You may not regularly think about it, but it is very important to maintain the health of your roof. Many homeowners recognize the importance of a roof in general, but they don’t end up taking care of it as they should. Besides a tree falling on a roof, they think, what could potentially go wrong?
Many things could go wrong with an unmaintained roof. Below are nine problems that can occur.
Problem #1: Storm Damage
If you live in an area prone to frequent storms—especially high-profile storms that involve tornadoes, hail, harsh rain, lightning, and/or high winds—it may behoove you to contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon after a storm as possible.
Problem #2: Moisture
Rot, mildew, and mold compromise roofs and the health of people in the home. Bacteria grow and degradation occurs when moisture gets trapped beneath roofing materials. Leaks could be the least of your worries where moisture is concerned.
Problem #3: Leaks
A roof that is left unchecked could eventually develop leaks that ravage its materials, affecting not only the roof itself but the ceiling, the walls, and assets such as furniture and electronic equipment—computers, laptops, appliances, etc. As mentioned above, leaks that are not quickly spotted and dealt with could result in growing rot, mildew, and mold, compromising a home’s critical structure.
Problem #4: Low-Quality Repairs
Any sloppy, sub-par, poorly executed repairs could potentially worsen the original problem!
Problem #5: Poorly Done Roof Work
It is so important to ensure that the company installing your roof is sending experienced and highly trained people to complete the job. Poorly completed roof installations can cause long-term problems that a homeowner is not expecting.
Problem #6: Ventilation Issues
Did you know that roof and attic ventilation conditions impact the life and health of your roof? Proper ventilation allows warm air to escape and helps regulate moisture levels and air temperature. If vents are ever blocked or dysfunctional, moisture will spread and cause all the moisture problems mentioned above: leaks, mildew, mold, etc. Not only these, but other issues could arise, such as an increase in cooling costs and further damage to decking, insulation, or rafters.
Problem #7: Trees Rubbing or Falling
If trees grow over the roof of a home, three problems can occur. Branches that touch a roof’s surface can rub against the shingles; if those shingles are asphalt, the friction from the branches can reduce the shingles’ effectiveness. Overhanging branches can also fall, potentially damaging a roof’s surface or even causing holes. A tree’s leaves can also cause damage if they fall and remain on the roof, causing moisture and mold to grow beneath them.
Problem #8: Insects & Other Critters
This problem is another reason to regularly check the condition of your roof. Termites, rodents, and wasps can make their homes in your attic and rafters, sometimes entering your home through attic/roof ventilation channels.
Problem #9: Loosely Installed Flashing
Flashing is the metal pieces that seal the roof around objects like skylights, vents, chimneys, etc. Properly installed flashing prevents moisture and rain from entering the home around those objects. Loosely or poorly installed flashing will not properly seal the roof around those objects, which will result in damage to the roof.
About Repairs, Replacements, Claims, and Roofing Supplements
Some of the above problems develop after severe weather conditions occur. If your roof experiences severe weather and sustains damage, you may file an insurance claim for repairs or a replacement roof. Make sure your roofer also files a supplement claim to cover gaps in the original claim.
At American Roof Supplements, we are roofing supplement experts with proficiency in writing supplemental claims using professional Xactimate software. We have written thousands of supplements over the years, making roofers and homeowners more money and ensuring thorough and comprehensive roofing repairs and replacements. Call us to create your roofing supplements today.