Roof replacements account for 90% of the North American roofing market. However, proper repair and maintenance could have prevented many of these replacements. If homeowners know the signs of the most common problems, they could act quickly to fix them and prevent further damage that would require a full replacement.
Keep an eye out for these roofing problems and stay current on your roof’s home maintenance needs.
1. Loose or Damaged Shingles
A large majority of American homes have shingle roofs. These shingles have grit on them that helps them protect your roof. When installed, they overlap each other to create an impenetrable barrier.
Over time, they can become loose, damaged, or worn smooth. When this happens, it creates a vulnerable spot in the roof for more serious roofing issues to develop. To prevent further damage, you’ll need to replace the damaged and loose shingles to restore the roof’s integrity.
2. Leaks
One of the most common reasons for replacing a roof is leaks. Water always seeks out the lowest point, which sometimes means working its way into your house. If you see discoloration on the ceiling inside your home, then you’ve had a serious leak for a long time.
Even if your ceiling looks pristine, head to your attic and look for signs of leaks. If you find one, you’ll need to locate the source in the roof and patch it up. Ignoring a leak leads to mold, mildew, and rotting.
3. Ice Dams
According to Landmark Roofing, homes that experience harsh winter weather may develop ice dams. The outside temperature drops, so you raise the temperature in your home. The warm air escapes through the attic, which causes the ice and snow on your roof to melt.
Over time, a freeze and thaw effect happens, and ice builds. Freezing water expands, which creates gaps when the ice thaws. These gaps are now a source of leaks.
4. Moss and Mildew
A lesser-known home roofing problem is moss or mildew. It happens when your roof is shaded from the sun. The shade means reduced light and cooler temperatures, which allows for a constant presence of moisture.
Over time, the shade and moisture foster the growth of mold and mildew. As a result, your roof will begin to look green or black. While this may not seem like a big deal, the mold and mildew can damage your shingles and compromise the integrity of your roof.
5. Damaged Vent Boots
A vent boot is the piece of metal that wraps around the base of your chimney and anything else on your roof. You may also hear it referred to as aluminum flashing. Over time, it develops tears or cracks.
If the boot is damaged, you’ll need to replace it by removing the old boot, applying a new sealant, and putting a new boot into position.
Fix Your Roofing Problems
Roofing repairs may seem like an expensive home maintenance project. However, ignoring your roofing problems will lead to a much more expensive roof replacement project. Check your roof seasonally to ensure you catch potential issues early and prevent further problems.
Check out our other home and real estate articles for more helpful advice on maintaining and repairing your home.
