As a homeowner, when you live through a series of thunderstorms or other severe weather events, you may start worrying about your roof. Now, that worry would not be in vain since the roof is such an important part of any property. Your roof is the protection your family needs to keep the weather and other unwanted critters from entering, it also plays a role in the property’s curb appeal and its value. That is why, when you notice an issue with your roof, you should immediately reach out to a Portland roofing contractor to come and have a look. Read on to find out more about the five most common roofing problems, and how to go about solving them.
Moss Buildup
When you see moss and algae spreading in small patches of your roof, you may not think too much about it. However, when they grow to cover a larger area, you should have them removed as soon as possible since it is easy for moisture to accumulate underneath and damage your roof causing leaks that may affect, not only the roof itself, but inside of the home as well.
Inadequate Ventilation
Any roof needs adequate ventilation to ensure a long life. If there is insufficient ventilation, heat and moisture will accumulate in the attic and have nowhere to escape. When moisture and heat are trapped inside, damage can occur everywhere from ceilings to walls and insulation. It can also affect the shingles outside and allow for the growth of mildew and mold. To prevent this issue, go to your attic periodically and check for any damage or strong smell. If they are present, call a roofing technician right away.
Problems With Flashing
Flashing plays a critical role in several areas of your roof. Kick-out flashing is installed where a sidewall meets a roof edge. When it is improperly installed or has moved due to the settling of the home, it will allow runoff water to flow down the wall and into the house. It may not be immediately apparent, but years down the line you will have to deal with rotted sheathing and framing in windows or doors under that problem area.
Flashing is also installed around chimneys, fitting into grooves all around the stack. When a roofer does not want to take the time to do the necessary number of cuts in the flashing to install it properly around a chimney, you can expect to get rotted roof sheathing and framing sooner rather than later. Chimneys need to be perfectly step-flashed and counter flashed to ensure that water will not be able to run down the face of the chimney and into your attic.
If you call a roofer and they tell you that they will just put some caulking or roof cement on the damaged areas, you will soon notice that the water has still been penetrating and has not been kept out. You need to call a roofer who will take the time to replace any flashing that is not working as it should.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can originate due to many different factors. Your area may have gone through a severe weather event or you may have had some fallen debris that damaged your roof. These are both large and obvious causes of a roof puncture. However, many times leaks start with a pinprick and you will not notice the water infiltration until you have rotted wood in your home’s structure. Get in the habit of inspecting both your roof and the inside of the home for any indication of water seeping in.
Poor Maintenance
Just as you keep up with maintaining the inside of your home, your roof also needs regular maintenance. This entails removing all debris and standing water, clearing clogged gutters, and ensuring that the branches of nearby trees are not scraping against the roof and destroying your shingles. Leaving even the smallest issues unattended may result in them ballooning into larger ones. Routine inspections and maintenance are crucial to preventing many common roof problems. Taking care of your roof regularly will result in savings in the long run by improving the roof’s lifespan.
