Your roof protects your home from the elements, enhances its curb appeal, and is integral to the rest of the structure. Something this important needs to be taken care of on a regular basis to help maintain its integrity and prevent problems from occurring that could cost you time and money to fix. To this end, it’s important to be aware of things that could be endangering your roof; if you see signs of these problems, correct them right away to help protect your roof.
#1 Moss, Algae, and Debris
Some of the most seemingly innocent, yet dangerous things that could be on your roof right now include moss, algae, and debris such as leaves or pine needles. Moss and leaves can both trap moisture beneath them, which means that your shingles will stay damp for long periods of time. This dampness will eventually begin to break down the shingles, causing them to deteriorate at a much faster rate. In time, this moisture will begin to seep through the shingles and onto your roof deck below, causing wood rot, mold, or mildew inside your attic.
Remove moss and debris as you find them to help prevent these problems. Be sure to use a soft touch, however, as things like pressure washers can do even more damage by washing away the protective layer of granules on your shingles.
Algae isn’t as destructive, but it can detract from your home’s curb appeal. Blue green algae shows up as black streaks on your roof, which are very obvious from the street. While they don’t harm your roof, it can bring down your home’s appearance and value if you don’t take steps to remove and prevent its return.
#2 Ice Dams
Icicles hanging from your roof and gutters can really look beautiful during the winter months. Unfortunately, those icicles can also be causing serious damage to your roof and home. Ice dams are formed when the snow on your roof melts, runs down your roof then refreezes on the edge. Those pretty icicles can then force water back up underneath your shingles as they begin to melt, which can cause leaks, water damage, wood rot, and mold inside your home. Over time, this water damage can also begin to break down your shingles, which could mean you’re in for a roof replacement a lot faster than you would have been otherwise.
To prevent ice dams, keep your roof clear of snow and make sure that you have adequate attic insulation and ventilation to keep your roof cool.
- Improper Attic Ventilation
- Insufficient Attic Insulation
#3 Proper Ventilation and Adequate Insulation
Ventilation and Insulation are likely the most overlooked factors in combating preventable shingle aging and maintenance related damage. Some of the most important functions proper insulation and ventilation serve are:
- (Ventilation) - Allows hot air escape your attic keeping your roof from becoming overheated during the summer months; preventing advanced aging to your shingles
- (Insulation and Ventilation) - Helps prevent heat loss through the ceiling into the attic during the winter, proper ventilation will remove heat which may occur preventing melting the snow and forming ice dams at roof edge.
- (Ventilation and Insulation) – Will prevent and/or remove excess moisture from the attic reducing the risk of mold and structural damage.
Proper attic ventilation keeps air moving through your attic at all times, Sufficient attic insulation creates a barrier between the air in your attic and the climate controlled air inside your home.
#4 Hail Damage
Hail stones of any size can do serious damage to your roof. Each hail strike can knock the protective granules off your shingles and bruise the mat. Any damage to your shingles can lead to further, more extensive, damage down the road. Over time, rain and wind can wash away the loosened granules, which will then exposed the damaged mat to the elements, causing leaks and other water damage to your roof and home.
If a hail storm strikes, be sure to get your roof inspected in a timely way to take care of any potential damage before you need more major repairs.
#5 Wind Damage
All properly installed roofing products have wind protection capabilities in ranging capacity. When high winds whip across you’re your roof, look for lifted and flapping shingles on the roof and shingles in the yard. If the shingle is older or the wind is aggressive enough you may find shingles on the ground. While there isn’t a great way to prepare your roof to withstand high winds, you can have repairs made immediately to prevent further damage.
Regular Inspection
Roof repairs are a lot less invasive and costly than a full roof replacement, particularly if they are carried out in a timely manner. Pay attention to the things that could be endangering your roof so you can head them off before they do serious damage and have your roof inspected (at minimum) annually to know that your roof is in the best possible condition to help protect your home.