Your roof is above you, protecting your home every day, but most people don’t give it another thought unless there’s a problem. Your roof is your first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, hail and heat. Every day your roof is exposed to various weather hazards and other elements which contribute to your roof’s longevity and overall condition.
Well, it’s time to give your roof a little more thought! The major cause of roof problems is a poorly maintained roof. As the part of your house that takes the most abuse, your roof requires regular inspection, maintenance, and repair. With proper and regular maintenance, your roof can last an average of 15 to 30 years.
What are the red flags homeowners should be watching for when it comes to your roof?
There are several obvious red flags that homeowners should never ignore as you inspect and maintain your roof. Obvious problems like damaged shingles and roofing material are easy to spot, but some potential problems are not so obvious.
Moss: You might think that a little moss on your roof is unsightly but not dangerous. What you may not realize is that moss can hold in moisture and divert water, which makes your roof deck susceptible to wood rot and leaks. Moss tends to grow in the slots between shingles, which is the last place water evaporates from a roof and can seriously compromise your roof.
Wood rot: Moss growth on your roof is easy to spot. But the signs of wood rot are not always obvious to the average homeowner. Wood rot not only shortens the life of your roof, it can cause mold growth, which can be very hazardous to homeowners and their pets. Wood rot can be caused by damaged shingles and roofing materials that allow moisture to seep in.
Mold: Mold is a big factor when it comes to the health and longevity of your roof. Mold is not only unappealing, mold on your roof is also unsightly and even possibly dangerous. And you definitely want to keep it away from your home’s interior, your family and pets. When mold appears on the outside or the roof of your house, it can grow and damage the home’s structure. Mold appears on wood and weakens it. Over time this can have drastic consequences to your roof and home.
Pests: Termites and other pests may be working overtime to damage your roof and you would never know it! Termites especially love roofing materials and can slowly but surely eat away at your home’s structure over time. Wasps, bees, and other stinging insects can build a nest in your roof and cause damage to the shingles and roofing materials. These infestations can cause real problems if they aren’t kept in check.
Leaks:
Most homeowners usually don’t realize that there is damage to their roof until it begins to leak. And by then the problem is often much larger than it appears. You may not realize that water can infiltrate your attic and damage insulation, wood framing and structural steel even before telltale mold appears on ceilings and walls start leaking.
Overhanging branches: Over hanging branches can actually be more of a problem than you think to the overall longevity of your roof. Abrasion from limbs and leaves that touch your roof can eventually damage shingles, especially in high winds. Overhanging branches can also give squirrels and other rodents direct access to your roof where they can gnaw on your roof and siding. Tree-trimming also goes a long way toward keeping leaves and moss off your shingles to extend the life of your roof.
Redemption Roofing can help you identify and address each of these issues before they become a real problem. Contact Redemption Roofing to learn more about the steps you can take now to protect your roof through regular roof maintenance and inspection, for years to come. Redemption Roofing has 35-plus years of experience and offers a full range of commercial and residential roofing services, from new roof installation to roof repairs and more. We look forward to discussing your roofing needs and sharing our expertise with you. Please contact us at:
Conroe: 936-321-3733
Clear Lake: 281-205-1337
Hill Country: 830-214-7779
You can expect only the best when you choose Redemption Roofing.
