The 8 Most Common Roofing Problems You Don’t Want to Ignore
The roof of your home covers and protects your most important assets. Keeping your roof in good condition ensures your home will stay in good condition for years to come. But at some point, you’ll encounter a problem with your roof. While it’s possible to fix some common roofing issues on your own, it’s always best to hire a professional roofing company to avoid further damage or improper repairs.
Here are 8 common roofing problems.
1. Roof leaks
Roof leaks are one of the most common roofing problems homeowners face. A leaking roof can happen for many reasons – from cracked shingles/tiles to damaged flashing. But regardless of the source of the problem, a roof leak can cause a lot of damage if left untreated, like structural damage and mold, and possibly affect your health.
The most common areas for water damage or roof leaks are:
Near the chimney
Around the flashing
Near gutters and skylights
In roof valleys
Near roofing vents
Keep an eye out for any signs of water damage or leaks like damp walls or discolored ceilings. Contact a professional roofing company to set up an inspection to assess the extent of the damage and repairs.
2. Damaged or missing shingles or tiles
Next to a roof leak, damaged and missing shingles or tiles is another common roofing issue. Roofing shingles or tiles can be damaged by the sun, storms (hello, Florida hurricanes!), debris, or wear and tear. As your roof gets older, you may find shingles begin to rip off as the sealant breaks down. Missing or loose shingles or tiles expose your roof to further damage from water, storms, and other potential hazards. Though you can replace missing shingles yourself, it’s best to hire a professional roofing company for most repairs.
3. Damaged or worn flashing
Flashing is a thin metal or plastic that keeps the angles and other awkward spots on your roof sealed from water damage or leaks. Often flashing is installed around a chimney, skylights, vents, and heating or cooling systems. If you notice any cracks or the flashing looks brittle, it’s time to have it replaced.
4. Clogged gutters
A clogged gutter may not seem like a big issue but left unfixed for too long and water damage will occur. The water pooling in the gutter gets trapped along your home and can seep into the roofing materials, leading to leaks and water intrusion. Make sure to clean out your gutters regularly.
5. Trees and shrubs
Overhanging trees provide nice shade but are a common culprit for roofing problems. A big branch breaking off onto your roof is trouble, but all the small branches rubbing against the roof is the biggest problem. This will cause damage and degrade your roof over time. Have your trees trimmed regularly so the branches aren’t resting directly on your roof.
6. Ventilation
Poor ventilation impacts both the inside and outside of your home. Ventilation helps keep the temperature in your home stable and prevents moisture from accumulating. But poor ventilation will increase the temperature in your home and allow water damage and intrusion. Check your roof vents or have a professional roofing inspection completed to determine if you need new vents.
7. Lack of maintenance
Just like your car, your roof requires regular maintenance. One of the best ways to detect and prevent small roofing problems from becoming big, expensive problems (like a reroof) is to have a professional roofing company complete an annual inspection. If you live in an area with regular storms like our southern Florida hurricanes, you’ll need additional inspections during the year.
8. Improper repairs and/or poor installation
Choosing inexperienced or underqualified roofing professionals to make the repairs on your roof can end up costing you more money and problems – such as a short life expectancy of roofing materials or unsafe living conditions for you and your family. So whether you need residential or commercial roofing installation or repairs, always choose a professional roofing company with years of experience.
At M3 Roofing, we believe in integrity, honesty, and commitment, and that’s what we deliver every time to every customer. Check out our completed projects to see the amazing work we can do for you.
Send M3 Roofing a message or call the office – (305) 265-5000 – to set up a roof inspection with one of our roofologists to check for any common roofing problems you may be experiencing. We service homes throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.