4 Common Causes of Roof Damage

As durable as roofs may be, they are not immune to damage. Over time, various factors can take their toll and compromise the integrity of your roof, potentially leading to costly repairs or even replacement. Understanding the most common causes of roof damage is vital to protecting one's home and investments. Here are four common causes of roof damage that homeowners should be aware of.

1. Improper Installation and Maintenance

Loose shingles, roof leaks, and unattractive gaps are just a few of the structural and cosmetic issues that can result from a poorly installed roof. Hire a professional to install your roof to prevent these issues.

In addition, the roof's continued viability depends on well-executed maintenance after installation. An annual inspection by a qualified roofer can help detect any issues with the top before they become costly repairs.

Also, remember to remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, that can hinder the roof's ability to protect the house from the elements. Finally, always inspect the materials for signs of wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas and around joints and flashing.

2. Age

Roof aging is unavoidable, even with regular upkeep and preventative diagnostics. The shingles on the roofing system become less dependable and more susceptible to deterioration as they age due to damage from use and weather stress.

Furthermore, the roof's age might immediately impact the functioning of other roof systems, such as the flashing, roof finishes, roof ventilation systems, and drains, resulting in further roofing concerns.

The shingles on the roof may become fragile and shatter with time, resulting in granule displacement, separation, curling, and other symptoms of aging. If your roof has passed its warranty deadline, it is more than likely time to install a new one.

Investing in a new roof can be more beneficial than regular fixes because frequent repairs do not ensure the roofing system will survive past its hard limit.

3. Weather Conditions

Extreme weather, particularly hurricanes, hailstorms, cyclones, thunderstorms, extremely hot and cold temperatures, and other severe weather events, significantly contribute to roof damage. Strong gusts of wind and thunderstorms may allow particles like dirt, leaves, and other matter and debris to accumulate on the roof, presenting a risk of further damage.

Hailstorms can damage roofing components like roof shingles, causing them to crack and break. Similarly, excessive heat and sunlight may weaken a roof and reduce its components' efficacy over time, as well as buckle or blister shingles because of the significant temperature shift throughout the heating and cooling cycle. Also, ultraviolet radiation throughout the summer months can degrade your roof components.

Hurricanes might cause irreparable devastation to any roof, irrespective of its design or materials. Even milder conditions like rainfall and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on a roof. Rainwater can get into tiny crevices and freeze, expanding underneath components and causing massive damage.

4. Foot Traffic

Standing on a roof's surface can cause shingles to crack, granular particles within the shingles to shift, and roof punctures. People can also cause damage to their rooftops if they walk on them while wearing spiked shoes or if the roof is scorching.

Furthermore, you might accidentally drop bulky items onto the roof if you work on it, which can cause shingles to crack or become loose, necessitating repair.

Wear soft shoes with excellent grip for safety, refrain from walking on rooftops during the day's intense heat, and avoid walking on the roof at other times unless absolutely necessary. Instead, have a trained roofer complete roofing repairs and jobs for you.

Contact us at Affordable Roofing and Gutters if you need roofing services you can rely on at an affordable price. We serve residents in several counties in Georgia and South Carolina.