Your roof is your home’s first defense against unfavorable outside conditions. Even if you have just a small problem with your roof, it can result in costly damage. It’s best to be on the lookout for all the problems we will discuss below.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Most homeowners rely on asphalt shingles as their primary roofing material. These are great for shedding water when in good condition. However, nasty storms can sometimes lift loose shingles and tear them away from your roof. If you notice that your roof is missing any shingles, you need to have that problem addressed right away, as you don’t want to let water penetrate its lower levels.
Just as missing shingles can be bad for your roof, so can damaged ones. Damage can happen in a number of different ways. You may notice that the granules on your shingles are starting to come off in droves. Or, you may notice that there’s curling of a few shingles. Regardless of how they were damaged, any shingle in less-than-perfect condition can be a hazard to your home.
Clogged Gutters
While you may think of your roof as a singular object, it’s part of a larger roofing system. Your gutters and downspouts join your shingles in creating an extensive water diversion system to protect the rest of your home. When your system operates correctly, water will naturally flow down your shingles, into your gutters, and out through your downspouts.
However, any debris stuck in your gutters or downspouts can hinder the free flow of water through them. This can cause water to back up under your shingles and even allow water to flow down the sides of your home. Neither of these is a good outcome as water can much more easily penetrate your home’s inner structure when allowed in these areas. It’s always best to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned multiple times a year.
Loose or Missing Gutters
As you just learned, gutters are necessary for any successful home water diversion system. If your gutter is missing, water will flow over the edge of your roof and back under your eaves. It won’t be long until it starts rotting out your structural roofing components.
It’s also important to note that your gutter needs to be properly secured to your roof. If your gutter pulls away just a little bit, it can allow water to seep in between your roof and the gutter. Additionally, any influx of water from a nasty storm can weigh down your gutter and cause it to be ripped off the roof.
Roof Leak
A common problem many homeowners will experience at one point or another is a leak. Unfortunately, unless you spend a lot of time in your attic, you may not notice this issue until your ceiling starts to turn yellow. When you first notice a yellow ring on your ceiling, it’s best to call in your roofer. This yellowing is simply water penetrating the drywall. Your roofer will further assess where the water is coming in from your roof and take the necessary measures to stop it from happening.
Storm DamagePest Problems
There are a ton of pests and rodents that can cause severe damage to your roof if left unchecked. Some of the most common include squirrels, mice, rats, bees, hornets, ants, birds, and even termites. In some cases, you may be able to physically see the pest on your roof, which can alert you to further assess that area of your roof.
It’s always a good idea to try and keep trees trimmed back so that wildlife, such as squirrels, can’t gain access to your roof. When it comes to birds, they can actually eat the granules present on your shingles, which will cause them to deteriorate much quicker. There are a variety of bird deterrent options on the market today that you should consider investing in if birds are becoming a problem for your roof.
Reliable Roofing Service
Evenhouse Roofing provides reliable roofing service and inspections for Davenport, IA and throughout the region. We can also assist with your storm damage, gutter, and siding replacement needs. Contact our friendly staff at Evenhouse Roofing today to schedule your next appointment with one of our roofing experts.
