Owning a home is definitely a rewarding endeavor. However, there are a number of things that you need to be on the lookout for along the way—especially when it comes to your roof. Here are six dangers to be aware of.
#1: Tree Limbs
Tree limbs are a major risk to household roofs and one of the most common reasons why a homeowner would need a full replacement. In this case, preparation ahead of time is crucial to keep this from happening. The easiest way to combat this issue is by keeping limbs trimmed back so that they don’t touch the roof and are far enough away that any storms won’t knock them into a roof.
#2: Algae, Moss, Mildew, and Rot
Another roof danger to be on the lookout for is growth of algae, mildew, and moss. If left untreated, these two issues can cause rot, which is extremely detrimental to the lifespan and durability of your roof. To help keep this from happening, have your roof inspected regularly. All three of these issues like wet, shady areas, so be sure to pay special attention to any such spots.
#3: Wind
If you live in an area that is prone to wind, making sure your roof is in good condition is essential. Even the smallest of gusts can tear away or damage loose shingles. Thus, it is vital that you check for problematic areas on a pretty regular basis and make minor repairs as you go. For those who are handy around the house, replacing individual asphalt shingles isn’t too difficult of a task.
#4: Insufficient Ventilation
One of the worst causes of roof damage is inadequate ventilation. It has been cited that up to nine out of ten roofs in America have improper ventilation from the attic to the outside of the building. Over the long term as temperatures change during various seasons, this can lead to buckling shingles and premature roof aging. Furthermore, it can also cause the insulation to not be as effective, which in turn can cause your home to lose a great deal of energy efficiency.
#5: Ice Dams
Another danger to household roofs is ice dams. This is a situation where ice buildup at the edge of the roof prevents snow from melting off. The resulting issue is that the water has to go somewhere, which usually ends up leaking into the home, causing a serious amount of damage. In fact, this is one of the leading causes of a roof leak. To help keep this from happening, be sure to remove any buildup off your roof during cold weather using a special roof rake. (Note: If you have a flat roof, it is important to remove the ice from the entire roof and not just around the edges.)
#6: Animals
Animals are just one more danger to the condition of your roof. During colder months, small critters try to get into nearly any warm space they can—including your attic. This can be anything from rodents to squirrels, bats, and birds. To keep this from happening, try to seal up as many cracks, crevices, or openings with weather-resistant caulking. You will also want to ensure all vent caps and grates are appropriate secure and do not pose an ideal spot for a small animal to enter. In some cases, this might even mean installing mesh screen. However, taking the added bit of effort is much less of a hassle overall than dealing with both a costly roof repair and the extra expense of hiring an exterminator.
It’s important to remember that these dangers pretty much affect all roof types and not just a singular one. Whether you have a flat roof, metal roof, or shingle roof, it is important to check frequently to determine if one of these problems is causing damage to your home.
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