Prevent Common Roofing Problems

Prevent Common Roofing Problems

Roof maintenance is extremely important. Without a safe, secure roof, your home is more likely to develop other problems, such as pests, mold, and high energy costs.

You and your family will also be less comfortable than you could be with a roof that is truly doing its job.

Preventing Common Roofing Problems

In many cases, major roofing problems can be prevented by paying attention to the condition of your roof, exterior walls, and interior ceilings. Once you spot a symptom of a roofing problem, you can call in a licensed contractor who can evaluate the problem and suggest a plan of action.

Typical red flags include:

• Water stains on ceilings and walls. These can be signs of a leaky roof.
• Missing shingles. This is a possible sign of pests.
• Leaks, particularly when outside temperatures fluctuate. This is often caused by ice build-up that eventually melts and damages your roof.
• Granules are found in gutters and downspouts. This indicates that the shingles have reached the end of their life and need to be replaced.

There are other ways to prevent roofing problems as well. These include:

• Keep your rooftop clean. Don’t let debris build up on the roof, as this can allow water to puddle in these spots, causing damage.
• Be careful about walking on the roof. If you must get onto your roof to adjust a TV dish or retrieve a ball, be careful where you walk. Walking on the roof can cause damage. Roofing contractors can install reinforced areas where it is more safe for you to walk.
• Don’t allow birds or animals to nest on the roof. These creatures may be cute, but nesting and activity can damage shingles and, eventually, the roof itself. Call a pest control specialist to deal with the problem.
• Check your gutters regularly for signs of debris and shingle granules. The presence of the latter indicates that your shingles need to be replaced.
• Schedule regular roof inspections. Even if you can’t perceive any problems, this doesn’t mean that problems don’t exist. A roofing professional can check your roof and alert you to issues that need work.

As with most of your home’s systems, the key to keeping your roof in good shape is constant monitoring. If you ignore the signs of a problem, it will not only get worse, it may also affect other areas of your home, resulting in the need for more repairs.