9 Common Roof Problems and How to Fix Them

It keeps you dry and safe from the elements, and it’s arguably the most important part of your home. And if there’s a problem with it, it’s also one of the most costly elements to replace.

Of course, it’s (literally) the roof over your head.

Here are nine of the most common roof problems and how to fix them:

Pooling is a common problem – especially on flat roofs. It occurs when water collects in the low-lying areas and valleys on your roof. It can be attributed to poor drainage, improper construction, or continuous streams and trickles of water and, if left untreated, leads to moisture and leaks.

Moisture inside your roof is bad news – it causes mould and rots wood, which can permanently damage your houses’ structure. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to replace the entire roof.

How To Fix It

Prevention is always better than cure – especially when the structure of your entire home is at stake. The evidence of leaks and moisture will usually appear as discolouration on your ceiling or damp patches on your walls. If you see these, consult a professional.

Gutters are a roof’s first defence against water buildup – they channel water from your roof so that it doesn’t pool and seep into the ceiling. If you’ve noticed evidence of leaks in your home and you can’t find the cause, it may be caused by something as simple as a defective gutter.

Your gutters may be damaged or broken, or they may be blocked by debris.

How To Fix It

Routinely check your gutters for wear and tear and blockages. You can also install a gutter screen that will stop twigs and leaves from clogging them.

Your roof can sustain damage from storms, snow, hail, ice, and rain.

Large trees around your house pose a hazard – not only because they can fall onto your home, but because tree branches continually scraping your roof can dislodge shingles and wear away at your other roofing materials.

How To Fix It

Always inspect your roof for damage after storms and heavy snow to ensure that there are no broken or missing shingles – missing and broken shingles will cause leaks.

Keep trees well-trimmed so that their branches don’t make contact with your house. Consider using a professional tree felling service to remove any trees around your home if they are old, rotten, or dead.

The materials that make up your roof can shift when the weather changes. Shingles and wood expand in warmer weather and contract when it’s cool – these movements can cause them to split or even warp your roof.

How To Fix It

Regular inspection and maintenance of your roof are essential to ensure that any damage from splitting and shifting is dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem. Call a professional roof repair company as soon as you spot any damage.

Pests and critters can damage your roof’s structure by causing punctures, scrapes, and holes. The most common pests are:

• Birds – not only do they make nests that can clog your gutters with debris, but their droppings are also highly acidic. An accumulation of bird droppings can eat away at your roofing materials.
• Termites love rotting wood, so if you already have accumulated moisture in your roof, the chances of a termite colony moving in are high. They wreak havoc on your home’s overall structure and can even loosen shingles.
• Ants – particularly carpenter ants – weaken building structures when they move in to build their colonies. They hollow out wooden beams, trusses, and rafters. The best thing to do is hire a professional exterminator as soon as you see signs of ants.
• Bees are a common problem in summer when they relocate to build new hives. They are capable of tunnelling through wooden structures and attract other pests like birds. You can call a professional bee removal company to remove their hive and relocate it humanely and safely.
• Rodents can gnaw through shingles, wood, electrical wires, and anything else your roof has to offer. Because they multiply rapidly, it’s also a good idea to perform regular roof maintenance to fix any damage they have caused before it becomes a serious problem.

Problems in your roof’s overall design can lead to massive and costly problems further down the road. Structural issues such as an incorrect roof slope and faulty drainage system will cause water pooling and leaks.

Incompatible roof materials will not allow for natural expansion and contraction or adequate ventilation, while a weak structure can lead to roof sagging and collapse.

How To Fix It

Unfortunately, a flawed design usually requires a complete overhaul of your roof because the problems need to be corrected while the roof material is replaced.

General wear and tear results in the deterioration of your roof structure over time. You may begin to notice blistering and cracking in your roof’s waterproof membrane, and the watertight flashings may become dislodged from areas like chimneys and joins.

How To Fix It

Again, regular maintenance and inspection are crucial – do this once or twice a year. You can do it yourself, but a professional will know what to look for and will be able to advise on the best course of action.

It goes without saying that if your roof isn’t installed correctly right from the beginning, you are just asking for trouble.

If your roof has a non-uniform appearance, visible stains, and missing shingles or drip edges, your roof was probably installed poorly.

How To Fix It

Always do your research when hiring a construction company. Check the company’s reviews on social media and sites like Yelp and Trustpilot, and ask to see certifications to make sure the company is legitimate.

With all the above taken into consideration, your roof needs to be maintained throughout your home’s lifetime. Failing to perform repairs when problems arise is likely to lead to more costly repairs – or even complete replacement – further down the road.

How To Fix It

Your roof, and indeed your home, is an investment. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your roof remains in tip-top condition. Inspect your roof for missing shingles, leaks, and any other damage regularly.

If you’re not sure what to look out for, discuss a roof maintenance plan with a trusted roofing company – your wallet will thank you for it.

Published in: Home advice | Author: Pete