Understanding Common Roofing Problems And Their Solutions

Uncover the truth about common roofing problems and how to solve them like a pro

Roofs suffer from several issues that can become serious if not addressed on time. Some issues, such as leaking roofs, cracking, etc., demand immediate repair. Homeowners must recognize the danger signs threatening their property to prevent costly repairs. This article highlights common roofing problems and their solution.

Leaky Roof

• A leaky roof is the most common problem that all homeowners suffer at some point. Hail storms or winds can potentially develop holes in the roofing system. Roof holes are common in areas with frequent rainfalls or wind storms. Several factors are responsible for roof leaks, including damaged sheathing and cracked shingles.

Roof leaks occur around gutters, near chimneys, vent pipes, under shingles, and in low spots. Water stains on the ceiling or damp walls can detect roof leaks. Catching and repairing the problem early can prevent further damage. So have your roofing system regularly checked by a professional roofer before the damage gets irreparable.

Shrinkage of Roofing Materials

• The roof shrinks and changes depending on the weather conditions. Roofing materials shrink or expand with fluctuations in temperature. Shrinkage causes several other issues, such as cracking, deterioration, etc. In addition, it can also pull flashings apart. It can affect all roofs, but roofs covered with EPDM are particularly liable to shrinkage. Cracks, blisters, and ridges are formed in roofs with wear and tear, resulting in severe damage.

Impact of Snow And Ice

• Ice and snow are some of the culprits behind roof damage. They cause significant damage by melting into water, which is later absorbed by the shingles. When the temperature drops, the water beneath the shingles freezes back into ice, pushing and lifting the shingles upwards. This results in more significant gaps that allow more water to enter, ultimately leading to roof damage which calls for roof replacement.

This is common in winter, especially in unmaintained roof systems. The only way to avoid this is to schedule a roof inspection and maintenance at the beginning of fall and spring. This saves you from inconvenient situations that require emergency repairs.

Damage By Trees

• If you have a tree in your yard that reaches up to the roof, your roof might be in danger. Tree limbs can crash onto the roof due to strong winds, breaking the shingles. In addition, fallen leaves and twigs can block the gutters, resulting in pooling water on the roof. Therefore, it is rather wise to trim the long branches of the trees around your house.

Clogged Gutters

• A clogged gutter is one of the biggest roofing problems. When the fallen leaves and debris accumulate in the downspouts and gutters, water flow through the gutters is blocked. Water in the backed-up or clogged gutter finds nowhere to go, gushing down to the house’s sides and puddles at the foundation. From there, the water seeps into the house, causing water damage to the structure of the house.

Regular and careful cleaning of gutters can prevent this problem. Debris should be removed to keep the gutters clear to let the water flow freely. If you are uncomfortable doing it, hire a professional to handle it. Another alternative is to install gutter guards. This will filter out the leaves and debris. If the downspouts and gutters are damaged, they should be replaced immediately.

Repairing roofs can be tricky and dangerous, especially if you are untrained. So it’s best to call a roofing specialist. Professionals at Simple Home Improvements can take care of your worries. Give us a call at 866-849-2599 for all sorts of affordable Roofing Services. We are located in New Jersey.