What You Should Know
About Roof Problems
There
are different
types of roof
problems, and it
is best to be
aware of them so
you can avoid
shortening the
life span of the
roof. Some
typical roof
problems are:
Not enough
maintenance done.
Failing to fix minor
roof problems can
lead to a bigger
problems later on.
Structural damage
caused by any
physical contact can
also lead to more
problems later on.
Climate and Weather.
Extreme weather
(hail, ice, snow,
scorching heat) can
expedite the
deterioration of a
roof. Strong winds
can, of course,
damage the roof as
well.
Industrially
polluted or salty
air (as near the
sea) and other
atmospheric
contaminants are
also contributing
factors.
Wrong design. A
faulty design can
lead to early
problems. A weak or
improperly attached
roof can also
collapse from
weight.
Flashing problems.
Flashings are used
to make the roof
watertight. Improper
installation and
weak flashing can
make the roof leak
and by the time it
is discovered, water
damage maybe
extensive.
How do I know if I
need a new roof if I
don't see any leaks?
Leaks are not the
only reason for
replacing a roof.
Furthermore, if you
wait until you begin
seeing leaks, you
may end up with more
damage and a bigger
problem than you had
hoped. So, check
your roof regularly
for the following:
- Age of roof -
Depending on the
kind of roofing, a
roof can last up to
20 years. If your
roof is 15 years
old, you should be
watching for signs
of needing repair.
- Missing or torn
shingles - Damaged
shingles expose the
roof to water damage
and rot. They also
make it so that
other shingles may
be blown away in the
wind. Old shingles
may curl, split and
lose their
waterproofing
effectiveness. These
weakened shingles
are more likely to
be blown away by
wind gusts.
- Rusted or missing
flashing - Flashing
is the metal that
surrounds chimneys,
skylights and vent
pipes. It is also
often found in the
valleys of the roof
where the roof
sections meet. If it
is rusted, damaged
or missing, it could
cause leaks.
- Gutters - Check
gutters, downspouts
and splash pans for
damage or decay.
Look for broken
pieces of paint and
scraps of roofing.
This may be a sign
that your roof needs
some attention.
- Inside Walls -
Watch for discolored
plasterboard or
cracked paint and
peeling wallpaper
indoors. This could
be a sign of a leaky
roof.
* What kind of
preventive
maintenance should I
do for my roof?
Since roofs are
constantly exposed
to the elements,
most roof damage
results from weather
and pollutants in
the atmosphere. To
save yourself big
repair costs or even
having to replace
your roof before its
time, you should
perform a general
inspection on your
roof at least twice
a year, checking for
mildew, mold, rust,
trapped water, and
possible damage, and
make minor repairs
if necessary. That
is the best
preventive
maintenance you can
do.
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a roofing
contractor in
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