The #1 Cause of Roof Damage
Expert roofers consider a roof leak to be one of the most common causes of ordinary roof damage. A leak that is left undetected can cause moisture to accumulate within a roof structure and the surrounding walls of a home to cause a serious problem that is difficult to fix.
Statistics indicate that 95% of roof leaks occur at flashings.
Without proper installation, it’s easy for water to penetrate the surface of flashing and cause moisture buildup underneath roof materials.
A number of trained roofers point to headwall flashing as a leading cause for concern. The headwall of a roof is the area where the roof slopes to meet a flat wall. Rainwater can quickly pool and accumulate in this location before running off a roof.
Even small vulnerabilities in roof flashing can begin to let water in. Although subtle at first, breaches in headwall flashing can cause a large amount of damage in a short amount of time.
Other widespread causes of roof damage may include:
- Neglect: Without routine care and maintenance, the quality of a roof will suffer and result in visible damage. Using the guidelines within this book, it is important to regularly evaluate your roof’s exterior for any subtle signs of damage; likewise, examine the attic and ceilings of your property for visible cracks, leaks, and water damage.
- Weather: Extreme weather can cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Heavy rain storms may be responsible for loose or damaged shingles; high winds can lift the edges of a roof and cause flashing and nails to loosen.
- Trees: Trees that grow close to a property can easily damage the structure of a roof due to scraping or fallen branches. Heavy foliage surrounding a roof can also prevent proper drainage, leading to moisture accumulation and mold or algae growth.
- Poor Repairs: If you repair your roof improperly, or if a roofer does a poor repair job, it could damage the quality of your roof. Once again, skimping on the cost of professional repair and maintenance can actually cost you more in the long run.
If you’re worried about your roof or if you’re noticing any issues / damage, please contact us immediately and we will come out and inspect your roof for free.
