7 Common Roof Problems That Most Home Owners Will Encounter
Nothing sounds as peaceful as a gentle thunder rumbling in the distance and the calm sound of raindrops on a roof.
But when the patter of rain on your roof turns to a nagging drip on your floor, peace turns to panic.
You have roof problems, and you need a solution now.
Your home is only as good as the roof that covers it.
If your roof fails you, you can’t stay in that house anymore.
Understanding the causes of your roof problems will help you avoid long-term damage and keep your roof solid over your head.
Keep reading to learn about the seven most common roof problems and how to avoid them.
1. Damaged Shingles
Roofs have a lifespan.
The average asphalt shingle roof, for example, will last 15 to 30 years.
So when you shouldn’t be surprised when you see the shingles on an older roof begin to curl and crack.
Your roof’s longevity depends heavily on the damage it sustains during its lifetime.
Extreme weather wreaks havoc on a roof.
High winds can pry tiles and metal flashing up, giving water and pests a gateway into your home.
If you live in an extremely sunny and hot environment, like Mesa, you can expect to see cracked or broken shingles just because of the quantity of sun they receive.
You may also recognize failing granules on your shingles.
UV rays will damage these tiny particles on asphalt shingles, causing them to fall off.
You’ll notice worn-out patches and even bald spots on your roof.
You cannot avoid damaged shingles.
But you can have shingles replaced after extreme weather events.
If you experience a severe storm with significant wind or hail, have your roof inspected by a professional.
Your homeowner’s insurance may even cost the cost of replacing the damaged shingles when you have an inspector look at them.
2. Leaks
When people think of common roof problems, they most often think of leaks.
Thankfully, a single leak does not often require a complete roof replacement.
You first notice this roof problem when you’re inside your house.
You may see water flowing down a wall or water stains on your ceiling.
A leaking will often occur near common points such as the following places:
- Under damaged shingles
- Around gutters
- Close to vents and pipes
- In low spots or roof valleys
- Near the chimney
- At the flashing
- Around skylights
If you suspect a leaking roof, call in a roofing expert.
Often you need just need a simple roof repair.
3. Fallen Branches
While few Phoenix Valley homes have big trees hanging over them, fallen branches still belong on the “major causes” list for roof problems.
Fallen branches can cause significant damage to roofs.
Wind storms have a way of taking branches from nearby trees and relocating them to your roof.
You can avoid fallen branches to a degree by trimming back your trees.
Make sure you don’t have major branches hanging over your roof.
Low branches that continuously bang on your roof can weaken the structure and cause major damage.
If you discover fallen branches on roof portions of your home, take care of them immediately.
Have a roofing inspector check out your roof to make sure the branches did not damage any shingles.
Homeowner’s insurance may cover the damage caused by a fallen branch.
4. Moss
Moss growth on roof shingles can cause major roof damage as well.
When you live in a damp, cool environment, moss will grow on asphalt shingles.
The moss can block gutters and lead to winter cracks on your roof.
When you notice moss on your roof, clean it off, using a mix of chlorine bleach and laundry detergent.
Spray the moss with this mixture, let it soak for 30 minutes, and then rinse off the area with clean water.
5. Animals
Animals are among the more unique types of roof problems.
While you may enjoy hearing the sound of songbirds outside your home, you don’t want them on your roof.
Birds tend to build nests in the peaks and valleys of roofs, and their constant presence can ultimately cause problems.
Bats can also take up residents under eaves, as can wasps and other creepy crawlies.
Have your roof inspected regularly, and call animal control if you need to evict an unwanted guest.
6. Damaged Gutter and Fascia
Damaged gutters and fascia are also a common roof problem.
When you do not care for damaged gutters, they will ultimately cause more roof damage and possibly flooding inside your home.
Begin inspecting your gutters by checking them for clogging.
Clean out the gutters on your roof and then inspect the downspouts carefully.
Clogged gutters cannot adequately drain water, so in the midst of a heavy rainstorm, water will pool in the gutters and move into the fascia, causing structural damage.
7. Shingle Layers
In older days of roof replacement and roof repair, homeowners would simply lay a new layer of shingles on top of an old layer.
This works if you have just a couple of layers of shingles.
But problems begin to compound when you have multiple layers.
Heavy layers of shingles can weigh down a roof, causing it to sag and potentially break.
Avoid Roof Problems, Call the Experts
You can avoid the majority of these roof problems by having your roof inspected annually.
Begin with your own eyeballs.
Do you see any bald spots or missing shingles? If so, then calling an expert for their professional opinion.
Do you need a roof inspection, repair, or replacement? Contact us for an inspection and a free estimate.
We work with business owners, homeowners, property managers, real estate agents, insurance companies, and others to provide affordable and complete roofing solutions in the Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale areas.
We have the experience that hundreds of residential and commercial property owners trust.
Our licensed, bonded, and insured AZ roofing company has been serving the Pheonix Valley since 2013.
Give us a call today. We’d love to help you find your best roofing solution.
Are you concerned about roof issues? Call AZ Roofing Works today to get a Free Roofing Estimate! Find out exactly how your roof is doing. Contact us online or call our office directly at (602) 283-3383 to have your roof inspected.
