Roof problems even affect the building elements of the house and can be extremely costly if you do not take action immediately. Here are the most common causes of roof damage:
- Improper or faulty installation
One of the most common situations that homeowners face with a new roof installation is poor workmanship or low-quality materials. Improper installation significantly increases the occurrence of serious problems and reduces the life of the roof. When not installed correctly, rain, wind or snow can produce moisture, leading to infiltration, condensation and mold.
- Leaks and excess moisture
Regardless of the material used for the roof, leaks are some of the most common and most damaging problems. They occur most often around ventilation ducts, chimneys and other penetrations, because of damaged materials or problems with the pluvial system. Certain types of climate, weather conditions as well as anything that causes moisture affect the structure of the roof.
- Lack of ventilation or inefficient ventilation
Ventilation of the roof and attic is crucial for the performance and durability of the entire system. If the volume of air under the covers moves very little or not at all, you will experience condensation and heat accumulation. When vents are installed at the base and near the top of the roof, ventilation will occur naturally. If ventilation is inadequate, heat and moisture will damage roofing materials, insulation and rafters.
- Punctures and holes in the roof
Wind and hail can cause punctures and holes in the material covering the building. Besides, even if the roof is in good shape, water can still collect in certain areas and damage the roof over time. Roof damage can also be mechanical (caused by people walking on the roof, falling tree branches etc.). The fact is that damage accumulates over the years, affecting the roof`s structure, which leads to infiltrations.
- Lack of regular maintenance
When properly addressed, most roofing problems can be avoided. Regular maintenance consists in inspections and certain operations performed to ensure the integrity of the roof and to spot vulnerabilities while they are minor, easy to repair and cheaper. In the absence of proper maintenance, a roof will deteriorate faster.
- Weak resistance structure
If not planned and designed properly to support the roof, the structure can become weak over time. Roofing materials are typically heavy and some of them cannot even be installed until the resistance structure is reinforced (e.g. slate, ceramic tiles…) A thin structure will change its shape (in which case there will be differences between different roof slopes), it may become unstable and even collapse.
Hiring a licensed quality Westminster roofing company, along with choosing the right materials, installation and regular maintenance will help you enjoy a good roof for a longer time. Although many people are tempted to label some roofing problems as “minor”, you should know that there is no such thing as “minor” or “unimportant” roof problems; it is essential to pay attention to them when they occur, to avoid more extensive damage that will seriously affect your comfort.