Roof damage can happen for a variety of reasons; it can be the result of a storm, falling debris, wildlife, natural wear and tear, or any number of other reasons.
While some damages may look small, when they are left unattended, they deteriorate over time and may cause major safety issues. So how do you know if that broken shingle needs to be replaced right away? Here are a few situations where you should take immediate action.
4 Types of Severe Roof Damage
In some cases, roof repairs can be ignored or postponed. But if the damage is severe, you will want to get it taken care of as quickly as possible. Here are 4 types of severe roof damage you shouldn’t ignore:
1. Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles are some of the most common roofing issues you will come across, and this is because shingles are the most adopted roofing materials in the US. Shingle damage can be caused by exposure to the sun, extreme wind, the weight of snow on the roof during winter, or just the passage of time. They come in the form of cracks, curls due to shrinkage, or missing pieces and are not always serious, making them easy for homeowners to overlook.
Without due inspection and action, however, a small crack can cause whole shingles to weaken and dislodge from the roof, and then lead to eventual water damage to your underlayment, decking, ceiling, and home interior. It’s just a matter of time before a mold infection starts building up.
2. Roof Flashing Damage
The flashing is a material typically made of galvanized metal that is used to direct water away from joints on your rooftop. These are joints such as where your chimney meets the rooftop, where the roof meets a wall, or where your air vents meet the roof — anywhere on your roof where crevices are expected.
While flashing is expected to last as long as your roofing material, even up to 50 years, poor installation or damage from exposure to sun and heavy rains can lead to rust, cracks, or entire dislodgement. Without taking appropriate action, you are sure to experience leaks and water damage in your home.
3. Sagging Roofs
Sagging is a structural issue with your roof where its surface appears a little caved in and not smooth. It is damage caused by a barrage of factors ranging from roof aging to excess weight on the roof, improper internal roof framing, improperly installed roof joints, excess layers of shingles, or even low-quality roofing materials.
If you have a vertical roof, sagging becomes a major problem as water may be retained in these caved-in spots, leading to water damage over time. It is one of the instances of roof damage that should be fixed immediately after you notice it.
Sagging represents weakness and structural insecurities that can turn out to be huge problems during severe weather conditions. You don’t want sections of your roof collapsing into your bedroom from the weight of snow on it.
4. Vegetation Roof Damage
Sometimes, those dark spots on your roof may not be stains after all. The growth of moss is something you should particularly be worried about as it causes slow damage to your shingles. Especially where you have a buildup underneath a shaded spot on your roof, the moss infection holds moisture against your roofing material, fastening its aging process and leading to cracked shingles or flashing.
Alongside moss, you also have to be wary about algae, lichen, leaves, tree branches, and fruit that can support the growth of organic matter on your roof. Clogged roof gutters also fall in the same category as vegetation damage as they also lead to excess water retention on your roof and slow damage to roofing materials, leaks, and mold growth.
Thankfully, with vegetation damage and clogged gutters, you don’t always have to repair or replace roofing materials. Adequately cleaning your roof would suffice.
Repairing or Replacing Your Rooftops
Although roof damage is one of the top concerns of homeowners in the US, barely 70% of homeowners carry out professional inspections on rooftops. You need to hire professionals to carry out appropriate inspections every three to four years or even sooner, and these inspections reveal the right step for you to take.
Solar Optimum offers you the expert repair and replacement services you need to maintain the integrity of your residential rooftops. Contact us today to keep yourself and your properties protected from weather and mold while also utilizing solar technologies for energy efficiency.
