7 Things That Are Ruining Your Roof And What To Do About It

Everyone wants to maintain a safe and secure home, but it’s often the things we don’t see that can cause the most damage. Your roof is one of those parts of your house that you may not pay much attention to, until something goes wrong. 

From invasive plant life to extreme weather conditions; each one has a different set of consequences when it comes to keeping your roof in great shape.

In order to prevent any problems from occurring on your roof, it’s important to understand how these issues can arise and what steps you should take in order to protect it. 

1. Cracked, Curled, or Missing Shingles

Cracked, curled, or missing shingles are a common sign that your roof is deteriorating. If you notice granules from the shingles collecting in your gutters, this could also be an indication of a problem. 

What to Do 

You should also check for any water spots on the ceilings or walls inside your home as these can be telltale signs that you have a leaky roof.

Another way to gauge whether your roof needs attention is to take a look at it from the ground level. This will allow you to identify any loose flashing, rust spots, and other potential trouble areas. If you do spot something that looks out of place, call in a professional roof contractor for further inspection.

Pay attention to any drafts coming from the attic or other areas near the roofline. These can indicate air leakage which could lead to even more serious problems down the road. In light of all this information, it’s best to contact a reputable contractor who specializes in roofs if you have any doubts about its condition.

2. Improper Installation

This can be the result of either inexperienced or careless installation, or inadequate materials being used. 

Improper installation can lead to leaks, which will eventually cause damage to the structure and interior of a building. In addition, when it comes time for repairs or replacements, improper installations can cost much more than if they had been done correctly in the first place.

What to Do 

Hire a professional roofer who has experience and knowledge specific to your type of roof. Ensure that the materials being used meet basic industry standards and are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. 

Additionally, regular inspections should be performed by an experienced professional in order to identify any issues before they become major problems.

3. Structural Weaknesses

Structural weaknesses are one of the most common things that can ruin a roof. Without proper maintenance and upkeep, problems like sagging, cracking, and even collapsing can occur. 

This can be caused by many factors such as age, weight on the roof, or weather damage.

What to Do 

Inspect the area for structural weaknesses. Look for signs of rusting or cracks in the structure and make sure there is no water damage present. 

If you find any damage, it’s best to contact a professional who can assess the situation and provide advice on how best to fix it. A roof inspection might suggest repairing or replacing certain parts of the roof structure or even adding additional support if needed.

Keep an eye out for debris that could be damaging your roof such as branches or leaves that have blown onto it from nearby trees. This debris can trap moisture which can lead to rot and further weaken the structure over time. 

Make sure you clear any debris away and check for any potential leaks regularly so you can address them before they cause serious damage.

4. Poor Ventilation and Airflow

Poor ventilation and airflow can be another factor that is ruining your roof.  When the temperature of your attic and other areas within the roof are not properly regulated, it can cause serious damage to your roofing materials.

This is because hot air causes shingles to age more rapidly while cold air causes condensation, which then leads to mold growth.

What to Do 

To prevent this kind of damage from occurring, it’s important to ensure that there is proper ventilation in all parts of the roof. 

You should make sure that there are soffit vents at both ends of the ceiling joists, as well as ridge vents on the peak of the roof. 

Additionally, you may want to consider installing an attic fan or a power ventilator for added protection against heat buildup.

It’s also important to inspect your insulation regularly and replace any worn or damaged materials with new ones that have a higher R-value rating. 

By doing so, you will be able to improve the insulation’s ability to keep warm air out and cool air in, thereby preventing potential damage caused by extreme temperatures in your attic space. 

5. Weather Damage

High winds, heavy rains, ice and snow all have the potential to wreak havoc on your roof. 

Strong winds can cause shingles to become loose, dislodged or ripped off entirely. 

Heavy rains and melting snow can cause leaks and pooling of water, which can lead to water damage inside the home. Ice and snow buildup not only adds extra weight to the roof but can also cause ice dams, which create a barrier that prevents melting snow from draining properly.

What to Do 

The best way to protect your roof from weather damage is through regular maintenance. Check your attic periodically for signs of water leakage or pooled water. Inspect your shingles for wear and tear or missing pieces. 

Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and that they’re in good condition so they don’t allow excess water runoff onto the roof or into the house. As soon as a storm has passed, inspect your roof for any visible damage so you can take steps to repair it right away before it gets worse.

Having a quality, durable roof is essential in protecting your home against weather-related damage, so if you own an older home with an aging roof, it may be time to consider replacing it with a more durable material such as metal or asphalt shingles. 

In addition to being more sturdy and able to withstand extreme weather conditions better than other materials, these types of roofs are also energy efficient and environmentally friendly depending on their composition. 

6. Lack Of Maintenance

The lack of regular maintenance is another factor that can ruin a roof. When gutters and downspouts are clogged with debris, water can build up on the surface of the roof and cause significant damage. 

If shingles or other materials are cracked or missing, moisture can penetrate the underlying layers of the roof and weaken them. 

Additionally, if moss or algae start to accumulate on the roof, it can block sunlight and reduce the lifespan of the roofing material.

What to Do 

To prevent these problems from occurring, you should regularly inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear. If any damage is discovered, it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. Lucky for you, we at Lone Wolf Renovations offer roof repairs to make sure your roof is spic and span. 

Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned out once a year to ensure they are free from debris. Moss and algae growth should be treated with a special solution to prevent them from taking hold on the roof surface. 

7. Unsuitable Materials

Low-quality materials, such as asphalt shingles that are too thin or that have been improperly installed, can easily deteriorate and cause major damage to your roof. 

Additionally, using the wrong type of material for your climate can lead to problems. For example, a metal roof in an area with heavy snowfall may not be able to adequately handle the weight of the snow, resulting in sagging and other structural problems.

The best way to avoid these issues is by doing your research and ensuring you use the right type of materials for your climate and roof structure. 

What to Do 

To ensure your roof is built correctly and will stand up to weather conditions, get a professional inspection regularly – at least once every two years – so any potential problems can be identified early on and fixed before they cause major damage.

Take Care of Your Roof, Take Care of Your Home

Taking proactive steps like inspecting your roof regularly, getting it professionally maintained, and avoiding certain materials can help prevent costly repairs down the road. 

It’s also helpful to know what type of roof is best for protecting against weather damage so that you can make an educated decision when replacing or installing a new roof.

We hope this article has helped shed some light on things that are ruining your roof and how to prevent them. Taking the time to understand what’s causing the damage and how to best protect your roof against it will save you money and hassle down the line. 

So don’t neglect your roof – take action now to ensure its longevity!