Different situations may cause minor and major problems with your roof. From weather-related damage to even the heat of the sun, you may need to hire a contractor to perform roof repair or roof replacement services. Here are the top 5 common causes of roof damage and ways to prevent the problems.
Fallen Tree Branches
Tree branches can scrape your roof and pierce through shingles, creating holes that allow water and pests to enter. Branches can also scrape the granules off asphalt shingles and lower their product lifecycles. Also, the tree branches and foliage from the trees on the roof can trap moisture and debris that can slowly rot out the roof.
Trimming tree branches away from your home and inspecting trees for diseases that make cause them to fall can prevent the branches from damaging your roof.
Unmaintained Gutters
Gutters are designed to redirect water from the roof away from the foundation. Yet nests, leaves, branches, and other debris can build up inside your gutters. In time, this debris can clog gutters and downspouts. When it rains or snow and ice reach this blockage, the water builds up at that location and flows onto the roof. In time, the water can rot out of the roofing system and leak into your home.
Cleaning the gutters in the fall, after the last leaves fall, and performing maintenance in the spring, can ensure that the gutter system works appropriately.
Strong Storms and Wind
Strong winds can lift shingles and leave the underlayment exposed to the weather. Meanwhile, strong storms and hail can weaken and strip off the granules on the shingles which can allow UV rays and moisture to further damage the shingles. While you can’t prevent storms from happening, you can ensure that shingles are secured down and have the roof inspected after a storm to look for damage.
UV Rays
You may not think that the sun can cause roof damage. However, ultraviolet light does impact the longevity of the roofing materials. The UV rays dry out shingles and can cause them to crack or decay. Performing roof inspections regularly can allow you to evaluate the life of your roofing materials and replace them before significant damage occurs.
Excess Moisture from Rain, Snow, and Ice
Rain, snow, and ice are typically the main culprits of roof damage. There may be a variety of causes that cause excess moisture to remain on the roof, such as an improperly installed gutter system, a roof that doesn’t have enough of a pitch, accumulated debris, and other factors.
To eliminate many of the issues, evaluating the roof and performing timely maintenance can lessen the likelihood of problems happening or becoming worse. For more information about the causes of roof damage, and how to get repairs, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
