Below are five of the most common types of roof damage: leaks. Leaks are the most common problems people face on roofs. 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 is damage that occurs due to external forces that cause immediate damage, compared to the normal wear and tear that occurs over time as the roof ages. Wear and tear can still cause necessary repairs or replacements, but it's less immediate than being damaged by a storm or strong wind. Regular roof wear can have the appearance of a discolored color, dark spots or irregular roof tiles, or higher energy bills due to deterioration. Most roof problems start out as minor problems that, over time, cause major damage. Your roof is vulnerable to environmental factors and abandonment, and it's critical to know the main causes of damage to recognize early signs. Check out the main causes of roof damage below.
Extreme conditions are detrimental to the roof, as it is the residence's first line of defense during heavy rains, storms, intense heat and strong winds. Wind damage is a common concern on tile roofs, as shingles become loose, curl, or fall off. As a result, the roof covering underneath becomes susceptible to water damage, and the water that caused it can seep into the house and deteriorate the walls. from the attic.
Hailstorms are also destructive, as hail particles weaken the roof's protective layer and create holes that cause extensive damage. Over time, these fissures enlarge and allow moisture and water to reach the interior of the house. For example, incorrectly installing roof coverings exposes your home to water damage. The gaskets consist of thin metal pieces that are placed under the tiles to draw water away from the roof. A roofing contractor places covering materials at joints and in uncomfortable areas to prevent moisture penetration.
Over time, all roofs age, even if repairs and maintenance are diligent. Cracked roof tiles, lack of roof tiles, fractured roof coverings and problems with gutters are some of the signs of an aging roof. You may try to repair an aging roof, but these problems worsen over time and repairs cost a lot. The lifespan of your roof depends on the material, maintenance and climate.
For example, asphalt shingles last 15 to 30 years, and cracked roof tiles are primarily the first sign that you need to replace them. Metal roofs last 40 to 70 years with proper maintenance, while slate shingles last more than 75 years. Pests wreak havoc on roofs, primarily because signs of a pest infestation aren't always apparent. Termites are known to corrode the wooden structure of a roof and compromise the integrity of roofs, joints and other supporting elements. Over time, termites weaken the structural integrity of the roof as they move into the attic and pass through walls through the holes they create.
The damage left by termites is likely to remain invisible until the roof is about to collapse. Rodents and birds also nest on roofs and can enter the house through cracks in the roof and surrounding spaces. of ventilation. Improper roof maintenance has many costly results, such as water damage, mold growth, pest activity and premature failure.
While roofing contractors recommend investing in sturdy roofing materials, even the most durable materials deteriorate without proper maintenance. Have a roofing contractor inspect your roofing system regularly and make urgent repairs to prevent major damage. After experiencing adverse weather conditions or performing a roof inspection, you may notice signs of roof damage. If some roof materials are broken or if there are automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance.
You may notice that the shingles are discolored, crumbling and peeling off, indicating an urgent need to repair the roof. If you have a house with a poorly designed roof, it may not have as long a lifespan even with excellent roofing materials that have been properly installed. Even so, wind can be a problem right after the roof is installed, before the tile adhesive has had time to activate in the sun. Correct any known problems with your roof before winter comes to prevent water damage due to snow on the roof.
Its main function is to connect the perimeter of the roof to the beams, which in turn hold the entire structure. However, strong storms that produce exceptionally large hail can cause problems with many roofing materials. Over time, almost every roof will show some signs of moss growth, making the shingles look unkempt and older than they are They are. The roof, siding, windows, and garden are all susceptible to damage during these times, and quick repairs can prevent your home from further damage from leaks or other more serious damage. A detailed inspection of the roof may reveal blisters caused by heat, small bubbles or holes in the tile surface.
But the only way to determine the current condition of your roof is to have it inspected by a reputable roofing specialist. When choosing roofing materials, consult a roofing expert to ensure you get the right system for the local climate.
