5 Reasons Why A Roof Can Fail
Do you have water coming into your home and you're not sure why? It is likely due to one of the following reasons that every homeowner should be aware of.
Storm Damage
It doesn't take much for a storm to cause damage to your roof. Small hail storms can do enough damage to cause roofing material to fail prematurely, and strong winds can rip off shingles from the surface. It is a good idea to inspect your home after a strong storm comes through to check and see that you do not have damage in the aftermath.
Excessive Weight
Some roofs were not meant to be walked on, which can cause damage from having excessive weight in a single part of the roof. This is why some roofers use boards to evenly distribute their weight as they walk across the surface, which is especially crucial with more fragile tile roofing that is not meant to take on so much pressure.
Failed Flashing
Flashing is the metal material that is designed to stop water from seeping underneath your shingles. Unfortunately, it's possible for this material to fail over time. It can rust, become detached from the roof's surface, or even come off the roof after a strong storm. In addition to inspecting your roofing material, make sure the flashing is in good shape as well.
Life Expectancy
Roofing material is not going to last forever since it will eventually get to a point where it fails due to old age. You'll want to keep the age of your roofing material in mind since an old roof could need replacement due to it outliving its life expectancy. For example, your typical 3-tab asphalt shingles will only last about 15 years. This means that you'll likely need to deal with roof replacement at some point in your life.
Ice Damage
It's possible that your roof becomes damaged due to ice formation. When snow melts on your roof in the winter due to a hot spot, it can cause the water to travel further down the roof where it forms into ice. If the water gets beneath the shingle material, it will form an ice dam. This causes the roofing material to lift off the surface, making it loose, cracked, and ready to be replaced. It is important to add insulation to your roof to prevent these hot spots and take note when you see sections of your roof that free of snow in the middle of the winter.
If you notice any of this damage to your roof, contact a roof repair service in your area.
