The roof is an important part of any home. It provides protection from the elements and helps keep your family safe and warm. Unfortunately, roofs are also subject to a variety of damages that can be costly to repair. Knowing the common sources of roof damage and how to prevent them can help you save money in the long run by ensuring that your roof is properly maintained. Keep reading to learn more about common sources of roof damage and how to prevent them.
1. Wind Damage
Wind damage to a roof is caused by high winds, which can loosen or even tear off shingles, break vents and exhaust pipes, or damage other parts of the roof. This kind of damage can be especially costly to repair as it may require extensive repairs or even the replacement of entire sections of the roof.
Also Read: 5 Easy Ways To Prepare Your Home For The Changing Seasons
2. Hail Damage
Hail can cause damage to roofs in several ways. Hitting the roof with enough force, hail can dent and even puncture shingles, resulting in leaks. Hail can also damage vents, exhaust pipes, gutters, and other components on the roof that are made from softer materials such as plastic.
3. UV Damage
UV damage to a roof is caused by direct exposure to the sun’s rays for long periods of time. The sun’s UV rays can cause shingles to become brittle, reducing their effectiveness in protecting your home from water infiltration. UV damage can also lead to fading and discoloration of the roof, making it less attractive.
Also Read: Climate Effects on the Roofing – How to Deal with Them
4. Water Damage
Water damage to a roof is caused by water infiltration, usually from poor drainage or clogged gutters. Water buildup on the roof can cause shingles to become loose and even degrade over time. In extreme cases, it can even lead to structural damage or collapse.
5. Ice Damage
Ice damage to a roof can occur when the temperature drops low enough for the water that has pooled on your roof to freeze. This trapped ice then expands, which can cause cracks in shingles, leading to leaks and other forms of damage.
Also Read: The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season
6. Animal Damage
Animal damage to a roof can occur when animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters decide to make your roof their home. Not only can these animals cause physical damage from their digging or clawing at shingles, but they can also leave behind droppings that can be corrosive to the roof material.
7. Poor Installation
Poorly installed roofs can be prone to damage and should be inspected regularly. To prevent the poor installation from causing roof damage, it is important to only hire experienced and reputable contractors when installing a new roof. Additionally, it is important to inspect the workmanship of the contractor to ensure that they are following proper installation procedures. With Mighty Dog Roofing in Boise, Idaho, you’re ensured to get quality workmanship and professional service.
How to Prevent these Common Sources of Roof Damage?
- Wind Damage: To protect your roof from wind damage, try installing wind-resistant shingles or adding additional layers of felt underlayment. Additionally, make sure that your vents and exhaust pipes are properly secured to the roof structure.
- Hail Damage: To prevent hail damage, consider installing impact-resistant shingles on your roof as these can help reduce the effects of hail impacts. Additionally, keep any trees near your home trimmed to avoid falling debris damaging your roof during storms.
- UV Damage: To prevent UV damage from occurring, consider painting or coating your shingles with a UV protective material or installing a reflective membrane on top of the existing shingles. This will help reflect away some of the sun’s rays and lessen the effects of UV damage.
- Water Damage: To help prevent water damage, make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear from debris and working properly to direct water away from your roof. Additionally, consider installing a roof underlayment that is resistant to moisture.
- Ice Damage: To prevent ice damage, inspect the roof frequently for any signs of ice buildup or pooling water. If you spot any, take measures to reduce the amount of water pooling on your roof like using heat cables, insulation blankets, or a de-icing system.
- Animal Damage: To protect against animal damage, install a screened cover over exhaust pipes or vents to keep animals out and away from accessing the interior of your roof. Additionally, keep your trees and vegetation trimmed away from the roof to avoid animals being able to access it from there.
By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your roof is properly maintained and protected from common sources of damage.
Remember to inspect your roof regularly and replace any missing or damaged shingles in order to prevent costly repairs down the line.
Additionally, make sure that you hire experienced contractors when installing a new roof to help prevent the poor installation from causing damage.
