The key to protecting your roof is being aware of what causes roofing problems and taking timely action when needed. Here are some of the common ones.
1. Lack of maintenance — Your roof is constantly exposed to wear and, therefore, requires regular maintenance. Residential roofs typically need a professional inspection every three to five years, depending on the roofing type, and another after every storm. As a homeowner, you should also need to inspect your roof annually. It helps you spot minor roofing problems before they can become major ones, thereby saving you on repair costs and unexpected failure.
2. Storms — Out of all weather-related events that roofs are exposed to, storms inflict the worst damage. The combination of high winds, rainwater and airborne debris can tear off parts of the roof and force moisture into the roof deck. In addition to investing in a quality roof – ideally with a high wind rating – working with a local roofer that has experience assisting with insurance claims can help make handling storm damage easier.
3. Poor ventilation — Trapped heat and humidity in the attic can result in damage to the roof insulation and framing. It can also encourage mold growth as well as increase the workload on your air conditioner during hot days. A properly designed roof should have exhaust vents at the ridges, with proportionally-sized intake vents at the soffits. Fortunately, poor ventilation can be corrected without dismantling the entire roof.
4. Installation errors — Installation errors is perhaps the most common cause of roofing failure. Even with quality materials, mistakes during installation can lead to problems that won’t be discovered until later. For example, incorrect fastener placement can make parts of the roof vulnerable to wind and water damage. This is one of the many reasons why you should work with an experienced roofing contractor. For good measure, make sure that their roofing warranties include coverage for installation. Many roofing manufacturers offer coverage for workmanship or installation through certified contractors.
Superior Roofing is your leading provider of roofing services, including roof repair. Give us a call at (706) 862-8008 or (334) 869-7433. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Columbus, GA, and Auburn, AL.