When you need a roof repair, you have no real choice if you care about your home and the investment you’ve made in it – it has to be repaired as quickly as possible.
Proactive roof maintenance will help reduce the need for a roof repair, but sooner or later, it’s going to happen. But it helps to know what are the most common causes so you can prevent roof damage as much as possible.
1. Aging Shingles
One of the biggest reasons for experiencing roof problems is simply the fact that your roofing has seen its day. It may be getting old, weak, and brittle. It may be past its warranty too, and in that case, it could be wiser to invest in roof replacement than continual, frequent repairs.
2. Lack Of Roof Repair
That’s right, failing to get roof repairs when needed can lead to further and more severe roof damage. General lack of roof maintenance would also fall into this general category. An annual inspection, sweeping off the roof, and cleaning out the gutters and downspouts goes a long way!
3. Water + Cold Temperatures
In this area, you don’t have to worry too much about ice dams, which are a leading cause of roof damage in more northerly climates. But you can still get an occasional cold rain with small amounts of ice, and you can still get hit with hail on rare occasions. It only takes one severe hit of this kind to damage your roof.
4. Wind And Storms
High winds, thunderstorms, and hurricanes can put your shingles to the test like few other things can. Choosing material with high wind resistance will help. But you also need to get an inspection done following all major wind storms to make sure there is no hidden damage that might result in a leak later on.
5. High Heat
UV light and high heat during the summer eventually take their toll on a roof. Ventilating and insulating your attic will reduce the problem, and installing a radiant barrier on the attic ceiling will further reduce the impact of the sun on your roofing.
6. Improper Installation
Many roof repair needs are directly related to improper installation work. Roofing over old shingles is just asking for leaks and broken shingles. Not using underlayment, failing to install proper flashing as needed, using poor or no roof sealants, or failing to fasten and/or overlap shingles correctly can also lead to problems.
7. Walking On The Roof
Finally, homeowners sometimes damage their own roofs by walking on them. When you wear spiked shoes or walk on a roof that is very hot, it will likely get punctured at points. You could also knock granules off the shingle-tops and rip a few shingles out of place. Put safety first if ever on a roof, but also wear soft but high-traction footwear and don’t go up in high heat.
These are seven of the most common causes of roof repair needs, but of course, it is not an exhaustive list. If your roofing is damaged or you suspect it may be, contact Morgan Roofing for advice, repairs, or a roof inspection anytime! Also, feel free to talk to us about roof replacement if you think your old roofing may be showing its age.