The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
As a homeowner, it's your responsibility to keep an eye on your roof so you can catch issues before the damage becomes extensive or begins to affect the interior of your home. Knowing the three most common reasons why a roof may need a major repair can help you know what to look for when monitoring your roof's overall health.
1) Weather Damage
Storms can damage a roof directly or indirectly. Direct damage occurs from hail, blown off shingles, and snow weight damage. Indirect problems include damages from debris, such as falling tree branches, or leaks related to the formation of ice dams. Wind pulls up shingles and damages flashing, while hail knocks the gravel off of the shingles and weakens them. Debris can puncture holes in the roof or tear and break shingles. Snow can melt and freeze beneath shingles, lifting them, or cause portions of the roof to sink due to the excess weight.
2) Pest Destruction
Animals, birds, and insects can all cause major problems on your roof. Raccoons and small mammals like squirrels can pull up shingles and make holes in the roof and eaves in an attempt to gain access to the attic. Birds often pull out soffit vent covers or widen cracks in the eaves to create a safe space for their nests. Bird nests and droppings on the roof can also cause damages to shingles and other rooftop items. Insects like wasps and bees often find small openings in the roof to gain access into the attic or walls, where they then build a nest or hive. Not only do you not want any of these pests in your home, their activities can cause damage to the roof and to the interior of your home.
3) Deterioration
Deterioration occurs due to one of two reasons -- aging or neglect. An aging roof will show it's age. Shingles may lose granules and begin to curl and crack. Flashing often corrodes or becomes warped. Cupping and the formation of depressions on the shingles is also common on older roofs. Neglect can also lead to these problems and more. For example, failing to clean moss off the roof can lead to trapped moisture, which causes shingles to age even more quickly. Overflowing gutters that are rarely cleaned can also speed up the deterioration of your roof. Basic maintenance and planning for necessary repairs and replacement is required for a long lasting roof.
Contact a residential roofing repair service for more help.