Roofing shingles, unfortunately, are not indestructible even though it may seem that way. It’s important to check on the condition of your roof to make sure everything looks good. If you see any issues with your roof or gutter system, you should talk with a roofing specialist to see how you can fix the problems. Your roof spends its entirety outdoors which makes it vulnerable to the elements like rain, pests, and nests that can get created. Constant maintenance is imperative to keeping your roof in good condition as long as possible. Here is what you need to know about some common causes of roof damage.
Lack of Maintenance
A lack of roof maintenance is one of the biggest causes of roofing damage. Many issues start off small, such as a need to remove any overhanging tree limbs or getting all of the debris that backs up into your gutters. When these problems don’t get taken care of, they can lead to serious long term damage. A routine inspection will help extend the life of your roof and will save you a lot of money in the long term.
Ventilation
Your roof and attic ventilation is a vital part of making your roof last, and usually, vents are placed at the base of your roof (the eaves) and near the top of the roof (the ridge) so that the warm air can leave through the top, and cool air drawing through the bottom. Naturally, warm air rises so there is no need for a mechanical process to create air movement. Proper ventilation will help regulate the temperature and moisture levels in your attic. If you decide to neglect this, heat and moisture will build up and can cause damage to your rafters, sheathing, shingles, insulation, and potentially raise your energy costs. Continually, this can potentially lead to mold and mildew problems.
Weather
When it comes to weather conditions, your roof takes on the elements, so you don’t have to. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable for you to return the gesture by repairing your roof when it’s damaged. Especially, living in the Central Florida area where hurricanes are a constant issue, it’s crucial you pay more attention as the strong winds can pose a real threat to your roofing system. Severe weather can take off your entire roof off the house, so maintaining it to keep it as durable as possible should never be overlooked.
Pests
Animals can become a real problem when it comes to roofing damage. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and rats will have no problem making their way up the siding or through your gutters and can ultimately create nests on your roof. From this, animals can burrow into your roofing shingles and possibly into your house.
You can avoid all of these problems with the proper maintenance routine and care of your roof. If you do start to notice any damage occurring with your roof, take care of it as soon as possible to prevent small damages from becoming larger ones.