As a homeowner, you probably understand the importance of a sturdy roof over your head. A well-built roof should shield you from natural forces like rain, snow, and wind, providing safety and comfort for your family.
But many people fail to realize that these same forces can take a toll on their roofs over time and cause damage that can result in costly repairs or replacements. That’s why you need to keep an eye on a few trouble areas that are most susceptible to damage.
This blog post explores the three most common roof trouble areas and why they should be a top priority for homeowners.
1. Flashing
The flashing is a metal barrier that protects the intersection of two different roof surfaces, like where the roof meets a chimney or a wall. Roof flashing is meant to keep water away from the vulnerable areas beneath it. The material is usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel and comes in two types—exposed (visible from the ground) and concealed (hidden by shingles or another layer of roof material).
Even if the flashing is installed correctly, it can start to wear away over time due to snow, rain, wind, and other elements. The metal can rust, crack, or even come loose after years of exposure to these elements. As a result, water may start to seep in and cause severe damage to your roof and walls.
Unfortunately, inspecting your flashing isn’t the easiest task. You’ll need to climb onto the roof and inspect each piece of flashing closely, looking for any signs of wear and tear or rust.
That’s why you need help from a professional roofer to make sure your flashing is in good condition and doing its job. They can also check to ensure all the pieces are firmly attached to the roof to prevent any water from seeping in. And if any sections need repairs, these professionals know exactly what to do.
2. Shingles
The shingles on your roof are the most visible part, so you’ll need to monitor them closely. Shingles are often made of asphalt and can be damaged by hail, wind, rain, and even UV rays from the sun.
UV rays are especially dangerous because they can cause shingles to dry out, crack, and eventually break off. Hail and rain can also cause damage, with issues like visible hail dents and water seepage through the roof. Wind can also be a problem, especially if it’s strong enough to lift loose shingles off the roof.
Unfortunately, shingle problems don’t always present symptoms until they’ve caused some noticeable damage. That’s why you should have a professional roofer inspect your shingles at least annually to make sure they’re still in good condition.
You should also schedule a professional inspection after major weather events like hail storms or hurricanes. These events can cause significant damage to your shingles that may not be visible to the untrained eye. A professional roofer can easily find hidden damage and make repairs quickly before your roof develops more severe problems.
3. Gutters
Gutters and downspouts are an essential part of any roof system because they help safely carry water away from the roof, down to the ground and away from the foundation.
However, gutters can easily become clogged with leaves, pine needles, dirt, and other debris. The clogged gutters can cause water to overflow onto the roof or sides of your home and cause serious structural damage. Some roofs start to leak and rot due to the excess water, while others develop a mold problem.
A simple solution to this problem is to clean your gutters regularly. You can do this yourself by using a ladder and a garden hose, but it’s always safer and easier to hire a qualified roofing contractor like Emerald Roofing. So don’t hesitate to call us today for any roof-related needs before the next rainstorm rolls in!
