Are You Ruining Your Own Roof? Things That Can Decrease Your Roof’s Lifespan
your roof
Your roof is one of your home’s main defenses against inclement weather and other hazards.
Keeping it in excellent working order will help you prevent the need for early replacement.
Make sure you’re not sabotaging your home’s comfort and structural integrity by avoiding these issues.
Lack of Insulation
Insulation helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
According to Tom Silva of This Old House, a well-insulated roof also helps prevent ice from accumulating.
When ice dams melt, they drain into gutters where they may re-freeze and form a debris-clogged block.
This can eventually lead to leaks in your attic, damage to your foundation, and further structural issues throughout your home.
Weather Damage
The sun can do a number on your roof. Shingles, especially in dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays, can warp easily.
That’s why clay tiles and stone panels are common in areas like Nevada, where the sunshine is especially intense.
Reflective paint or a cool roof coating can help prevent UV rays from harming your roof.
Hail and wind damage are also common risks. While there isn’t a lot you can do to prevent this type of hazard, a well-maintained lawn and trees reduce the odds of adding debris into the mix.
You can also do a quick visual check of your roof from the ground after each storm.
If you suspect storm damage, have your roof inspected as quickly as possible to avoid worsening the problem.
Waterproofing your roof adds a layer of protection against the elements and aids in mold growth prevention.
While removing the remnants of a heavy snowfall immediately will go a long way towards preventing damage, waterproofing will help keep melted snow from becoming a problem.
Neglecting Roofing Maintenance
Failing to do simple maintenance on your roof and gutters regularly can spell disaster for your roof.
When debris clogs gutters, water can’t drain properly. One damaged roof tile can allow water to seep into the roof and cause damage.
If left in disrepair, you could end up with a mold problem.
Routine inspections can help prevent costly problems like this one. Keeping branches on trees near the house trimmed can also help.
And if you do need to submit an insurance claim, many roofing experts can help you file it.
Poor Ventilation
A poorly ventilated attic can cause heat and moisture to build up and damage shingles from inside the home.
This accumulation can also cause your house to be hotter than necessary during the summer.
As mentioned earlier, damage from even a single cracked or warped shingle can result in bigger issues down the road, such as water damage and structural damage.
Signs of a Damaged Roof
These factors may indicate that your it should be repaired or replaced include leaks, sagging, high energy bills, gravel from shingles in your gutters, missing or damaged shingles, and sunlight appearing in the attic.
If you notice signs of damage, you should contact a roofing professional.
They have the tools to get the repair done quickly and safely so that you do not have to worry about it.
They can also inspect your roof to identify any areas of concern that you might not have noticed yet.
Your inspector can give you an idea of what maintenance should be done for your roof and how often.
Maintaining and repairing your roof as necessary will extend its life.
In addition to taking precautions against damage, be sure to use a reputable roofing company for repairs and installation.
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Category: Home Improvements
