The roof over your home is strong and sturdy, protecting the structure and everything inside. Yet roofs can suffer from many different types of damage, putting everything at risk. So how can you protect your home and prevent a need for expensive roof services? Roof contractors recommend that you learn the 5 top dangers that could damage your roof so you can take the steps necessary to prevent them!
1. Trees and Foliage
If you have trees around your home, they can cause damage in a number of ways. Branches that touch the top of your house can cause damage by scratching or breaking the shingles or even pushing them off. They can penetrate the top of your house if they fall off the tree.
Trees also drop leaves which after some time will begin to decompose and can cause waterlogging and rotting of your shingles. Considering the many ways that trees can damage roofs, most roof contractors suggest keeping all branches trimmed back so they do not reach the house.
2. Moss, Mildew, and Algae
When organisms begin to grow on your roof, rot is not far behind. Algae, moss, and mildew are all common in areas where there is high humidity or rainfall and a home sits in a shaded spot. All three will also eventually cause your shingles to rot, which can progress to structural damage to the roof.
If you see anything growing on your shingles, it is time to call roof services to come out and do a thorough cleaning to remove all growth and protect your home from this damage.
3. Snow and Ice
Snow and ice are dangerous in two basic ways. In large amounts, snow can strain the support structure of your roof, causing a collapse if it becomes heavy enough. Secondly, when snow begins to melt and then re-freezes, it can cause ice damming, which can damage the shingles or even lift them up off the decking.
This usually results in leaks once the ice begins to melt again. The resulting water damage can become substantial over time, requiring extensive roof services once it is discovered.
4. Wind
When the wind blows, your roof can suffer. Strong winds can get under the edge of shingles and shear them from roofs when they are not properly installed or if there is any existing damage. Wind can also loosen roofing materials or blow the protective asphalt granules off shingles. This can leave unnoticed damage that will later result in a need for repairs by roof contractors.
5. Pests
Animals and other pests can be a danger when they move in and set up their homes. Rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels who seek refuge will chew holes in roofs to gain access to the attic, then nest there. Birds, bats, and some insects may do the same or peck and chew at exterior materials.
The presence of these animals and insects are a definite danger, as the damage they cause can result in leaks that will eventually progress to structural concerns underneath the shingles.
Based on this list, it is easy to see how roofs can sustain damage in more ways than you might think. To get the most from your roof, be sure to work with experienced roof services who can conduct routine inspections to check for these and other dangers. Inspections and regular maintenance performed by roof contractors, combined with careful observation are the best ways for you to get a full service life from the roof over your home!
