If you’re having roof problems, you probably won’t be able to notice something’s wrong until it’s too late.
These issues are often overlooked and not taken seriously, which is why most people are forced to fix their roofs frequently. If you want to avoid serious damage to your property, here are some of the most common roof problems you should look out for.
Improper Installation
If your roof wasn’t installed properly, chances are it’s going to cause tons of problems in the future. Faulty installation is a sign of a bad contractor and an issue you must address as soon as possible. If you don’t act swiftly, your roof will be leaky and won’t last as long as it should – keep in mind that, depending on the materials you’ve used, the average lifespan should be anywhere from 10 to 30 years. So, if you notice repeated leaks, contact an expert and get this problem fixed right away.
Leaky Roofs
Another sign of an improper installation is the moisture produced by weather conditions. No matter where you live, rain, snow, hail and ice, as well as debris, low temperatures and wind, will create a number of problems you have to deal with. Most importantly, these elements trap moisture between the layers of your roof – especially if you use shingles – which later results in mold that might even enter your home and endanger your health.
Small Intruders, Big Trouble
Another danger not that many people pay attention to are birds and small animals that may crawl onto your roof – from cats to woodpeckers, squirrels and even raccoons. Not to mention rats, mice and other rodents! You may not even notice them until it’s too late and they’ve done significant damage to your roof. So, in order to keep your house safe, remove these animals before it’s too late.
Trees and Branches
Tall trees growing near your house and hanging over your roof pose a new danger and bring a whole set of unwanted issues. Besides being an easy way for animals to reach your roof, tree branches are also known for falling onto your roof and damaging it. Finally, remember that they’re always slightly abrading the shingles while moving in the wind, so trim them as soon as you get the chance and plant new trees far enough from the house.
Roof Repairs
What about fixing the roof and unwillingly and unknowingly creating even more problems? Being handy is great, but be sure you know what you’re doing if you’re fixing the roof on your own. Walking on an unstable roof might result in a fall and an injury, so be very careful. An effective way to avoid danger is by installing double-layered walkways or even opting for metal roofs – such as the reliable and affordable ones offered by Sydney Wide Metal Roofing – that provide additional support and look good all year long.
Cracks, Cracks, Cracks
Even though roofs can, as mentioned before, last up to 30 years, that doesn’t mean they’re immune to damages. As time passes by, you can start noticing cracks on your roof, and, if it isn’t installed adequately, there’s, unfortunately, little you can do. These damages are expected and appear on all roofs, but you still need to be cautious and check for cracks at least once a year.
Other Problems
No matter how serious these issues are, they aren’t the only ones you’ll have to take into consideration. People living in windy areas often have problems with blow-offs, while those experiencing an unusual amount of rain need to check their roof for leaks more often during the wet season.