If you make a list of all the parts of your home that suffer the most wear and tear, your roof might be on the top of that list. Surviving the harsh cold weather in the winters, the heat in the summer, and all kinds of storms throughout the year. It keeps you and your family safe, dry, and warm.
However, like any part of your house, it can develop problems over time. If you neglect the maintenance, it can lead to bigger issues, and more expensive repairs.
To give you an idea, here are some common reasons your roof might need repairs and what you can do about them.
1. Weather Damage
One of the most common reasons why you might need roofing repair is weather damage. Since your roof is always exposed to the elements, including rain, snow, wind, and hail it can take a toll on your roof’s structure.
If it rains heavily, your roof might start leaking water. On the other hand, the shingles on your roof can come off if the winds are too heavy. Similarly, a hail storm can dent and crack your roof.
After any severe weather event, you should inspect your roof or have a professional do it to catch any damage early.
2. Poor Installation
Another reason why your roof might need repairs if it wasn’t properly installed in the first place.
Poor roofing installation can lead to a variety of problems, such as leaks, shingles coming loose, and even structural issues.
Some signs that can tell your roof was poorly installed are misaligned shingles, gaps in the roofing material, and visible nails.
If you notice any of these signs, you should call a professional to assess the situation.
3. Age of the Roof
Like everything else in life, your roof has an expiration date as well. However, the lifespan of your roof depends on the materials you used to create it.
For instance, asphalt shingles typically last 20-25 years, while metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more.
As your roof’s age gets close to its end, it becomes much more susceptible to damage. That is why you might notice more frequent leaks, missing shingles, or general wear and tear.
If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, you should consider a replacement rather than just repairs.
4. Lack of Maintenance
Since the roof suffers plenty of wear and tear over the years, it needs its share of maintenance to keep protecting your home. Without the right level of maintenance, even small issues can become big problems.
Some common maintenance includes clearing debris, checking for signs of damage, and making sure gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly.
If you don’t carry out the maintenance on time, your gutters can get clogged, which can lead to water backing up and damaging your roof. Similarly, unchecked debris can lead to moss and algae growth, which can damage roofing materials over time.
Keeping up with regular maintenance can save you from costly repairs.
