As with most exterior home components, your roofing system will sustain damage from either age or extreme weather. This may lead to a number of problems when left unattended, compromising your home’s structural integrity and curb appeal. For this reason, it’s essential that you deal with them promptly before they worsen, starting with an inspection that can spot potential roofing problems, such as:
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Leaks
While roof leaks are a minor inconvenience, they can still leave your home vulnerable to extensive water damage. In fact, a leaky roof encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can weaken the entire roof structure. It can also damage your insulation, reducing its ability to prevent regulated air from escaping to the attic, ultimately resulting in higher energy costs. For such a small annoyance, roof leaks can deliver quite a punch to your roof’s performance and your wallet.
What to Do: Before leaks result in costly and extensive repair work, or even premature roof replacement, schedule a regular inspection from a trusted roofer in your area. They will check for damaged roofing material and improperly installed components. With their trained eye, they’ll also trace the leaks’ source and determine your system’s overall condition. They may follow this up with the necessary patching job.
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Wind Damage
A major weather event can still damage your roof even when it didn’t produce hail or rain. High winds, in fact, can create stress points on your system, continually loosening shingles, for instance, until they are torn off. In prone areas such as the roof’s corners and perimeter, the wind may get below loose roofing material, pushing up and creating a sort of chain peeling effect. With roofing material out of the way, this makes it easy for rainwater to enter your home. You’ll also need to deal with the debris carried by these winds, which can damage your roof on impact.
What to Do: Prevention is better than cure–after particularly strong winds hit your area, have your roofing system looked at right away. High-quality repair work by a reliable roofer should easily address wind damage. Unless it’s a high-category tornado, that is. The highest tornado level is F6, which packs wind speeds up to 318 mph. You may need a roof replacement if this occurs.
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Hail Damage
Hailstones can damage your roofing system on impact, compromising the structural integrity of roofing materials. They form when raindrops are carried by air updrafts into upper-level clouds where the temperature is below freezing. Ice then forms around these frozen raindrops, which then falls down to the ground when they are big enough. Hail damage can be tricky to spot, especially from the ground.
What to Do: To fully determine the extent of hail damage on your roofing system, turn to a local roofer for a comprehensive inspection. A pro will be able to notice even the slightest hint of hail damage, including:
- Cracks
- Dents
- Punctures
- Spatter marks
- Dislodged roofing material
Scratches and creased dents on your roof’s surface don’t count as hail damage. Your roofer may fix the affected areas with either a repair or replacement.
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Torn or Loose Flashing
Flashing is an integral part of your roofing system. It covers most of a roof’s more leak-prone areas, including around chimneys, skylights, dormers, plumbing vents, valleys, and just about anywhere on your roof where joints meet. When flashing corrodes, cracks, or wears down, however, they make it easy for water to enter your home.
What to Do: Depending on the severity of damage, have your flashing repaired or replaced by a roofing expert in your area.
Why You Should Hire a Pro to Fix Roofing Problems
If you want to get the best results, it pays to work only with a reputable roofing contractor in your area. Taking the DIY route may look simpler and less expensive, but hiring a pro is indispensable when it comes to complex roofing work, like repairs and replacement. Make sure your roofer is:
- Licensed, by your state to perform roofing work in your area. A licensed roofing contractor will be deeply familiar with local building codes and regulations, which ensure the safety, health, and well-being of your home’s occupants when the renovation is required.
- Insured, with the necessary workers’ compensation and liability coverage to protect you and your investment should accidents occur during the job.
- Experienced, with extensive knowledge on the repair and replacement of a range of roofing systems. They should be able to complete the work on time and within budget, delivering superior workmanship and customer excellence from start to finish.
- Certified, by leading roofing manufacturers, providing access to high-quality materials and solid warranties.
Keep your roof in top shape at all times by dealing with roofing issues as soon as possible. To ensure a safe and worry-free repair or replacement process, make sure to work only with trusted roofer in your area. This way, you’ll surely make the most of your investment.
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Author Bio:
Stacy Mellete is part of Affordable Roofing Systems, a family-owned and operated company serving homeowners in Florida. When she’s not managing administrative operations for the company, she likes to share what she knows about the industry via the company blog. Check it out for updates from Stacy!
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