Common Roofing Problems

Exploring The Most Common Roof Problems
Although every roof and situation is different, most roofers tend to deal with the same problems on a regular basis. By becoming familiar with the most common roof problems, you are more likely to spot them when they first arise, minimizing the damage they cause and the cost of repair. Here are some of the most common issues, any of which a roofer from Transcendent Roofing can assist you with.

Poor Roofing Installation
Many roofing problems are related to improper installation, which is why it is so important to hire a reputable roofing company to install your roof. If your roof is not installed properly, it will not last as long as it should and there is an increased risk of problems. Only a professional roofer will be able to tell you if the installation was done correctly.

Weathering Of Old Roofing Shingles
Weathering is completely natural and will happen to every roof at some point over time. Weathering is when the roof material deteriorates due to exposure to the elements, like hail, wind, rain, and pollutants. You can minimize the amount of weathering that affects your roof by opting for an inorganic roofing material instead of an organic one.

Wind Damage
Wind is a large enough problem for roofs to be mentioned separately. In a strong wind storm, there will be pressure that lifts up as well as vacuum forces. Depending on the strength of your roof and the direction and speed of the wind, these forces may partially (or even completely) rip up your roof. Sometimes the wind will just lift up shingles, but it has been known to cause even more damage than this. You can prevent and minimize wind damage with secure installation and proper maintenance.

Animals
It is also very common to discover that wildlife has damaged your roof or has the potential to cause damage. Birds and insects can cause a surprising number of problems with roofs, with small mammals even tearing up the occasional roof shingle to gain access to your attic.

Issues With Flashing
Another common part of the roof that sees problems is the flashing, which is responsible for placing a watertight seal between the roof sections, roofing materials, and other parts of your building. If flashing is not installed correctly, water will be able to get between the roof structure and roofing systems, leading to a range of moisture-related problems like mildew, mold, and weakness. In some cases, you can get rid of this issue by installing flashing on a cap or joint, but that is not always the case.
There may also be problems related to base-flashing, such as not enough overlaps, not enough piles, improper height, incorrect fastening on the surface, loose insulation below, poor adhesion, and insufficient coating. Penetration flashings of any size may fail due to improper design, deteriorated counter flashing, standing water behind the penetration curbs, improper finishing of the metal surfaces, or broken seams in the metal curbs from building movement.

Roof Ventilation
Many roofing problems are also due to poor ventilation. If there is not enough ventilation, moisture and heat will build up, which causes damage to the insulation, shingles, sheathing, and rafters, and increases your energy bills. Poor ventilation may also cause mildew and mold.