Hello dear readers and welcome back for another post in my Home Ownership 101 Series. Now that winter is here it’s extremely important to make sure your roof is in good repair. All the heavy rains and snow of the season could lead to leaks in the months ahead if your roof is damaged in any way. Thankfully, you can take simple steps to protect your home from adverse weather conditions and ensure it stays in excellent condition. *This post contains affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
Whether a homeowner’s roof is brand new, has been retrofitted, or is the home’s original roof, it is imperative that it be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. This allows the homeowner to identify potential issues before they become big problems. Taking care of roofing issues early can prevent the homeowner from being forced to pay for extensive and costly repairs. Therefore, it is a good idea for all homeowners to educate themselves and learn the 5 common types of roof problems and their solutions.
But, if yours is older than that and looking worse for wear, it makes sense to invest in a new roof installation for your abode. The good news is that some types of roof material, such as asphalt shingle, are more cost-effective than others yet still just as durable as conventional roof materials. If you want to discover the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing, there are many resources online that let you learn more to make an informed choice for your home.
- Holes and Depressions
There are many things that can cause a roof to develop depressions and, eventually, holes. For example, heavy winds can blow debris onto the roof. In addition, hail of all sizes can fall on roofs during heavy rainstorms. Even wildlife, such as woodpeckers and other birds, squirrels, and mice can have a negative effect on a roof from both the outside and the inside. A home’s roof should be inspected regularly for the presence of any holes or depressions that can turn into holes and, if found, they should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Cracking and Shrinkage
Fluctuations in temperature, the accumulation of ice, and the presence of excessive moisture can lead to the repeated expansion and shrinkage of the shingles of a roof. This, in turn, can cause the flashing to pull apart and tiles to crack. When damage occurs in one area, it can spread quickly due to the interconnected nature of roofs. One way to address this issue is to have the roof inspected in the spring, after the extreme low temperatures and ice accumulation that occurs in the winter, and in the fall, following the heat and rain that can come in the summer. Another option is to install a roof of metal shingles, which are less prone to cracking and shrinkage.
- Areas of Leakage
If depressions, holes, cracked flashing, and broken shingles go undetected and unrepaired, the roof is likely to develop leaks. One of the most common areas for leaks is by the chimney. Another common region is around the gutters. While these areas are common, leaks can occur anywhere, and it is up to the homeowner to be on the lookout for any signs of a possible leak. If discolored ceilings and walls are observed or puddles of water are found, it is necessary to have a professional locate and patch the leak
Solar panels (or “photovoltaic cells” to give them their official name) take the sun’s energy and help to convert it into electricity and heating. If your house has got a large roof area, you can fit plenty of solar panels on it and produce a lot of electricity. If you do decide to go with solar panels, be sure to have them professionally installed to avoid leaks.
- Low-Hanging Limbs
Trees are a popular choice when it comes to a home’s landscaping. While they are beautiful and provide a home for wildlife, they can pose a threat to the home’s roof. Tree limbs that are large and heavy are at risk of falling on a home in the event of heavy wind, excessive rain, and with snow and ice accumulation. This can cause serious damage to the home’s roof. In addition, limbs that are too low can scrape against the roof when it is windy or stormy and cause damage over time. A homeowner must keep their trees pruned to prevent the damage that low-hanging limbs can cause.
Additional Considerations
If you live in a heavily wooded area or if you have tree branches on or near your roof, this could lead to big problems, as mature trees might start growing and leaning towards your house. As a consequence, the branches could damage your property or the tree itself could fall onto your roof. If you have any big trees near your house, it’s worth keeping an eye on them. Call a licensed arborist to come and look at the tree for you. They can either trim the tree or remove it from harm’s way. In addition, a lot of old dead branches and debris near your home could invite termites.
These pests can get into your property and will eat the wooden supportive structures, which can cause permanent damage. A termite exterminator will help you handle this problem, but it’s worth putting preventative measures in place before it happens. Stop termites from sneaking into your property and you will keep it well protected.
- Poor Installation
Unfortunately, roofing problems are not caused by nature or by homeowner neglect. Instead, they are a result of poor construction. When a roof is poorly installed, it will not hold up well to the strain of the elements. If this is the case, a homeowner will often notice issues with their roof on a regular basis, and the issues can become major problems very quickly. When installing a new roof or retrofitting an old one, it is a good idea to choose the roofing contractor wisely. Getting opinions from friends and family can help as can reading reviews from a company’s previous customers.
When it comes to maintaining a home’s roof, a little education goes a long way. A homeowner who takes the time to learn about the potential problems that a roof can have and how to solve those problems is unlikely to need major roof repairs in the future. Knowing what to look for and having a reliable company to make simple repairs will ensure the homeowner gets many years of service from their roof. If yours is older than that and looking worse for wear, it makes sense to invest in a new roof installation for your abode. The good news is that some types of roof material, such as asphalt shingle, are more cost-effective than others yet still just as durable as conventional roof materials. If you want to discover the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing, there are many resources online that let you learn more to make an informed choice for your home.
If your roof has taken a beating, and you can see noticeable damage on the exterior, it’s time to contact a roofing company near you to begin repairs.
The following infographic will give you some idea of the type of shingle you might want to go for. There are no doubt going to be ones you haven’t seen or heard of before.
Infographic Source Roof Shingles
I hope you have found these roofing tips to be helpful and that you stay warm, dry and cozy all winter long!
Thanks for visiting today!
Amber
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