Out of all the features of your home, the roof suffers the most amount of wear and tear. With the roof being exposed to the elements 24/7, it’s no wonder that roof repair is such an important part of home improvement and maintenance. But what exactly are professional roofers looking for when they’re trying to “fix” a roof and how do they deal with those problems? Let’s take a quick look at the three common types of roofing damage to find out.
Leaks
Leaks are easily the most common type of roof damage that homeowners have to face. Minor cases of leaks may cause discoloration in your home’s ceiling, while bigger leaks will have actual water dripping from your ceiling. Regardless of its severity, however, a roof leak must be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further moisture-related damage.
Dealing with the problem is mostly a matter of finding where the leak is coming from. Depending on the extent of the problem they are looking at, roofers may fix an existing leak by covering gaps with sealant, replacing damaged roofing material, or patching up holes or seams (like in flat roofs).
Temperature Damage
The roof is subjected to drastic changes in temperature every day; during the day, high temperatures can cause it to expand, while the night cools the roof down, leading it to contract. Different roofing materials weather constant expansion and contraction differently so some will be more vulnerable than others to temperature changes. Common signs of temperature damage include warping, curling and cracking on the roof surface.
While it’s impossible to completely negate the effects of temperature change, it is possible to limit its damage. Roofers can apply a protective layer to partially reflect heat or readjust the spacing between panels or tiles to make room for expansion. Parts of the roof already damaged by temperature change can be hammered back to shape or replaced entirely depending on their condition.
Physical Damage
The roof covers a large expanse of your home so it is at high risk of getting hit by various objects. Anything from a fallen tree branch, to snow and hail, and even the occasional stray baseball can cause dents, scratches, or even holes punched through, affecting how well a roof can protect the rest of the home. Wind is also another major reason why roofs receive physical damage. Aside from being strong enough to forcefully pry roofing material apart, winds can also bring debris with it that can be damaging to a roof.
While dents can be flattened out and scratches painted over, heavy damage and larger holes typically warrant a replacement of the affected portion of the roof. Repairs or replacements may also extend to support beams and underlayment that can also be damaged when a roof fails. Wind damage can be mitigated by ensuring roofs are properly installed.
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Author Bio:
Matthew Housh works at Arry’s Roofing, a family-owned and operated company that specializes in roof repair, installation, and other services. His passion for roofing inspires him to write about effective roof care solutions and tips to keep homeowners informed.
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