Common Roof Damage
The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. It protects the interior from damaging water and provides insulation for the building.
Having a strong and healthy roof is vitally important, so it's best to inspect your roof on a regular basis for damage. This will help prevent serious problems like leaking and structural damage.
Fascia Damage
The fascia board is an important part of a roof and the house’s overall exterior. It creates a more even appearance for the roof’s edge while also protecting it from water damage. The fascia can be made of wood or other materials like aluminum or vinyl, and it helps to keep water and other debris from getting under the shingles.
As with soffits, it’s important to repair and maintain your fascia boards to avoid any major roof problems. If your soffit or fascia boards are damaged, it’s best to contact Akron Roofers contractor for the repairs.
Fascia can be damaged by moisture, roof leaks, gutter clogs and other issues. This can cause the wood to rot and make it unstable. If you have a wood fascia it’s good to perform regular inspections to ensure that the boards are still strong and healthy. Look for any cracks, splits or paint peeling on the fascia boards. If the wood is soft, then it’s time to call in a roofer for a fascia repair or replacement.
A well-maintained fascia can protect your home from serious structural damage and save you money on energy bills by keeping the heat inside of the building and the cold air out. Soffit and fascia maintenance will also prevent moisture, pests and rot from damaging your roof’s structure. Schedule a commitment-free consultation with our local roofing company to learn more about how we can help you. We offer a wide range of roofing services including roofing repairs, new roof installations and shingle replacements. We are also experts at installing and repairing window and door trim. We can handle everything from small projects to major remodels.
Termites
Termite infestations are notorious for their ability to damage and weaken your roof without you even knowing. These pests are attracted to wood, and the framing and sheath materials of your roof — especially those that are not protected by roofing shingles — offer enticing opportunities for colony growth. If left untreated, a termite problem can cause sagging or collapsed ceilings and lead to serious structural problems throughout your home.
Both subterranean and drywood termites can enter your roof, but each type prefers different conditions for thriving. Subterranean termites are more likely to attack rotted or damp areas, and they make mud tubes that move up walls or door frames until they reach the ceiling. On the other hand, drywood termites have wings and can fly into houses through any cracks or crevices that may be present.
Once inside, termites can eat away at the wooden ceiling joists and rafters. This weakens the structure of your roof, and any weakened beams can fall down. In addition, these pests also gnaw through insulation material, which decreases your energy efficiency and forces your HVAC system to work harder to keep the house warm.
There are many ways to prevent termite infestations, starting with eliminating any wood-to-ground areas that are enticing for these insects. You should also routinely check for and seal any leaky gutters, as well as remove any nearby trees or shrubbery that are touching your home’s exterior. Also, avoid storing cellulose-heavy mulch near your home. Lastly, if you notice any droppings that resemble sawdust on your floor or in your attic, it’s time to call for termite inspection services. These are early signs of an active infestation.
Overhanging Trees or Shrubbery
Trees are a mainstay of home landscaping, but they can also pose a danger to your roof. Overhanging branches can rub against the roof and damage shingles or even pierce them. It’s important to hire a professional arborist if a tree’s branches overhang your house and trim them regularly to prevent problems.
One of the biggest dangers is that a branch could fall directly on the roof during a storm. This can damage shingles and cause leaks inside the home. Even if the shingle is impact-resistant, it can be damaged by a falling tree branch.
Another problem is that overhanging trees can create a build-up of leaves or other debris on the roof. This can trap moisture that could rot the wood or cause mold or fungus to grow. This can lead to serious interior and exterior damage that is expensive and difficult to repair.
Overhanging trees can also encourage pests to move in. Birds, squirrels and other animals will use the branches to nest and seek shelter. If they are too close to the home, it can be a safety risk for both your children and pets.
It is a good idea to walk around your property on a regular basis and look at the condition of the trees. Make sure to check for signs of instability like leaning, swollen spots or discolored leaves. Any tree showing these signs is a candidate for removal and should be cut down immediately. This is especially important if you live in an area that experiences frequent storms.
Storm Damage
While the roof is one of the most important parts of a home, it can’t hold up against mother nature’s best efforts for an eternity. Even the most well-constructed roofs will experience some level of storm damage over the years. While many of these issues may seem minor at first glance, they can quickly degrade the integrity of a roof and cause serious water leaks in the home.
High wind can be especially damaging to roofs, particularly for shingles, which tend to blow off or become dislodged. This leaves the underlying wood and roof underlayment vulnerable to water penetration, as well as sunlight that can cause further degradation over time. If you notice shingle dislodgement after a storm, it’s a good idea to call a roofing contractor for an inspection and repair.
Hail damage is another common roof issue, which can also occur due to heavy winds. This type of damage often causes dents in shingles, and it can be difficult to see from the ground or inside the house. Look for characteristic dents on shingles and the loss of granules from the shingles to spot hail damage.
Lightning can also hit your roof, and this typically results in visible physical damage to the fascia, soffit, and plywood decking. The most significant problem from this type of damage is the potential for a severe fire, which will require a complete roof replacement.
After a storm, it’s essential to walk around the property and check the entire exterior of your home for signs of roof damage. If you do find any damage, be sure to take pictures and document the damage so you can file an insurance claim if needed.
Hot Roof
The roof over your head is an important part of your home, providing protection from the elements. But your roof doesn’t last forever and requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. A well-maintained roof can withstand storms, heavy rains, and snow for decades, but it isn’t immune to damage.
Roofing materials are susceptible to all sorts of problems, including pest infestations and rot. Leaking, water damage, and structural damage are also common. The best way to protect your roof is by identifying any potential issues early on. That way, you can get them fixed before they become more serious.
If you see shingles that are curled or cracked, this is a sign that they are nearing the end of their lifespan and should be replaced soon. Likewise, dark or dirty shingles could indicate mold or mildew growth. You should also check for water stains in your attic or ceilings. If you find any, it could indicate leaks, which can cause severe and costly damage to your home’s interior.
The summer sun is another big threat to your roof. The harsh UV rays can bleach shingles or tiles and cause them to crack and dry out. This can lead to leaks and energy loss as cool or warm air escapes through the cracked materials.
Lastly, humidity can also damage your roof. This is especially common in coastal areas, and can cause your roof to absorb moisture. This can lead to mold, rotting, and other unsightly problems. It is possible to protect your roof from these problems by trimming overhanging trees or shrubbery to prevent abrasion, and by ensuring that flashing and vents are properly sealed.
The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. It protects the interior from damaging water and provides insulation for the building. Having a strong and healthy roof is vitally important, so it's best to inspect your roof on a regular basis for damage. This will help prevent serious problems like leaking…