The roof is perhaps the most crucial component of a house; in fact, a house cannot be considered a home without a roof. The roof gives security, comfort, and protection from the elements. Therefore, if the roof sustains any form of damage, it could compromise all of the attributes it is intended to supply. You’d be shocked at the extent to which even a minor leak if left unchecked, can cause damage. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common roof problems and how to fix them.

Common Roofing Problems and How to Fix it 

The roof is perhaps the most crucial component of a house; in fact, a house cannot be considered a home without a roof. The roof gives security, comfort, and protection from the elements. Therefore, if the roof sustains any form of damage, it could compromise all of the attributes it is intended to supply.

Improper Roof Ventilation

Vents located at the base of the roof (at the eaves or in the soffits) and towards the top of the roof (at the ridge) provide natural ventilation by enabling warm air to depart through the top and cold air to enter through the bottom.

Since heated air naturally rises, there is no need for a mechanical technique to induce this air movement. Appropriate ventilation manages the attic’s temperature and humidity levels. In addition, if your attic lacks sufficient ventilation, the second level of your home may be up to 10 degrees hotter than the first floor. Problems with inadequate ventilation have severe repercussions that can cost you time and money. They increase your overall energy expenditures and inflict extensive damage to the interior and exterior of your home.

Heat and moisture buildup, if left uncontrolled, can cause damage to rafters, sheathing, shingles, and insulation, as well as increase energy expenses and contribute to unsightly mold and mildew issues.

How to fix: Add ridge vents along the length of your roof to ensure appropriate ventilation and prolong its life. You may also attempt to insulate your home. Consequently, you can reduce energy expenditures and increase indoor comfort, but be careful not to insulate over vents.

Stagnant or Pooling Water

If your gutters are clogged and the debris on your roof accumulates water, the moisture collects and pools, causing damage to your roof.

Standing water rapidly transforms into mold or mildew, which eats away the roofing material and causes difficulties.

If you have a flat roof, stagnant water should be a problem. The idea is to develop surface areas with tapered edges that allow water to drain off. To address issues like these effectively, it’s advisable to seek out professional roof painting services. These experts not only repair damage but also apply specialized coatings that can prevent future pooling and protect the roof from various elements.

How to fix: Regular roof inspections by a competent contractor will help you avoid long-term issues. Keeping drain sections free of debris is crucial for preventing ponding in the low spots of some roofs.

Roof Leak

Most homeowners have to deal with a leaking roof at some point. It can occur for various causes, but regardless of the reason, it is always frustrating. Leaky roofs can cause costly damage and structural issues if neglected for too long.

There are a variety of potential causes for a leaky roof, therefore it is vital to constantly inspect the structure for water damage. Typically, signs of water damage or leaks can be seen near the chimney, the flashing, the gutters and skylights, the valleys, and the vents. Common sources of roof leaks include deteriorated flashing, damaged shingles, and structural damage to tiles or slate.

How to fix: Occasionally, a 12-by-12-inch piece of galvanized sheet metal flashing, which is available at nearly every home improvement center and hardware store, can be used to temporarily repair a roof leak caused by a hole. However, if you observe any indicators of a roof leak, you should contact a professional for a thorough check.

Incorrect Roof Flashing

Flashing is constructed of plastic, aluminum, or steel that is waterproof. It is installed at the weakest regions of your roof to cover creases on fixtures and connections such as chimneys and skylights, to prevent leaks in awkward spots.

When flashing material breaks or cracks, connections become susceptible to water and moisture infiltration. Flashing must be attached and secured appropriately. Otherwise, you will have difficulties in this area.

How to fix: Use a stiff brush and solvent to remove paint peeling, corrosion, and grime, but keep the solvent away from asphalt shingles, as it will disintegrate them. Apply a zinc-based primer, followed by two or more light layers of rust-resistant metal paint. If you see any broken flashing, you should contact a professional immediately to have it repaired or replaced.

Blistering

Roof blistering can occur on all roofing systems, but membrane roofs are particularly susceptible due to the fact that the spaces between membrane plies generate blisters. Blisters can also be caused by the gap between the membrane and the underlying substrate.

Small blisters are benign. However, when they expand, they absorb more moisture or air. On a roof, roof blisters resemble bubbles. As they grow larger, they will eventually cause problems, such as leaking or roof collapse, which may necessitate roof repair or replacement.

