Roofing Problems To Watch Out for This Fall
Your roof is essential to protecting your home from the elements. Unfortunately, roofing problems are inevitable, and leaving damage unaddressed can cause severe issues later. Educating yourself on potential threats is the best way to keep roofing problems from spiraling into costly repairs.
Seven Common Roof Problems To Look Out For
Below are the seven most common roofing problems that homeowners in Arizona should look out for.
Roof Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common roofing problems that homeowners face. While the causes of roof leaks vary, quickly identifying damage is imperative to reduce the overall threat to your home. Reasons your roof might be leaking include:
- The age of your roof
- Broken shingles
- Clogged gutters
- Chimney damage
- Heavy storms
- Poor maintenance
When water damage is left untreated, it can cause expensive structural problems for your property. Signs of roof leaks usually manifest around:
- Your chimney
- The flashing
- Near gutters
- Near skylights
- Roof valleys
- Close to vents
If you notice any signs of a roof leak, reach out to a professional for a comprehensive inspection. They’ll be able to resolve any issues and prevent further damage to your home.
Damaged Shingles
Over the summer months, Arizona’s heat takes a toll on local roofs, and buckling or damaged shingles are a common roofing problem homeowners encounter.
Accumulated moisture is the most common cause of buckling and curling. When water penetrates the underlayment, it causes the decking to shift. This in turn causes your shingles to wrinkle, pushing your roofing material upwards.
Damaged shingles leave your property exposed to:
- High winds
- Monsoons
- Heavy rain
- Hail and snow
- Dust and dirt
- Debris (branches, leaves)
These environmental factors can jeopardize your roof’s integrity. If you notice your shingles moving around, act quickly and reach out to your local roofing contractor. Damaged shingles aren’t something to be taken lightly, and you’ll need professional help to repair your roof.
Damaged Flashing
Your flashing is constructed of weatherproof plastic, aluminum, or steel. It’s installed on the weakest areas of your roof and seals gaps near chimneys or skylights, protecting otherwise exposed areas from the elements.
Over time, flashing becomes vulnerable to moisture damage. Eventually, it cracks or loses its adhesive seal, allowing water to seep into your home.
Because of the consequences of poor installation, new flashing isn’t a simple DIY project. If you notice any cracked or damaged flashing on your roof, find a local contractor to repair or replace it.
Shrinkage
Another frequent roofing problem homeowners experience is shrinkage, which is most often seen on roofs with synthetic rubber membranes. Shrinkage occurs due to pressure from your roofing materials pulling on your membrane from all directions. A common indicator of roof shrinkage is cracks or tears in your flashing or shingles. The best way to prevent shrinkage is with a professional installation followed by routine inspections and maintenance.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation allows excess heat buildup in your attic, which can damage roof sheathing and deteriorate shingles, ultimately leading to a system-wide failure. Several factors can cause improper ventilation, like having:
- A ridge vent and spray foam insulation
- A ridge vent on a hip and ridge roof where you should have an attic fan
- An attic fan and a ridge vent working together
- A ridge vent when you should have an attic fan
- Too many intake areas (i.e. gable vents, soffit vents, etc.)
Ventilation issues can cause moisture to collect in your attic, raising the internal temperature of your home and blistering or cracking your shingles. Additionally, during the colder months, this leads to ice dams, bringing more structural and safety issues to your home.
The best way to combat this is with a professional roofing company. They’ll inspect your roof, assess your ventilation status, and take preventative measures if necessary.
Overdue Maintenance
Investing in annual roof maintenance goes a long way toward the long-term health of your system. A professional inspection delivers advantages like:
- Determining the status of your roof
- Identifying potential roofing problems
- Conducting repairs and maintenance
- Protecting your roof materials
- Providing peace of mind knowing your roof is in good shape
A minor roofing problem left untouched can quickly snowball into a major issue. By reaching out to a professional roofing provider, you’re able to stay ahead of roof problems and increase the overall longevity of your roofing system.
Clogged Gutters
While not as initially severe as the previous roofing problems we’ve mentioned, clogged gutters can still cause extensive damage to your home over time.
Accumulated debris in your gutters backlogs water into your roofing system. The longer your gutters remain clogged, the easier it is for water to seep into your property. Water damage from your gutters can rot your wood, ruining the structural integrity of your building.
Cleaning out your gutters is something you can do without a contractor’s help. But if you’re looking for a guaranteed solution, most roofing contractors offer gutter screen installation to reduce the amount of debris your gutters collect.
Schedule a Free Roof Inspection With Paramount KangaRoof
Over the past few months, Arizona has experienced one of the hottest summers in recent memory. If you want to find out how your roof has held up, you’re in the right spot. Paramount KangaRoof offers free roof inspections, where our expert technicians will come out and assess your roof. They’ll repair any roofing problems to keep your home protected for years to come.