What are some common roof damage issues in a home?
What are some common roof damage issues in a home?*
Until they start leaking, roofs usually go unnoticed, drawing little of the home owner’s attention. Ignoring repair and maintenance of your roof can lead to grave structural problems. Roof inspections often reveal common problems as well as some rare ones. The beauty is that you don’t necessarily need a professional for this job, and even the facility manager or staff can carry out a roof inspection as long as they know what they’re looking for. In this article, we discuss a few common roof problems.
Storm Damage
This comes in several forms; a portion of the roof could be blown off, it could be damaged by flying projectiles and other debris, hail, etc. Property managers should consider having roof inspections conducted after every major storm to assess the damage.
Lack of Maintenance
The roof can be a difficult part of the house to clean and so it often goes unnoticed. Maintenance-related issues include damaged gutters, loose flashing, missing and damaged shingles, tree branches and other debris, rust, etc.
Pest and Animal-related damage
The roof is usually a paradise for pests and vermin for several reasons starting with the fact that it’s dark, cool and offers plenty of ‘grub’ in the form of wood and other material. Birds nests can clog gutters and chimneys, rats and mice can burrow through the roof and chew through insulation, while termites gradually eat away support structures.
Low-Quality Installation
a lot of roofing issues can be attributed to the use of low-grade substandard materials which deteriorate quickly. Poor workmanship also can be a cause of problems with roofs over time resulting in leaks, generally weak roofs, and other problems.
Flashing Problems
Flashing is designed to keep water from getting under the shingles and leaking into the house. It is thus important that homeowners replace Flashing when it shows signs of damage. It is one of the most common problems discovered during roof inspections
Moss on the Roof
The presence of moss on asphalt shingles results in moisture retention which causes displacement of roofing tabs as the moss grows. It should be carefully removed to avoid causing further damage to the roof. Moss must be destroyed and cleaned off using a brush or low-pressure cleaner.
Gutter and Downspout Issues
Collection and disposal of rainwater from the roof are centered around the gutters and downspouts. Common issues with gutters include gutters sloped away from the downspout resulting in rainwater retention; old gutters often corrode and eventually start to leak.
Damaged and Worn Roofing
It is common to find shingles damaged as a result of hasty installation or impact from projectiles or body weight. Asphalt shingles are more likely to get damaged as they are installed. They also degrade over time due to UV light and exposure to the elements.
Conclusion
A home inspector may be able to identify the bulk of your roofing issues; however, they cannot determine the structural soundness of the roof. A dedicated roofing expert or structural engineer would be in a better position to perform a thorough analysis of your roof.
A Home Inspection Frequently Asked Question
*Disclaimer: This article has been written by a third party and permission has been granted to Charlottetown Home Inspections to publish the article on this website. As such, the article is provided for general information and educational purposes only, and does not constitute advice. Charlottetown Home Inspections cannot vouch for the accuracy or completeness of the information. The reader is encouraged to do his or her own due diligence and additional research, and to speak to a professional home inspector for the most up to date, accurate and reliable information.
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