In 2016, homeowners spent an average of $60,400 on home renovations and remodeling projects. For most people, turning their house into the home of their dreams is exciting and well worth the investment.
But there are some things that can detract from your home’s value and safety long before your remodeling project starts. And the most common issue is a damaged roof.
Left undetected and unrepaired, a small roofing problem can turn into a nightmare for any homeowner. But with a bit of diligence, you’ll be able to prevent and repair those issues before they threaten the safety of your house.
Here are some of the most common types of roofing problems so you can tell when it’s time to call your contractor before long-term damage happens.
1. Poor Installation
Though most contractors do everything they can to make sure the roof gets installed correctly, some lack the required experience. The roof may get installed incorrectly, putting the house at risk for water leaks, mold and mildew growth, and extensive exterior repairs.
The best way to know if a roof installation is up-to-par is to schedule a consultation with an experienced roofer. They’ll look at the roof itself to see if the contractor installed everything correctly. If not, they’ll be able to fix the damage before it gets too bad.
2. Missing Roofing Materials
Even the best roofs can lose their shingles, tiles, and other roofing materials in bad weather. And once they do, the sub-roofing gets exposed to the elements.
Take a walk around the house and look for roofing nails and shingles on the ground. Then, look at the roofline for any bare or exposed patches. If there are none, the roof is in good shape. If you find a few bare spots, call your contractor.
3. Damaged Flashing
Every roof has seams where it changes pitch and around skylights, chimneys, and vents. Flashing is the aluminum strip that covers those seams, keeping water out of the attic.
If it’s damaged, those seams are at-risk for water damage and intrusion.
Look around the base of those protrusions and make sure the flashing sits flush against the roof. If it’s peeling up, rusted, or missing, call your contractor as soon as possible. The sooner the flashing gets repaired, the less risk you’re at for leaks and water damage.
4. Low-Hanging Limbs
Trees add value to your property. But they can also damage your roof if they’re not properly maintained.
Check the property for low-hanging limbs. If they’re near the roofline, have them removed or trimmed as soon as possible. Should the limbs fall or scrape along the roof in the wind, they can damage the materials and put the house at risk for leaks.
Once they’re gone, call your contractor and let them inspect the roof for signs of damage.
5. Inadequate Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important parts of your roof. It helps shield your home from the elements. But it also helps keep your roofing materials in good condition.
When there’s enough insulation, temperatures in the attic stay fairly consistent. This helps keep the frame and support structure from warping. But when there’s too much or too little insulation, the supports can warp.
Take a look at your utility costs and think about how much your HVAC system kicks on. Improper insulation makes your HVAC system run more often and increases your energy costs month after month.
If your bills are abnormally high, call your contractor. They’ll assess the insulation levels and make the necessary adjustments.
6. Clogged Gutters
Believe it or not, clogged gutters are a hazard to your roof. When there’s debris in the gutter canal, excess water flows over the edge of the gutter and down the side of your house. Over time, the water can soak into your siding and the space between the siding and the roof.
If you catch the clog quickly, you’ll prevent the damage in the first place. And the best part? You can clean the gutters yourself.
Try to clean them at least once each season. This will keep the buildup from clogging the system throughout the year.
7. Missing Granules
Asphalt shingles have a layer of protective granules that absorb impacts and protect the shingles themselves from weather-related damage. But some shingles wear faster than others, exposing your home to the elements.
Walk around your house and make sure the shingles are a uniform color and texture. If some look smooth or are a different color than others around them, call your contractor.
Often, replacing these damaged shingles will be enough to protect the house from water leaks.
8. Lack of Maintenance
Regular care and maintenance are key in extending the life of your roof. And if you’ve just bought a house with plans to remodel the building, you might not know how much maintenance the previous owner did.
Unfortunately, a lack of maintenance can lead to water damage, mold and mildew growth, and even issues with the siding.
If you suspect that the roof wasn’t maintained properly, schedule an appointment with your contractor. In many cases, they’ll be able to make minor repairs to fix the damage. But in some instances, you may be better off with a full roof replacement.
9. Warped Materials
When a roof is in good condition, the materials sit flush against the roofline. This seals the sub-roofing and your attic from water and keeps your home leak-free. But your roof can warp
or change in the elements.
If the materials are curling or you notice that the roofline is not straight anymore, it’s time to call your contractor. The sooner you address the damage, the less risk your home is at for major water leaks and costly repairs.
Unfortunately, the only repair for warping materials is a replacement. And if the damage is great enough, you may need an entirely new roof.
Think You Have a Roofing Problem?
Even a minor roofing problem can be a major hazard for your house. And if you’re planning a full remodel, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your investment.
Don’t put off repairs until it’s too late. Schedule an inspection with our trusted contractors and let our team get your home back in shape.
Excellent article on the common roofing repairs to watch out for! It's a great reminder of how important regular maintenance and timely repairs are, especially for homeowners working with a roofing company in Northern Virginia. Your detailed list will surely help them identify potential risks early and take necessary steps to keep their homes safe and protected. Thanks for the valuable insights!