How to fix: To fix a blister, cut away the membrane until you reach a section where it adheres strongly to the roof. Over the blistered region, you must reapply new membrane material – at least as many layers as you removed.

Rotting Roof Deck

The roof deck is the structural component that supports the materials on the roof’s surface. If you discover any damage to the roof deck, please contact your roofing contractor to have it inspected. A roof repair or a new roof may be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage. The roof deck is the base for all exterior roofing materials and serves as the attachment point for shingles. The roof deck is an essential component of your roof, as it must match manufacturer specifications for the shingle guarantee to be valid.

How to fix: Roof decking that has deteriorated beyond repair must be replaced. The roof decking is under the shingles used to protect a home from the elements. Moisture that penetrates this covering and seeps into the roof’s underlayment can cause roof leaks and exacerbate the situation.

Granules Clogging Downspouts

When the roof is relatively new, granules that may have fallen during installation may be seen. However, if your roof is somewhat old and you notice granules in your downspout, it may be time to replace your shingles.

Granules are a vital component of a roof because they shield it from UV radiation; once they are lost, the shingles become fragile and fracture.

A gutter blockage is one of the earliest indicators of falling particles. You likely need to replenish the granules unless you have a significant amount of debris, such as leaves and twigs, blocking your gutters.

How to fix: Especially after a rainy or windy day, make it a routine to clean the gutters and downspouts. We also recommend doing it during outdoor work such as roof repairs and maintenance, which can generate considerable amounts of debris that can eventually enter the gutters and downspouts.

Trees around your roof 

Overhanging tree branches can rub against a roof, abrading the surface of the shingles and eroding their protective top coating. Branches can also fall onto the roof and cause severe damage.

How to fix: In the event that a tree is too near for comfort, it should be cut down or otherwise removed from the property.

Pest Problems

Dealing with pests is a typical source of frustration for homeowners, but when they cause damage to your roof, it can lead to severe scenarios. Insects enter chimneys and construct nests there. Then, when it’s time to use your chimney, the nests create obstacles that make it difficult, if not impossible, for potentially hazardous byproducts to escape your home. Carbon monoxide and smoke will billow within, and excessive exposure can be lethal.

How to fix: Natural insecticides, properly placed mothballs and traps, and natural insecticides are a few alternatives to hiring an exterminator that poses no harm to children or pets.

Moss

If your home is even partially shaded, areas of the roof that do not receive direct sunlight may develop moss. Moss may be a positive for hobbits, but it’s a problem for the rest of us. It penetrates roof shingles, destroying their seal and creating leaks. It accelerates deterioration in all roofing materials, especially cedar and asphalt shingles.

There are various methods for removing moss from the roof. If you are installing a new roof, placing strips of zinc or copper between the shingle courses will prevent moss from growing. Obtain a ladder, slip-resistant shoes, a hose (not a pressure washer), and a long-handled scrub brush, then climb onto the roof if you’re stuck with an old roof. Standing above the mossy regions, aim a forceful spray of water down onto the moss, and then use the brush to push the moss away in a downward motion. Repeat as often as necessary, taking care not to harm the shingles.

How to fix: Moss-killing commercial sprays include Moss and Algae Cleaner and Safer’s Moss and Algae Killer. Or, if you want, you can combine one part liquid laundry bleach with one part water, spray the solution on the moss, and then rinse it off twenty minutes later with the hose.

Importance of Immediate Repair of Roofing Issues 

A roof can also serve additional functions in addition to protecting a building. It can contribute to the energy efficiency of a home because it is effective in regulating the temperature inside a building. Additionally, it enhances the aesthetics and elegance of a building.

It is crucial that you use skilled and reliable contractors to undertake your installation for the aforementioned reasons. Equally, if not more crucial is its maintenance. Whether your property is residential or commercial, you must maintain it periodically. Additionally, when there is a problem with it, you should strive to repair it quickly.

Typical roofing issues are leaking, missing or cracked shingles, moss infestation, and broken gutters. Other examples include storm damage, damaged flashing, and tree damage. A roofing problem can arise at any time, so you must contact a roofing professional immediately to address the situation.

Contact Paragon Remodeling to Learn More About Common Roofing Problems

Roofing problems are common, and they can cause a lot of damage if not repaired in a timely manner. It is important to be proactive about roof repair and maintenance and to contact a professional when you notice any issues. Paragon Remodeling is an expert roofing contractor and we specialize in roof repair and replacement, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns. We would be happy to help!