back away from the roof as much as possible or needed. Trees should also be removed if they are close enough to pose a potential threat to your home and roof.
Ventilation
Ventilation of the roof and the attic is a crucial part when it comes to the life expectancy of the roof. Ventilation occurs naturally when vents are installed at the base and near the top of the roof. This means, warm air can leave through the top and cool air can enter through the bottom. As we all know, warm air naturally rises, so no mechanical process is needed in order to create this movement. Proper ventilation regulates the temperature and moisture levels in the attic. When the ventilation is improper or left unchecked, heat and moisture can build up and can cause serious damage to the shingles, insulation, rafters, and sheathing. It can also raise energy costs, besides causing some ugly mold and mildew problems.
There you have it. More or less, these are the 5 most common roof problems you might encounter in your home. Keep in mind, that regular and proper maintenance is the key to increase your roof’s life expectancy and to avoid any expensive repair projects. Keeping an eye out for these problems will ensure that your roof lasts and that your wallet won’t lose any unnecessary weight. Do you still have questions? Don’t be shy, give us a call! After all, we are Ridgecon Construction. The roofing company, who cares!