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A roof is generally an expensive thing to have repaired. Therefore, it is critical that you take the necessary steps to keep your roof from suffering premature damage. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to keep an eye on:
Trees
Branches falling on a roof can cause a great deal of damage. Twigs and leaves can clog gutters. The downspout of the gutters can also get clogged with the same type of debris. The result of this may be poor drainage, causing water to leak inside. Survey all of the trees near your house and remove any branches that you believe may become a problem in the future. It is also important to constantly monitor your gutters for debris.
Poor Roof Installation
When having a new roof installed, make sure the people doing the job are experienced and qualified. Some contractors cut corners to save money by using substandard materials. Strong winds have a tendency to loosen nails and other materials. Shingles may also tend to fall off or tear away faster than they should if not installed correctly. This can create a risk of water leaking in if it goes unnoticed for an extended period of time.
Algae, fungi and mold
Black or green streaks are generally a sign that algae, fungi or mold are present. This means that the ventilation on the outside is not good. You will need to make sure that the drainage on the roof is still working efficiently. Increase the circulation of air around the area of the roof by trimming trees. Buying roofing materials that use zinc strips for protection is an ideal way to prevent such growths from occurring in the future. When they become wet when it rains, the strips form zinc oxide that releases a protective coating.
Corrosion
Certain roofing materials have a tendency to corrode quickly. This is especially true in areas where there are projections such as chimneys and vents, valleys and roof flashings. Corrosion usually always leads to roof damage of some kind. Copper and lead-coated copper materials in particular have been subject to faster than normal corrosion when exposed to rainwater runoff from other roof surfaces and buildings.
Flashing
The most common reason that a roof begins to leak is flashing that has failed. Flashing provides a seal around piping, chimneys, vents and the perimeter of your home. This protects it from water. A roof needs to be able to withstand harsh weather during the entire year. Heavy winds or snow and hail from the previous winter can loosen or rip off flashing. Have an experienced person do an inspection of your roof to make sure that your flashing is still up to snuff.
