Leaks
This is perhaps the single most common roofing problem that homeowners encounter. Needless to say, a leaking roof can be an expensive the nuisance. For most people, it is a cause for panic because water seeping through the roof can damage the ceiling, wallboards and other items in the home.
The good news is that spotting leaks is easy. They tend to occur on skylights, close to chimneys, at flashing points, near vents and pipes or under damaged shingles and tiles. Damp walls and a discolored ceiling are other telltale signs of a leaking roof.
Water Pooling
Water is more likely to form small ponds on flat roofs, but it can still pool on high pitch roofs as well. This often happens when ice dams block runoff on the eaves during winter, causing melted snow to back up. Build-up of debris and improper drainage of gutters may also cause water pooling on roofs. Whatever the cause, having stagnant water on a roof is not a good thing. If left unchecked, this leads to leaks or moisture problems such as wood rot, blistering and mold growth.
Blocked Gutters and Downspouts
Windblown leaves are the most common reason why gutters clog. Blockages can also be due to twigs falling from a nearby tree or brought by birds and squirrels. Luckily, you can keep such debris out of your gutters with screen covers. Doing so will also help you to avoid washing foreign matter into the downspout that could end up clogging as well. Remember, good roof drainage is important if you do not want water backing up into the system and causing other problems. So, clogged gutters are not something that should be taken lightly.
Tree Damage
Having trees growing in your compound is a great way to get some shade and protect roofs against harmful UV rays. Trees can also serve as windbreakers to keep strong gusts of wind from blowing off tiles and shingles. However, damage caused by fallen tree branches is a common roofing problem. If you don’t want to foot a large roofing repair bill to fix structural damage, trim down any overgrown tree limbs dangling just above your house. Even if branches don’t fall on the roof, leaves that rub on the top layer on a daily basis can cause some wear.
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Poor Attic Ventilation
It is not easy for a homeowner to identify the effects of poor attic ventilation. This roofing problem manifests itself in many different ways. For example, the house can feel too hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter despite attempts to create comfortable living conditions. Rooms may have inconsistent temperature drafts plus power bills will seem to be unusually high at the end of the month. A home that has poor attic ventilation means that the roof isn’t performing at its best. Good airflow in the attic lets warm air to escape while allowing fresh air from soffit vents to enter. This lessens the workload on your HVAC system, reduces your energy consumption, and prevents moisture-related damage.
Poor Roof Insulation
The sings of poor roof insulation are very similar to inadequate ventilation. These may include odd temperatures, drafty rooms, and high power bills. For people who live in cold climates, icicles forming on the eaves during winter are a clear indicator of poor roof insulation. These dams form when rising heat escapes through the roof, causing snow to melt and freeze again on the cooler edges of the roof. Other than water pooling, ice dams can cause more damage on their own. They can rip shingles, crunch gutters or drop edges of the roof onto anything below it such as your car.
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Critters
Your roof may harbor insects or small animals like birds and rodents. Such critters can inflict a surprising amount of damage. For example, uric acid in bird droppings dissolves asphalt in shingles and causes the protective granules to wash off. Seeds in bird poop may also sprout in gutters that have organic debris and cause clogs that will keep rainwater from draining properly. Termites eating away at the roof deck and trusses can inflict some serious structural damage too. Whatever type of critters that may be living on your roof, it is important to evict them before they gain a foothold.
Shrinkage and Cracking
When a roof covering shrinks, it starts to crack and pulls apart critical components like flashing. This phenomenon is more susceptible to roofs covered with a synthetic rubber membrane called EPDM, but shrinking occurs in almost all roof coverings. If left unaddressed, shrinkage issues and cracks can leave your roof vulnerable to damage from the elements.
Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing is the impervious weather resistant material that seals sections where the roof has been cut into to make room for vent pipes, chimneys, skylights, or heating and cooling systems. If poorly installed, it can leave behind seams on your roof. Besides being a precursor to leaks, improperly installed flashing increases chances of having roof coverings being blown off.
Shoddy or Faulty Installation
Another common problem, poor installation of your roof can reduce its lifespan significantly and increase the likelihood of other damage. Sings of poor workmanship include premature aging, adhesion issues, leaks, blisters, and wrinkles. To avoid these problems, make sure to hire a professional and experienced roofer.
Conclusion
The vast majority of roofing problems are easy to fix when detected early. It is important to have your roof inspected at least once per year. While you may be tempted to climb onto the roof and inspect it yourself, this is a job best left to the professionals. Other than risking falls, something as simple as walking over your shingles can cause damage. However, good roofers install walkways with double roofing materials to minimize damage from foot traffic while accessing HVAC units and inspecting the roof.
Armor Roofing LLC
5046 Andes Way
Denver, Colorado 80249
(720) 513-4142
Website: http://www.roofsareus.com/denver-co/
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