10 Most Common Roofing Problems
The health of your roof is crucial to the integrity of your home.
Knowing the most common roofing problems can help you to catch the damage early enough to make adequate repairs. Below are the most notable problems briefly explained, click the links at each section to read further information explained by LC Joinery.
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Most Common Roofing Problems Explained
Roof Leaks
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What Are The Most Common Causes Of Rook Leaks
Your roof has to battle against elements such as rain, snow, hail and wind.
This may lead to moisture finding its way into your roof. If this happens, rot and mould will not be too far away.
Faulty Installation
A badly installed roof leads to bigger problems.
If you want your roof to have a long lifespan, it needs to be installed up to standards and by a professional.
Animal Infestations
Small birds and animals may cause a lot of damage to your roof.
If you have an animal infestation, you want to take care of it as soon as possible.
Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing is what seals the areas where your roof has been penetrated (like vent pipes, sky lights, chimneys and heating and cooling systems.
When flashing is poorly attached, it can cause open seams and laps and ultimately cause tiles to blow-off.
Improperly installed flashing can also reduced puncture resistance in your roof.
Pooling Water
If water pools on your roof, this problem normally arises from debris buildup or from HVAC units that don’t properly drain.
It may also be due to gutter problems.
Ventilation Problems
Ventilation regulates temperature and moisture levels.
Ventilation problems lead to costly energy bills and mildew issues.
Roof Shrinkage
The roof membrane may shrink and cause cracks in the upper layer.
Watch for blistering, splitting and surface erosion.
Single-ply roof types are each unique.
If you walk out onto an EPDM roof today, one of the first things you’re going to look for is evidence of shrinkage.
The two most common things I see, especially on ballasted membranes, are pulling of the flashings (which is due to shrinkage of the field membrane) or you could have deterioration – surface crazing and cracking of uncured membrane, commonly used at perimeter and penetration flashing.
Blistering Membrane
Even small amounts of trapped moisture can result in your flat roof membrane detaching from the layer below and cause roof ‘blisters’.
This is the most common roofing problem and it tends to get worse during the day when the heat of the sun causes the trapped moisture to expand.
When blistering occurs it is vital to identify the source of the moisture.
Overhanging Trees
Tree limbs may rub the surface and wear away at the top layer of your shingles. Trim your tree limbs back as much as possible. No tree should be a threat to your home.
Improper Maintenance
There are many reasons not to neglect the roof – including financial and business continuity reasons.
Being wise to problems can prevent their escalation.
Specific levels of maintenance are required to prevent voiding the warranty.
Perform routine inspections.
You don’t have to know a lot about roofing, things like ponding water, a piece of slipped base flashing, pitch pockets that haven’t been filled – those should be obvious whether you know a lot about roofing or not.
Addressing minor problems before they escalate maximises roof life as well as minimises headaches and expense.
Addressing Roofing Problems – Get In Touch With Roofing Experts
When it comes to taking care of your roof, it’s crucial that you know the most common problems.
The more that you know, the easier it will be to ensure that your roof lasts.
Contact LC Joinery Roofing and Building Work today on 01592 747047 for help with your roofing needs.
Adele Dakers says
I am moving into a property in Rosyth from 1 March and the roof appears to be quite run down according to the Home Report which I want to put right, so I need a roof inspection, estimate of damage, what can be fixed straight away and what can wait to save a few more pennies but before winter time again. Chimney(s) look bare but it might be the design, but highlighted in the Home Report as requiring work, sarking stained, and downpipes look corroded, gutters too. Trees are nearby which will be attended to gradually depending on cost, outside walls need bare parts plastered, harling.
Lee Combe says
Adele, sent you over an email thanks.