Your roof goes through a lot, so it’s no surprise that roof damage occurs frequently. Learn about the most common causes of roof damage in this article.
The roof of your house protects you from the outdoor elements such as rain, snow, wind, and sun. That’s why it’s so important to keep your roof in good repair. A damaged roof can also cause a litany of other issues in your home, including water damage to the inside of your house and electrical systems. In order to effectively prevent damage, you’ll need to know about the most common causes of roof damage.
Age of the Roof
Over time, your roof and its shingles will naturally begin to wear out. This is normal, but once noticed should be addressed as soon as possible. As your roof ages, wears, and weakens, it will become susceptible to further damage from other sources. If your roof is past its warranty, it may be worth replacing it entirely rather than paying for each new repair.
Weather
Weather of all sorts is one of the most common causes of roof damage. Storms with their wind, hail, rain, and snow can cause serious damage to your roof or aggravate existent roof damage. Natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes can even damage a roof beyond repair. After a big storm, it’s wise to search for signs of hail damage or other weather damage on your roof and address any issues as quickly as possible.
Lack of Maintenance
In order to stay in good condition, roofs require regular maintenance. Seemingly minor issues—for instance, a few missing shingles or small dents—can quickly become a major problem requiring a more extensive repair if left unaddressed. To avoid large repairs later on, take care of any minor problems immediately.
Walking on the Roof
If your roof is particularly flat or low, you might have walked on it before. Or perhaps you’ve had maintenance done up there a few times. While walking on your roof isn’t inherently a problem, it can become an issue if you wear hard or spiked shoes or drop something heavy on it. In addition, if you walk on your roof too regularly, you risk rubbing and damaging the shingles, which will eventually lead to bigger issues.
To keep your roof in good repair, be aware of the main causes of roof damage and inspect your roof regularly to ensure it’s in good repair. If you notice any damage to your roof, even seemingly insignificant damage, have it repaired right away. The last thing you want is an even more serious case of damage.