Our roofs are the number protection we have from rain and the sun. They keep the water out from reaching the inside of our house and everything in it. But we also need to protect our roofs. We need to do a roof inspection every 6 months. This can help us identify damages and prevent them from getting big. At the same time, they also keep us away from potential hazards and risks that may result in a damaged roof. So, what Are the Common Types of Roof Damage?
CAUSES OF ROOF DAMAGE
First, let us identify the causes of roof damage.
Age. Roofs can last for 20 to 50 hours depending on the type of materials used. As they get old, they are subject to wear-and-tear. They may get brittle or weaken.
Foot Traffic. Roofs are designed to shelter us from the rain and sun. Unlike other parts of the house, they cannot withstand the weight of people hanging out on top of them. Constant foot traffic on the roof of your house can likely cause roof damage.
Improper Installation. Not all roofing contractors perform a proper roofing installation. There are times when they resort to shortcuts to save money and time. As such, your roofing system won’t last long. Any missing piece or improperly placed element can affect the lifespan of your roof and its insulation performance.
Weather. Being exposed to the outer world, our roofs are prone to be damaged due to the changes in weather and harsh climates. These include deep cold, hail storms, high heat, high winds, and thunderstorms. They can break, crack, and rip shingles. Or they can carry branches or debris that could damage your roof.
COMMON TYPES OF ROOF DAMAGE
Below are the common types of roof damage.
Aging and Weathering. Aging and weathering of your roofing system occur slowly. Yet, they can still cause roof damage. The older your roof gets, the weaker it becomes. As it is exposed to harsh weather, it is more prone to breaks, cracks, deformation, rip, rust, and tear. A roof inspection can lengthen the lifespan of your roofing system. This is by doing a quick fix or repair to prevent bigger damage.
Damaged roof flashing. Roof flashing is made of thin sheets of metal found on chimneys, skylights, and vents. Because they are very thin and malleable, roof flashing can break, crack, rip or tear. They can also buckle, rust, or sag causing water leaks. Over time, the seal that fastened roof flashing may corrode. When that happens, water can enter the shingles and the inside of your home.
Fungus Damage. Places with humid weather can cause algae, mildew, mould, or moss to grow on your rooftops. These types of fungi will be more severe when your roofs are shaded. Algae are dark green speckles. Mildew is light-grey or pink powders. Moulds are black, brown, or dark green blotches. While moss is green fuzzy-textured carpets. Fungus damage can be a threat to the structural integrity of your roofing system.
Hail Damage. A hail storm can bruise or dent the vulnerable sections of your roofing system. Circular cracks or punctures may also form because of the impact of hails on your roof. They are very vulnerable to leaks and seep water that can damage the internal structure of your home.
Water Damage. Leaks are water seeping under your roof. As they penetrate your ceilings and walls, water can cause dew and moulds to form. This is an ideal shelter for pests and termites that can damage your house structure. At the same time, the dew and moulds weaken the underlayment of your roofing system. Such damage can compromise the strength of your roof.
Wind damage. Strong winds carry debris that can break or scratch your shingles. At the same time, they have the potential to rip your roofing system and carry them away. Wind damages on your roof can be very dangerous. So, it is important to do a roof inspection after a hurricane or storm.
