Few maintenance problems keep homeowners awake at night as much as roof repair. Not only is replacing your roof one of the most expensive renovation tasks you’re likely to encounter, but it is also one of the most high-stakes: if roof issues are not dealt with in a timely way, they can cause massive and costly damage to the rest of your home.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for the most common roof issues, so they don’t sneak up on you unawares. A problem that can be patched up or fixed quickly if caught early on can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs down the road, so watch out for these three issues that commonly affect residential roofs.
1. Sudden Leaks
Many cities and towns across North America are seeing higher than average rainfall and a greater frequency of summer storms. In some places, the amount of precipitation has been completely unprecedented.
It should come as no surprise that some homeowners are finding leaks springing from their ceilings during heavy rains. Sudden storms that drop a large amount of water in a short period of time can overwhelm a roof system, revealing weaknesses that have been developing for years.
In situations like this, the most important thing to do is get help with your roof repair problems as soon as possible. A leaky ceiling is a sure sign that there are big problems with the roof itself, so make sure you bring in professional help to stem the flow and ensure the water damage doesn’t lead to mold, rot, and other problems.
2. Flashing Repairs
The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20-25 years. This is how long most warranties last, and if you’ve had a roof installed in the past decade, it shouldn’t be causing you too much trouble. So it can be extremely frustrating when you notice leaks, water damage, and mold despite having a relatively new roof.
The good news is that unless the last roof was installed poorly or suffered a major storm or hail damage, you probably won’t need to get a completely new roof. You may simply need to repair the flashing around your chimneys or dormer windows.
Flashing is a thin metal layer used to provide added protection around weak junctures in the roof, and it isn’t always replaced during re-roofing. If your new roof is still giving you trouble, you may want to call a roofing expert to inspect your clashing. If you are going to fix the issues yourself, you need to install a good set of roof guard rails for your safety.
3. Animal Damage
Every summer, homeowners in cities and towns alike have to contend with the damage caused by raccoons, opossums, birds, and rodents. These creatures often make nests in roofs and attics and can be a significant nuisance.
If animals have damaged your roof, it’s not a bad idea to get in touch with a local roofing company after you’ve called animal control to help you handle the clean-up and repairs in a safe and sanitary way.
If you’re having trouble with your roof, the most important thing to remember is that the worst thing you can do is ignore it.
Whether you’ve spotted sudden leaks, flashing problems, or have been infested with pests, getting in touch with a local roofing company is the best way to ensure that these problems will be dealt with quickly and won’t snowball out of control.
