Preventing Problems Before They Start
Common roof problems are something that most homeowners have encountered at some point during their time of homeownership. Whether its small leaks, major cracking, or even hurricane damage, roofs suffer from numerous common ailments that will demand immediate attention. To make it easier for homeowners, we’ve compiled a list of common roof problems and how to avoid them- and how to address them if your roof is currently showing signs of these issues.
Tree Damage
While a tree limb crashing into your roof during a weather event is a pretty obvious issue, trees can damage your roof in other ways. For example, if you have a limb that grazes across your roof on a regular basis, it can remove the granules from your shingles causing them to age prematurely. More so, if you have several trees around your home, thus a lot of shade, it can lead to algae and mold. To help protect your roof from premature aging, we recommend trimming back the branches to ensure limbs are away from your roof.
Algae and Mold
Algae and mold are very typical in warm, humid climates (such as Florida) and is one of the most common roof problems in the Southeast. This is caused by the growth of airborne fungi or algae that is deposited on the roof and is left there to grow through a lack of roof cleaning. More so, as mentioned previously, homes with lots of shade can be great breeding grounds for algae and mold. Long term growth can contribute to the deterioration of your roof. The best way to remove algae and mold from your roof is to work with a professional roofing contractor such as Roof Commander to schedule a roof cleaning and have to cleaned.
Clogged Gutters
Your gutters are an essential part of your roof’s well-being. Clogged gutters are another one of the most common roof problems in our area. After all, our summer storms are often quite fierce and can cause lots of debris. However, keeping your gutters free of debris will ensure water will flow as it should and not back up into places where it shouldn’t be. If water starts backing up, it can seep into the eaves, and eventually lead to rot. Keeping your gutters clean, while a fairly cumbersome task, can be accomplished a couple of different ways.
While most may choose to manually clean their gutters, you may also choose to install screens on the gutter openings. These screens will allow water to flow as needed but will prevent any unwanted or unnecessary debris like twigs or leaves from entering.
Moisture and Roof Leaks
Clogged gutters are just one cause of moisture getting into your roof and causing leaks. Whether it is cracked flashing, broken shingles / tile, or other damage to your roof, leaks are probably the most common problem facing homeowners. Roof leaks tend to occur (most often):
- Under damaged shingles
- Near your chimney
- At flashing points
- Near your gutters
- Around skylights
- In low spots or valleys
Once your roof has started leaking, it is important to have it thoroughly inspected and repaired by a licensed roofing contractor. A thorough inspection will determine the extent of the damage and whether a repair (versus a replacement) is your best option. More so, an inspection will ensure the roof repair is addressed correctly – without causing any further damage to your roof.
Ceiling / Wall Water Spots
One of the most signs of a roof leak is discoloring on your ceiling or on your walls. When you start seeing spots on your wall or ceiling, it is important to contact roofing contractor as soon as possible. It is important to remember that leaks don’t often present (cause spots) right at the source of the actual leak. Water can “travel” down rafters and show up far from the original source. Trying to self-diagnose a leak can actually lead to more costly repairs in the future and unnecessary damage to your roof. However, a professional roofing company such as Roof Commander is experienced to locating the true source of a leak and determine how widespread the leak actually is.
Curling / Missing Shingles
As shingles are the most commonly used roofing material for residential homes, it is not uncommon for common roof problems in residential homes to be associated with shingles. Whether your shingles or curling, experiencing granule loss, or are actually missing, the issue needs to be addressed- even if your roof seems to be “okay for now.”
Curling shingles can be the sign of a couple of different issues- lack of attic ventilation, defective product, or improper installation. While the causes may differ, it’s important to remember that shingles need to lay as flat as possible in order to function properly. If your shingles are showing signs of curling, they are not effectively protecting your home from potential leaks.
Although curled shingles are a common issue, it is typically missing shingles that raises a homeowner’s level of concern- primarily since it can often more visible than other issues. Shingles commonly go missing after storms and high wind speeds. On newer roofs, it could be related to the improper fastening of shingles. On older roofing, repeated weather events have broken the seal. Nevertheless, missing shingles means that area of your roof is no longer being protected as it should. If your roof is on the older side, it may be time to schedule your free, no obligation estimate for a roof replacement.
Poor Maintenance
In a way, many of the problems discussed above can be prevented (or minimized) through proper roof maintenance carried out on a regular basis. Making sure trees are not rubbing on your roof, keeping your gutters free of debris and ensure they are working properly, having your roof softly cleaned by a trained roofing contractor (visit our post on the proper way to have your roof cleaned) on a regular basis, and taking care not to walk on your roof unnecessarily, are all ways to properly maintain your roof to ensure it is good working order and prevent it from failing prematurely.
Common Roof Problems: What to Remember
As mentioned previously, regularly scheduled roof maintenance is a great way to take a pro-active approach to avoiding many of these common roof problems. However, it is important to remember that there is more to roof health than meets the eye. Many problems can be addressed before displaying actual signs (such as water spots on your ceiling). Scheduling regular inspections will ensure you have experienced eyes on your roof to spot issues before they become bigger and more expensive.
As a full-service roofing contractor, Roof Commander works with homeowners throughout their roof’s life cycle- from regularly scheduled maintenance and cleanings, to roof repairs, and roof replacements. Roof Commander also proudly offers our RoofPledge Protection Plan so Central Florida homeowners can leave their roof worries to us. If you have any questions, or unsure about what your roof needs, give us a call at 352-459-7599 or send us a message.