Common Types of Roof Damage to Look Out For

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home because it’s the barrier between you and the elements. Because of its importance in protecting your home, and because it’s constantly exposed to the weather, your roof will wear out in time and become damaged.

Knowing that your roof will become damaged, it’s essential that you conduct regular inspections to assess that damage and catch and rectify small problems before they turn into massive, expensive fixes.

In this article, we’re going to look at several types of roof damage and how to know when it’s time to call a roof repair company.

 

Cracks in Your Roof

If your roof is comprised of wood, tile, or asphalt shingles, then it’s more likely to develop cracks than roofs made from other materials such as slate or metal.

Roofs made from these materials suffer cracks mainly due to high winds, so if you live in an area that’s affected by storms in the summer months, it’s a good idea to perform regular inspections after the season to see if there’s any damage due to flying debris that’s impacted the roof.

To look for cracks, get up on the roof and note any damaged or missing shingles. This damage can be shingles that are split, curled, or blown entirely away.

The good news is that if there’s light damage (a few shingles), then the roof repair won’t be that expensive.

The key is to assess the damage regularly and not wait until a few small cracks that are easy to fix becomes an entire roof replacement that can cost in the thousands.

 

Roof Damage Due To Heat

If you live in a hot climate or a region that experiences hot summers, then your roof is susceptible to heat damage. Find professionals that are experienced with hot climates, like a Plano roofing company.

 Intense heat from the sun beating down on your roof for days on end causes cracks and curls in your roof’s shingles depending on the material used. Asphalt shingles and wood are among the most susceptible to heat damage, while metal, rubber, and clay are your best bet if you live in a hot climate. 

As with damage due to winds, you need to inspect your roof for damage regularly. Look for shingles that have shrunk due to the heat; you can spot this by seeing any nails that have popped up from below causing blisters to the shingles. Also, be aware that intense heat can affect the wood rafters, causing the joints to expand, which can lead to leaks.

 

Water Damage on Your Roof

Your roof bears the brunt of everything Mother Nature has to throw at it, which includes heavy rains and storms. Water is an incredibly destructive force when it comes to roofing and wreaks havoc on your home once it gets inside in the form of mold.

If the area in which you live gets heavy rain and snow on a regular basis, then it’s vital that you conduct periodic inspections on your roof.

What to look for when it comes to water damage is pooling water or water accumulation after heavy rain. This pooling occurs mainly in the attic. Also, check the ceilings for any sign of discoloration, which may indicate a water leak. Water spots can also appear on the exterior walls of your home as well, so when inspecting your roof, also do a quick walk around the house and look for spots.

If you do find any water in the home, or signs of damage outside, it’s vital that you call in professionals to do a more thorough inspection and recommend a roof repair as quickly as possible.

As mentioned, water damage can lead to serious health problems with mold and mildew, and it gets more expensive to repair the longer you wait.

 

Object Damage

When we speak of object damage, we mean physical objects that strike the roof due to high winds or an accident.

In most cases, object damage is caused during storms when tree branches and other objects are blown against the roof, but sometimes repair crews can inadvertently cause damage by dropping tools or being careless with equipment.

As before, it’s a good idea to check your roof for signs of damage at least once a season. Do a thorough inspection inside and outside and look for cracked, loose, blistered, or missing shingles.

It’s important to remember that most roof damage — when caught early — can be repaired quickly and at little expense. The last thing you want is to wait until the problem gets big enough that you need an entirely new roof.

 

Neglect

As much as all of the above can lead to roof damage, perhaps the number one cause is neglect. With proper maintenance, regular checkups, and repairs, your roof should last up to 30 years depending on the materials used.

Neglecting your roof when it becomes damaged radically shortens its lifespan and leads to more substantial expenses down the road. Even if your roof came with a warranty or if you have homeowners insurance it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many warranties and policies don’t cover things such as damage due to having a dish or cable installed.

Also, remember that many insurance companies require you to do regular inspections on your roof to ensure it’s properly maintained.

Take care of your roof, and your roof will take care of you.

As mentioned, your roof is on the front line of protecting your home and bears the brunt of all types of weather and climate. While it’s a pain in the butt, and a job that no one likes to do, it’s vital that you regularly inspect your roof and repair small problems before they become large ones.

Your home’s roof not only protects your entire house and its contents, but it also protects your family too. Having a beautiful, well-kept roof enhances your home’s curb appeal, and makes it more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell it down the road.

 

 

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