Common Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them
A roof is the most essential part to help uplift the structural integrity of your home. It can help safeguard your property and you from the rough weather conditions. With time, the roofing systems experience significant damage due to different factors like aging, lack of upkeep, and weather conditions. Knowing about the ideal ways to locate significant roofing problems and taking the right measures can help maintain the longevity of your roof. In our post today, we are going to check a few of the typical roofing issues that arise while offering the best solution to fix them.
Identifying Common Roofing Problems
Common roofing problems generally start small; however, ignoring them can cause considerable damage. Discovering these issues is the initial step in maintaining a highly durable and secure roof.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are generally one of the commonest roofing issues that often plague homeowners. The leaks in the roof arise out of several issues, one of which is the broken shingles. Primarily, you can locate the leaks present near the chimney, at the flashing points, around gutters, and up close to the pipes or vents.
The leak is mainly present a couple of feet off from the penetration, and the ideal way to track this is by inspecting the attic. Head out to the attic to check for any water stains, black marks, or mould.
If you find a vaulted ceiling and need help reaching the attic, you can only find the issues present in the roof. The ideal way to resolve the issue is to hire a professional roofer to handle it.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is generally a sheet metal or plastic material that safeguards any creases on fixtures like chimneys or skylights. It is even used to preserve the venting pipes beneath the roofing materials. When the flashing material starts cracking or becomes loose, the fixtures are at greater risk of water and moisture exposure. Ensure to check out the different areas using flashing, and if any cracks are detected, then it is time to replace them with a new one.
For both the installation and removal, you might have to remove a few of the materials present, like the shingles. Although not a DIY job, roof repair specialists can help.
Broken or Missing Shingles
If the sealant that attaches to your shingles wears off, it becomes loose or breaks off completely. Rodents often damage the sealant, wear and tear, and the force of nature. Considering the age of your roof, the shingles start to damage, which is often expected.
It is a seamless issue to fix since all you need to do is to get the shingles replaced. A few stores also sell single shingles if it is what you need, or you can replace several of them that cause issues.
Granules Clogging Downspouts
If your roof is new, you might find a couple of granules that fell out at the time of installation. But if the roof is considerably older and you find the granules in the downspout, it shows that the shingles are becoming weaker and need replacement. The granules form an important part of the roofing system since they safeguard it from damaging UV rays, and after they fall off, the shingles become at risk and start cracking.
One of the initial signs of the dropping granules is when the gutters start to clog. Although debris, like twigs and leaves, often blocks the gutters, the falling granules also become part of them, and you have to replace them sooner rather than later.
Stagnant or Pooling Water
If your gutters are blocked and the pile of debris on your roof only collects water, then the moisture creates stagnant or pooling water, which is detrimental to your roof. The standing water is likely to develop into mould, eroding the roofing material and causing roofing issues.
If you have a flat roof, you must be worried about water remaining on it. The solution is to design the surface with inclined areas that cause the water to drain off. If you want to prevent these long-term issues, make sure that you have a professional contractor inspect your roof often.
Final Thoughts
Proper care of the roof is very important in order to safeguard the property and its longevity as well. Prevent extensive damage and expensive repairs by dealing with some of the most widespread roofing issues on time and efficiently. Sterling Roofing Contractors is among the roofers that any Buckinghamshire buyer should consider as a trustworthy contractor. Our team comprises professional roofers who can easily assess and solve most of the roofing issues and deliver quality roofing work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Frequently Should I Check My Roof for Problems?
Your roof should be inspected twice a year, in spring and autumn. A regular inspection can help detect any possible problems before they escalate.
Can I Repair a Roof Leak on My Own?
Simple roof repairs can be done without the assistance of a professional. However, repairing a roof leak can prove to be complicated and, at times, dangerous. It is always advisable to hire a professional roofing contractor, as they have the knowledge and equipment to determine the root cause of the problem and make the right fix.
How Often Should a Roof Be Inspected?
A yearly roof inspection is suggested, and further examinations following major storms are advised. It is always easier and cheaper to address a potential problem as soon as it is identified during an assessment.