Well, no one likes running around in the house with a bucket in hand and searching for dripping water from the roof.
However, only a few of us take the hustle to avail of regular roof inspection and roof maintenance services. Despite knowing ‘prevention is better than cure,’ we seldom apply it and finally call a roofing contractor only when things go out of hand.
When roofs and exteriors of the home are not taken care of, issues such as leaking roofs, missing shingles, and clogged gutters start to float up and become a major headache. Such roofing problems, no matter how small or big, can badly impact your home’s structural integrity and affect its resale value.
If you have a leaky roof, take this as a sign of caution that there might be some underlying larger roofing problem. Today, we have enlisted the most common causes which lead to roof damage – read them well and know how to take care of your roof’s health –
#1 Roofs Wither With Time
Over time, roofing materials deteriorate and become far less effective in keeping the moisture out.
Roofs, being the top-most cover of the structure, are exposed to environmental fluctuations, and there stands a high probability that your roof has withered with time. You might try out DIY roof repairs to save costs temporarily, but it will only be a short-term solution. At some point, you will need to connect with a roofing company in Raleigh, NC, and get a repair or complete replacement to protect your home from severe damage.
#2 Missing And Damaged Shingles
Your shingles may go missing or get damaged due to strong winds and adverse weather conditions like hail or heavy rain, which may lead to gaps in your ceilings, making the water seep into the property’s interiors.
If the shingles of your home are broken or missing, you can spot visible staining and dampness on the ceiling. In such a case, it is advisable to get the damaged shingles replaced immediately as any further delay might plague the whole structure.
#3 Cracked Flashing
Flashing is a thin metal sheet installed beneath the shingles and around your roof joints, making the roof genuinely watertight. It is also the most vulnerable roof element, and any crack in it can become a significant cause of concern.
Cracked flashing is generally one of the biggest reasons for leaking roofs. These are caused due to decay in tar, which, when left unchecked, results in annoying leaks. Sometimes, it may seem on the surface that the cause of the leak is a damaged shingle, but only after a professional roof inspection can one find that cracked flashing is the real troublemaker.
In case you have a doubt that your flashing is bent upwards or damaged, contact our team and let us deal with the issue.
#4 Flat Roofs
The problem with flat roofs is that the rainwater gets accumulated on rooftops or around the home’s perimeter foundation. This sitting water can seep through cracks, siding, or foundation walls and make the lower levels, like a basement or crawl space, wet and damp. So, if your roof lacks a robust drainage mechanism, it’s a good idea to seek improvements and extend its lifespan.
#5 Clogged Gutters
Sometimes dirty rain gutters and downspouts can block the drainage flow. Such clogged gutters can silently damage the property and deteriorate the whole home structure. It can lead to roof leaks, excess moss growth, and wood damage, getting rid of which would make you spend a mini-fortune.
It is always a good practice to get your gutters cleaned regularly to ensure they can expel the rainwater without any problem.
#6 Improperly Sealed Valleys
Valley is the point where both the roof planes meet.
Sometimes, the roof planes are not adequately sealed together, resulting in minor gaps. These gaps get exposed in times of heavy rainfall, and the water gets through them as it runs down the roof.
To check this issue, it is always recommended to get high-quality roof installation services from renowned roofing companies of Raleigh, NC. Professional roofers know their job and do it well to reduce roof leaks and other problems.
#7 Below Par Materials
The use of substandard materials in roof installation/maintenance and poor construction can be blamed for untimely roof leaks. Such roofs cannot even withstand normal rains and get collapsed.
To check this threat, ask your roofers to use products and materials that are long-lasting. They should also offer warranties so that you can get yourself covered in the case of an unexpected roof repair.
#8 Natural Causes
Natural events such as hail storms and wind storms can cause significant damage to your roof. Storms of tremendous velocity blow off shingles and leave substantial gaps in your ceiling, making it weak and vulnerable to other roofing problems. Also, many times, the nearby tree branches fall off and lead to punctured roofs and leakages. All these cases may require an immediate roof repair service in Raleigh, NC, to control the damage at an initial stage itself.
#9 Ice Build-up
Generally, roofs can withstand a substantial amount of weight. However, if the snow levels are too high and are not cleaned, it may cause the whole roof to collapse.
Snow build-ups can cause the melting ice to seep through shingles and cracks, leaving wet stains on your ceiling and walls and hurting the insulation. To avoid roof damage from ice, it’s a good idea to consult with local roofers of Raleigh, NC, and find ways to prevent ice dams.
#10 Excessive Moisture
Improper attic venting can lead to excessive moisture build-up and cause leaks in your roofing. This moisture generates a musty odor, which can cause mold to grow in the attic. It becomes necessary to fix your ventilation system and get a clean-up done quickly to prevent further damage.
To avoid splurging a large chunk of your savings on roof replacement, it is advisable to avail of periodic roof inspection and maintenance services. Our certified roofing contractors specialize in roof installation, repairs, and re-roofing services in Raleigh, NC, at Big Bear roofing. We provide top-quality new roof construction and repair services and are just a call away to help you with your roofing project.
Get a Free Quote or talk to our team at 919.607.6898