The roof of your home is what covers and protects your house. Although it’s so important to keep it well maintained, we often overlook it. Most of the time, actually, we don’t think about it until there is a problem. It’s a great idea to be aware of the things that cause problems for your roof so you can be aware of potential damage, even when you can’t always climb up there to check it out first hand. Here is a list of 10 of the top things that be damaging for your roof. If you experience any of these, or have any questions about Auror or Evanstan roof repair – or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions.
- Tree Branches. Limbs from nearby trees can break and fall during heavy ice, wind or snow. When a tree is weak due to disease it wouldn’t take much pressure for it to break. Be sure and inspect the trees that are around your house and cut away the branches that could pose a problem.
- Roof Debris. Foliage and trees around your home can create a buildup of debris on your roof, specifically in the crevices made by extensions or dormers. Sticks, leaves, and pine needles can form into a stack of mulch on your roof which stays constantly moist on the bottom causing your shingles to deteriorate and your roof structure to rot.
- Critters. Animals such as nesting birds, raccoons, bats, wood peckers, squirrels, and mice can all contribute to dismantling your roof. The insects under your shingles and fascia boards are sought after by wood peckers and your vent covers and shingles can be torn off by raccoons looking for a way inside.
- Downspouts / Gutters. Designed to keep water flow away from your roof, if your gutters are filled with debris or maintained poorly, the water can dam up and leak over onto your roof. In time, this can cause rotting areas on your roof.
- Excessive Wind. When the wind blows, it can cause your shingles to lift up and even blow off. Damage can occur when rain or moisture seeps in under your shingles and leaks on through to your ceiling and even down your walls inside. After a storm, look for stray shingles which is a sign that you should inspect your roof.
- Strong Rain / Hail. When it rains hard or hails, it can damage and weaken the protective mineral coating on your asphalt shingles, creating spots that are unprotected. This opens your shingle to more problems like UV rays and moisture which can cause damage. Lots of pounding from hail will shorten the life of your roof.
- Ice / Snow. Ice may not be a problem everywhere but winters here in Chicagoland they can be pretty fierce. When the temps drop below freezing, ice can form along your eves and cause snow to back up. The process of freezing then thawing, then freezing then thawing can lift your shingles, melt the ice, and allow snow to seep into your house.
- Flashing Damage. Roof flashing refers to a thin strip of material used for weather-proofing your roof around vents, chimneys and along the edges. If your flashing become damaged, it can allow water to seep underneath that area and into your home. Over time and weather wearing, the compound used to seal the flashing can become lose or dry out which can cause water damage
- UV Rays. Our beautiful warm sun can also play quite the part in the lifespan of your roof with its UV rays. It can lead your shingles to dry out over time. Although this is only part of the aging of your roof, it is also a sign to be aware of.
- Moisture. While each of these issues can create problems that damage your roof, you may have noticed one main thing they all have in common. All these things allow water or moisture in and that is the biggest culprit in causing harm to your roof. If you can take care of everything else before or as they happen, then you can prevent water and moister from destroying and damaging your roof.
Last Updated on April 17, 2017 by ApexRoofingServices
