Leaves, needles and other tree debris can clog gutters or, if left on the roof, trap moisture and damage the roof. Branches that are too large can scrape the shingles if the wind carries them against the roof surface. Depending on where you live, your roof may be more susceptible to some types of damage than others. However, these are the 10 most common types of roof damage in most areas of the United States. Some may seem milder than others at first glance, but ignoring even the smallest damage can compromise your roof over time.
If the roof is damaged by wind, you may notice rips or cracks in the shingles. In some cases, you may notice that some of the tiles are curving upwards at the corners or are completely missing. This type of gap in roof materials can make the roof vulnerable during inclement weather. of time.
While there's no way to prevent wind from hitting your home, you can prevent damage by investing in roofing material with a higher wind rating. However, even the highest quality materials can crumble if not properly installed. In fact, incorrect installation is the main reason why roofs crumble due to wind damage. Fortunately, most wind damage is easy to repair. Usually, you'll only need to replace some of the affected tiles to bring your roof back up to compliance.
However, continued exposure to the elements may mean that you'll have to do a full replacement project if those shingles aren't repaired soon enough. While hail damage may seem like a minor problem when inspecting a roof, it can quickly expose roof materials to inclement weather. If there was a recent hailstorm in your area, it's a good idea to do a roof inspection to understand the extent of the damage from an expert's point of view. Roofers usually mark hail damage with circles of chalk to make it easier to see in photographs. Otherwise, only small dark spots may appear on the asphalt shingles.
With a sloped cedar roof, hail damage can look like a large, discolored crack. On a metal or synthetic roof, they can be even harder to detect. However, if you find dents or scratches on other objects on your property (mailboxes, cars, roof covers, ventilation grilles, etc.), damage caused by hail often destroys part of the tile's granule layer. This can leave the roof exposed to UV rays and water.
Over time, this will wear out a hole in the roof and create leaks. Most hail-damaged roofs require only minor repairs. However, if the roof has more than 8 damaged spots per 100 square feet (1 square of roof), the roofer will generally recommend a complete replacement. Over time, all roofs will need to be replaced. It's just a matter of how long the roof can last. The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years, although materials such as synthetic roof tiles can last up to 50 years.
While a higher-quality roof may cost more upfront, it can provide a better return on investment in the long term. According to a study by Texas Technological University and Haag Engineering, the main reason why asphalt roofs crumble due to wind damage is inadequate installation. Even if you pay for higher-quality materials, your roof may crumble soon after installation if not done properly. If your roof was damaged due to a sudden, accidental, or unexpected event, you may be able to use your homeowners insurance policy to pay for repairs.
If this is the case, you'll need to call them to file an insurance claim immediately after completing the roof inspection. Most insurance policies have a statute of limitations, requiring you to file a claim within 1 year from the date you discover roof damage. If you wait too long to file a claim, your insurance company may deny you adequate coverage. Since 2004, Baltic Roofing has been the trusted roofing contractor in and around Willowbrook. Whether you're looking for a repair or a complete roof replacement, we settle for no less than 100% satisfaction when it comes to your roof.
Roof damage can come from many different sources: storms, plants, animals, and other sources. However, these 7 are the types of roof damage you're most likely to suffer. Although most roofs are built to withstand weather damage, strong winds can overwhelm and ruin them. Turbulent winds are known to damage roof tiles or even to wash them away. When roof tiles are broken or missing, water and moisture reach the roof and interior of the house.
Roof damage worsens over time and is due to poor installation, pests, weather conditions, age and inadequate care. However, even an average windy day can produce strong gusts of wind that can cause serious roof damage. Over time, the weight of this water can cause serious damage to the roof and even seep into walls and electrical systems. Have your roofing system inspected regularly by a roofing contractor and carry out urgent repairs to prevent major damage.
Water leaks, more than any other type of roof damage, can compromise the roof's ability to protect the interior of the house. The three main structural parts of your roof that can be susceptible to damage are the fascia, the ceiling, and the plywood cover. That said, your insurance will most likely not cover damage caused by improper installation or poor maintenance. However, if the fungus is toxic or the damage is widespread, you may need a professional roofing company to remove old materials and replace them. While it may not be enough to penetrate walls or ceiling, it can damage the cover or absorb insulation and become a breeding ground for mold.
Other times, if you don't have adequate roof ventilation, heat from inside the house can damage the roof. Hailstorms are also destructive, as hail particles weaken the roof's protective layer and create holes that cause extensive damage. Whether you've experienced a severe storm or your roof is simply aging, you may wonder if the roof is damaged.