As a responsible homeowner, you must maintain your house to avoid compromising family safety and prevent damage to your belongings. Since the roof of the house is exposed the most to wind, rain, snow, sleet, sunshine, and high temperatures, it can deteriorate quickly. It may necessitate expensive repairs or even a roof replacement at a considerable cost, unless you are alert and take care to prevent and attend to the problems promptly. Spotting a problem with your roof is not easy unless you know the common issues affecting the performance and life of roofs:
Lack of Maintenance
Most people ignore roofs, thinking they are durable and need no attention. However, with the roof bearing the brunt of the elements, it can experience wear and tear that can quickly escalate to a severe problem unless you attend to them quickly. An annual roof inspection, especially after winter, can help you spot emerging issues and carry out the necessary repairs. You should also plan a roof inspection after every extreme weather event, like a storm or hurricane.
Inadequate or Incorrect Repairs
It is not enough to spot the problems and repair the roof. You must ensure that you have identified the cause of the damage correctly and repaired the roof competently. You must either have the expertise to repair or appoint a reputed and trustworthy contractor like Roofing World in Montgomery. You do not stand to gain by engaging cut-rate contractors who will only do a shoddy job that will have the problem recurring.
Roof Leaks
A leaking roof, if not attended to in time, can damage the house structure and your belongings. If you spot water or moisture inside your house, especially in the attic or under the eaves, you must immediately carry out a thorough inspection and fix the leak to minimize the damage. According to Forbes, a leaky roof can result in several other home issues, like ruined floors and attic insulation.
Lack of Ventilation
Adequate roof ventilation is a must for long roof life. Proper ventilation regulates the temperature and moisture levels in the house by promoting the natural circulation of air. If the ventilation is inadequate, the heat and moisture can build up and damage the rafters, shingles, and insulation. It can also encourage the development of mold and mildew that can further damage the structure of the house and the walls.
Trees
Trees overhanging your house may seem pretty, but they can cause several problems to the health of your roof. Firstly, the limbs can rub against the roof and damage the shingles and the protective top layer. Moreover, the twigs and leaves can accumulate on the roof and trap moisture that encourages the formation of moss, mold, and mildew. The debris can also block the gutters and prevent the rainwater from draining away freely.
Conclusion
The key to making your roof last longer is to spot the problems early and attend to the repairs. If you are competent with DIY jobs, you can carry out periodic roof inspections and minor repairs, ensuring safety at all times. You should ideally call in a reputed local roofing contractor for more complicated repairs.