Roofs are an essential part of your home’s exterior. It provides protection, structural support and insulation for your home. Unfortunately, your roofing system doesn’t last forever. Certain factors like weather, trees and lack of maintenance can deteriorate a roof overtime. Today we’ll share a few common roofing problems and how to fix them.
1. Leaks
There are many situations that can lead to a roof leak. For instance, older roofs are more prone to leaks because shingles are more likely to dry out, crack, curl or break. Another cause is having broken or missing shingles. Brittle or aging shingles may fall off the roof completely, making the roof more vulnerable.
How to fix: For minor roof leaks, you can patch and seal with roofing cement or sealant.
2. Shingle Damage
One sign of damage is shingle blisters, which look like bruises on the shingles. This is a result of the natural aging process. If you notice curled or cupped shingles, this may be due to aging or heat exposure. Homeowners might even notice cracked shingles, caused by continuous expansion and contraction in hot and cold temperatures.
How to fix: If you have damaged or missing shingles, a roofing specialist can replace single shingles to protect your roof.
3. Poor Insulation
A well-insulated attic can maximize the durability and longevity of your roofing system. Water leaks, drafts and pest infestation are all signs your home is experiencing improper insulation.
How to fix: Homeowners can enhance insulation in their attic by either laying down fiberglass batts or rolls or blow in cellulose insulation.
4. Ventilation Issues
Roof ventilation is another common roofing problem homeowners come across. This comes in the form of unpleasant odors, mold and dust buildup.
How to fix: Evaluate your current ventilation setup to identify if there are existing blockages or restrictions. You can consider placing ridge vents along the peak of your roof to allow warm moisture to escape naturally.
5. Gutter Problems
Gutters collect the water running off of your roof and direct it to downspouts to safely carry it away from your home. It’s essential to keep your gutters clean and that you have routine maintenance for them to do its job effectively. Be sure to clean your gutters regularly to prevent clogging. It’s also good to flush gutters with a hose to avoid faster build up.
How to fix: Consider a gutter inspection to ensure your gutters are working at an optimal level.
4. Ponding Water
Flat roofs are prone to ponding water. While a small puddle after a rainstorm is normal, anything after 48 hours can be a cause for concern. Standing water must be addressed promptly to avoid impacting the integrity of your roof.
How to fix: Flush existing drains to prevent clogging, fix low spots to prevent pooling and consider installing roof crickets, which are designed to divert water around roofing structures.
5. Structural Damage
Missing shingles, water damage to walls or ceilings and a collection of granules are all telltale signs of structural damage. If you notice structural damage to your roof, it’s critical to call a roofing specialist as soon as possible.
How to fix: Depending on the level of damage to your roof, you can replace the shingles of the concerned area or may want to opt for a total roof replacement.
6. Moss and Algae Growth
Moss and algae growth is certainly unappealing on a roof. To prevent moss and algae growth in the future, you want to ensure that you have a proper draining system in place to prevent water from sitting on the roof.
How to fix: To clean it, use a garden hose with a simple spray attachment to spray downward along the angle of the roof.
Contact Roofing Optimum for Your Roofing Solutions
When it comes to roofing problems, it’s best to leave it to the experts. At Roofing Optimum, we offer partial and full roof replacements. Contact us today.
