Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you and your family from the elements and keeps your house structurally sound. Unfortunately, roof problems are common. Being aware of the most frequent issues can help you identify problems early and prevent costly damage. Here are the four most common roofing problems revealed.
Leaking
Leaking is by far the most common roofing problem. Water penetrating your roof can lead to mould, rot, interior damage, and even structural issues over time. There are several potential causes of leaks:
- Cracked, broken, or missing tiles allow water seepage. High winds or storms often cause tiles damage.
- Flashing failures around chimneys, vents, and valleys allow water infiltration. The flashing seals these roof intersections.
- Clogged gutters cause water to pool on the roof surface and seep below shingles.
- Holes from hail damage or branches falling can create openings for leaks.
The first sign of a leak you may spot is when water starts causing stains on a bedroom ceiling. Most people are unaware they have a hole in their roof until this happens. Although you may spot a missing tile after a storm of see broken tiles in your garden after they blew off the roof.
At the first sign of a leak, have a professional roof repairs Birmingham company inspect and make repairs before the problem worsens. Small leaks can turn into big problems quickly.
Poor Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation allows air to flow from your attic/roof to the outside. Ventilation prevents a buildup of hot air and moisture, which can cause rotten wood, peeling exterior paint, and mould growth.
Having ridge and soffit vents installed can improve air circulation and extends the life of your roof.
Pest Infestation
Pests like woodworms, ants, wasps, and birds can infiltrate your roof. Their nests obstruct ventilation while their chewing and tunnelling damage wood rafters. Signs of pests include:
- Holes in fascia boards or roof soffits
- Mud tunnels on exterior walls or protruding from gaps
- Noise from scurrying in the attic
- Spotted frass (insect waste)
Pest control treatment or extermination is needed to eliminate the infestation and prevent extensive structural damage. Prevent this problem by trimming overhanging tree branches and sealing any gaps, holes, or cracks in the roof exterior.
Excessive Weight
Rooftops are designed to hold a certain weight capacity. Exceeding that capacity strains the structure and can lead to sagging, cracks, and even collapse. Watch for these signs of overburdening:
- Roof decking bowing downward
- Cracks in roof members like rafters
- Ceilings or walls showing signs of compression
Immediately remove any excess weight like roof equipment/machinery, solar panels, water saturation, or built-up debris. Consult a structural engineer to assess any underlying damage from overloading. They can advise you on reinforcement solutions if needed.
Your roof endures a lot of abuse from sun, rain, snow, hail, and pests. Left unaddressed, small roof problems become expensive repairs or full replacements. Stay ahead of issues by having annual inspections and making proactive repairs. Fixing problems early saves you money in the long run.
