The most common types of roof damage and how to avoid them
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In the United States, severe roof damage is one of the least desired scenarios for homeowners, this is because it can result in enormous repair costs, it can damage the rest of the property and, in the worst cases, force you out of your house for an extended period of time.
That’s why it is crucial for you to understand the most common types of roof damage and how you can prevent them.
1. Storm Damage:
Hurricanes, storms and tornadoes are the ones that caused the most severe damage, because they can decimate entire sections of a roof if you don’t protect it adequately.
We usually think in water and winds when talking about a storm… but the problem is way bigger, because the strong winds can carry numerous debris (such as branches, tiles, billboards, street signs, parts of other roofs and various materials) that easily can puncture and break many parts of your roof while also being affected by the heavy rain… see the problem? Now is not only the damage caused by the wind and the debris but also the water that now is leaking in through the recent cracks on your roof.
Prevention methods:
● Clear and maintain your gutters to avoid debris from blocking them after the storm.
● Cut down branches (and trees if necessary) near your roof. Debris from trees can cause holes.
● Choose a secure material for your roof. There are many materials that are stronger and more resistant… and yes, also more expensive, but it is an investment that can have more durability!
2. Hail Damage
This one is a nightmare scenario. If you’ve ever been inside a house during a hail storm you know what I mean, from only the sound you can picture the damage those icy rocks are making. A piece of hail could reach the size of a baseball ball… imagine that! an ice ball of that size falling unstoppable from the sky, it is devastating.
Prevention methods:
● Choose a durable roofing material or roof shingles to minimize roof hail damage.
● We recommend avoiding flat roofs for many reasons, but one of them is because of the direct impact of hail. Slope roofs can divert a little the impact because the hail will hit on an angled surface.
● Checking your roof regularly and making a mitigation inspection every 3 months can highlight the decay or little cracks on roof shingles and tiles that with little impact could break completely.
3. Water Damage
If you are very diligent and regularly contact a mitigation company, rain cannot damage your roof by itself. But if you don’t, maybe you already have a problem. Water is sneaky and can pass unnoticed through the most minimal cracks on a roof shingle or tile, and when the water leaks inside: boy oh boy… that’s when the damage gets really complicated.
Water creates humidity, and humidity weakens building structures, even concrete, so now your property has an enemy inside. Dampness and moisture also generates mold… mold causes diseases, musty smells, damage structures, attract pests (i think it is not necessary to explain why mold is so serious).
Prevention Methods:
● Do not wait for the rainy season to check your roof. Act early.
● Even if you still can’t see it… doesn’t mean it’s not there. You can get on top of your roof checking tile by tile, shingle by shingle, but trust me… in the game of hide and seek water always wins. That’s why you should call the experts.
● Water problems show signs when it is already late. Don’t wait for the signs. The smart way to approach water damage prevention is to do an inspection at least 3-4 times per year. Mitigation inspections are free.
4. Wind Damage
Wind can create similar problems than storms but without the water. Strong winds can rip apart and peel off tiles and shingles if they were part of a bad roof installation, had old ones already damaged or were built with expired material.
Prevention method:
● Choose a material that can withstand strong wind, and not only the shingles and tiles, but also the sealants and adhesives used. Many cases of missing, and detached tiles happen due to low quality or expired adhesives.
5. Roof weathering and aging
Although weathering does not cause immediate damage to your roof, it will cause problems over time if left unchecked. There are many natural factors that cause damage to your roof over time: the temperature changes generate expansion and contraction of the materials, humidity eventually will weaken the structures and adhesive materials can decay over dust and dirt.
Prevention methods:
● If you have an old roof you should check for rust, worn shingles, blistered paint, cracked roof sealants and more.
● Do not get fooled, little repair over little repair over little repair will not fix an old deteriorated roof. There will be a time when you have to change your roof or make a major restoration.
6. Roof fungus damage
Fungus can appear everywhere and the roof could be easily one of the spots. Mold and many types of fungi attach and grow in various damped surfaces… especially the wooden sections. And it will not only cause damage by itself, mold and fungi will attract pests that can break easily into your house through the weakened and rotten wood.
Prevention method:
● To prevent fungus damage in your roof, rinse with bleach and water and Apply it to fungus and mold that build in your roof.
● If you live in a humid area, eventually mold will appear in the exterior of your home. You have to be conscious of that, mold can spread fast, so don’t ignore the place you live in and have a mitigation company number in the top 10 contacts of your phone.
There are many things you can do by yourself to prevent roof damage, but it will cost you time, money and might bring other problems. That’s why it’s better to choose the services brought by Well Done Mitigation.
The inspection is free and if you need more information or want to schedule your own, please contact us:
Email: customerservice@welldonemitigation.com
Phone: (800) 458-6893.
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