You do not have to be an expert to realize that your roof is in serious need of repair. Any concerned homeowner can tell by the way it looks and how often you have to re-shingle after a storm. If this is the case, Bravo Roofing recommends that you find out what is ruining your roof before considering replacement.
1. The Wrong Materials
Homeowners often make the mistake of thinking that expensive shingles are better than cheap ones, but that’s not always true. The most expensive roof can actually be inferior to a cheaper one if you do not know what materials are best for your application and climate.
To avoid this money trap, you need to educate yourself on the different types of shingles and how they will hold up in your particular situation. This way, you can get the most life for your roofing dollar.
2. Poor Installation
The quality of your roofing can have a huge impact on its durability. And it is surprisingly hard to tell if the roofer did a poor job until something breaks.
For example, if the nails are sticking out of the roof surface or not enough adhesive was used, you will need to replace the shingles sooner. If you notice any problems with the installation during the inspection, you should fix them right away to avoid further damage.
Also, make sure all workers are licensed and insured. Otherwise, you will be liable if they cause damage to your property or injure themselves on the job.
3. Incorrect Sizing
If you have had to replace multiple shingles, your roof may be suffering from improper sizing. This is when the material has been cut to the wrong size for a particular section of the roof. This can lead to excessive wear and tear and even damage that could have been avoided by using the right-sized material.
An incorrect size can also result from using the wrong material for your roofing, which is something you should always keep in mind. Again, it is best to use quality materials that fit your climate zone and the other conditions around your roof.
4. Snow, Rain, And Sleet
Heavy rains, snow, and ice can wreak havoc on poorly installed roofs. If you notice leaks in your roof or other signs of water damage, it could result from melting snow or rain that has seeped through your roof waterproofing. You should immediately call in a professional before the leaks get worse and more expensive.
The best way to prevent this type of water damage is to install ice and waterproofing membranes under the shingles during installation. This way, you can easily protect your home from the elements without having to retrofit it later.
5. Overgrown Trees
One of the most common reasons homeowners damage or even completely ruin their roofs is because they do not take care of their trees. Overgrown branches can fall on your roof during a storm or due to rot, endangering your life and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Not giving your roof enough room to breathe can lead to premature aging, which manifests itself in cracks and discoloration. This leads to leaks and other problems that can be very costly to fix.
When it’s time for your annual roof inspection, have a certified professional look for overgrown branches from nearby trees. They will also check bushes or shrubs near vents or other parts of your home’s siding, where leaves and debris could be interfering with your roof’s function.
The best way to prevent this is to hire a professional arborist to take care of the wild growth before it becomes an even bigger problem for you. By maintaining and inspecting your property regularly, you will know when something needs to be done before it becomes a bigger problem.
These are the top five problems that homeowners face when trying to maintain their roofs, but there can be other problems as well. In any case, you should resist the temptation to patch the roof yourself as soon as you notice a problem. Rather, call a licensed and insured roofer to assess the damage and determine if it can be fixed or if you need a new roof. This way, you’ll ensure that the job is done correctly and quickly so you can get back to enjoying your home without worrying about the integrity of the roof.
The last thing you want is to find out that the repair you made wasn’t really a repair at all and instead caused more problems or led to an even bigger issue. In the event of an emergency, contact your homeowner’s insurance company so they can help you deal with the problem.