When it comes to looking after a property, you have a lot to think about. However, the roof is arguably one of the most important. Keeping it in good condition is essential for the long-term health of the building.
Of course, knowing whether you have a problem with your roof requires understanding the main issues it can attract. Some people simply don’t know what to look for and when to call for help.
That’s where this blog comes into the picture. It runs through the main things that can go wrong with a roof and, of course, how to fix them.
Damaged Shingles
Problem number one for many roofs is damaged shingles. Sometimes individual sections can break away from the rafters.
If this happens, you can sometimes get roofing pros to nail them back down. However, they may have more damage (especially if they have come away during a storm).
In rarer cases, shingles can physically dry out. Over time, the oils they contain drain away, leaving them brittle and fragile.
Dealing with this problem requires specialist treatment with products like Roof Maxx. These add lubrication back to the tiles, helping them to remain supple and waterproof.
Ice Dams
You also want to be careful of ice dams, or ridges that can develop on the edge of the roof in winter. These occur when warm air in the attic melts the snow on the roof, causing it to melt, and then refreeze lower down when things get colder again.
Large dams are a problem because of their weight and the fact that they can stop water from running off the roof and into the guttering. Over time, the situation can get worse, potentially putting the entire building at risk.
Fortunately, you can deal with ice dams by heating your roof slightly on days when you think temperatures will dip significantly. Even providing a small amount of warmth can make a tremendous difference.
Lack Of Ventilation
Lack of ventilation is another thing that can go wrong with your roof. If moisture can’t get out of the attic, it will try to penetrate the surrounding materials, leading to mold and additional damage.
The easiest way to solve this problem is to get someone in to survey the roof and see whether the problem you have with condensation is indeed the absence of ventilation. If it is, you can put new ventilation in the walls or even use dehumidifying systems to resolve the issue.
Animal Damage
Animal damage is another problem roofs can face. Squirrels and raccoons can actually chew on various roof features, causing damage over time that’s not related to the weather.
There isn’t much you can do about this problem other than keep an eye out for it. Some owners try to deter animals with barriers but these aren’t always effective.
Clogged Gutters
Finally, clogged gutters can undermine the purpose of your roof and cause water to cascade down your walls, causing damage.
Fortunately, solving this problem simply requires cleaning them out, either by hand or with a purpose-built vacuum.
