Roof Serious Issues and the Dangers of Ignoring Them

The roof of a structure serves as a protection against the harmful rays of the sun, as well as extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains or snowfall. However, it is usually the unsung hero because it is only checked when it already shows signs of wear and tear. Nevertheless, below are some of the most serious roof issues, together with the risks of leaving them untreated.

Holes and Leaks

A leaking roof is a severe issue, indicating that the roof has serious holes allowing water and other external elements to come through. While holes invite wild animals to settle in, the water seeping in the roof leaves the area wet and moist, which becomes the perfect habitat of molds. The growth of molds can possibly lead to a number of health issues. If you continue to ignore a leaking roof, chances are it will soon be mold infested. The growth of molds weakens the roof structure over time, compromising its structural integrity. In the end, the roof may collapse, causing harm and injury.

Weather Damage

While it is true that your roof may be very sturdy in the beginning, constant exposure to extreme weather conditions may weaken its structure. A roof damage caused by weather conditions such as storms, hail and heavy winds may at first be negligible. However, if the damage is left unnoticed, it goes that it is left untreated. The longer that it is left untreated, the bigger the roof damage in the long run. Apart from being unable to maintain its structural integrity, a damaged roof also lowers the property value.

Cracks and Blisters

The cracks and blisters in the roof develop over time, although it varies depending on the material that your roof is made of. Rolled roofing typically lasts for a decade before obvious wear and tear conditions are apparent. Built-up roofing and membrane roofing lasts twice as long, but seam metal roofing is more popular in regions with heavy snowfall. Wood roofs and clay tiles are also excellent roof choices. Some roofing materials also shrink over time, leading to cracks and deterioration. The first signs of cracks appear depending on the material that the roof is made of, as well as the weather conditions it is subjected to. If these cracks are left untreated, these will get bigger and eventually be a passageway for external elements. This will lead to the fall of the roof’s structural integrity.

Loose Tiles

Loose roof tiles are also a serious roofing problem that should not be ignored. It leads to water damage, which may pave the way for molds to grow and wood rotting to take place. A single loose tile is all it takes to let water in and soak the wood elements in your roof. Termites love rotting wood. Additionally, loose tiles also allow rodents and other pests to come in.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are connected to the roof and clogged gutters are often not easily detected. The clogs are often because of twigs or leaves stuck into the tubes. These cause water to build up and eventually cause rotting. Additionally, tree branches rubbing against your roof will hasten the wear and tear of your roof’s layers. It is best to keep tree limbs trimmed to keep them from resting on the roof, with leaves clogging the gutters.

There are several roofing contractors that provide different services according to the problems found in your roof. While some already have an online presence, other roofing contractors offer personalized services. For instance, a roofing contractor in Hanover Pennsylvania aids consumers in filing for roof damage insurance claims, which greatly helps in funding for the roof repairs. Other roofing contractors in the United States offer a regular roof maintenance check for a certain period of time, free of charge, following a roof repair. Before your roof issue worsens, it is best to enlist the services of a reputable roofing contractor. In case that you already need your roof replaced, make sure that the roof installation is not faulty. A poor installation may cost you more in the future.

A periodic and regular check of the roof is necessary not only to ensure that it is well-kept, but more so to guarantee that the risks of serious roof issues are reduced, if not totally eliminated. In the long run, roof maintenance will prove to be beneficial in terms of cost and safety. Hence, before it comes to the point of severe roof problems, make the essential roof inspections.