The roof protects your house and requires regular maintenance to last long. However, it may deteriorate over time due to its exposure to natural elements. Even the best roofing companies will show signs of wear and tear. Regular inspection of the roof will help you detect damages and fix them immediately.
Different factors can cause your roof to wear out. They include the following:
Wind
Strong winds can pull or lift the shingles from their position, exposing your roof to water damage. Wind can also blow debris underneath the shingles. It can also affect the ridge line and corners of the roof. Over time, the impact of strong winds can lead to the shredding of the roofing.
Rain
Water can cause rafters and the decking to rot when it gets under the shingles or other roofing materials. The decaying components weaken the roof, resulting in leaks. Water dripping through the roof can damage the ceilings, walls, electrical installations, and insulation.
Snow and ice
Water from snow and ice can seep through roofing materials and damage the interior of your home. Melting snow tends to re-freeze at the edge of the roof. The low temperature at this part of the roof encourages the snow to form ice dams. Eventually, the ice blocks the gutter and inhibits the proper drainage of water from the roof. Such damage can lead to back up of water under the roofing materials. Regular inspection of can help detect the formation of ice dams.
Hail
A hail storm can reduce the lifespan of roofing shingles by exposing them to harmful elements such as UV-rays. The dents caused by hail on the shingles also knock out the tiny granules that protect the material from their positions. This dislodgement can reduce the ability of the shingles to shed water.
Sun
The harmful rays (UV-rays and Infrared radiations) from the sun and heat can reduce the life expectancy of roofing materials. The shingles can wear out over time due to exposure to the damaging rays and thermal expansion caused by heat.
Trees
Overgrown trees can contribute to the deterioration of roofs. A tree branch can puncture your roof if it falls on it. Leaves that accumulate on the roof not only retain moisture but can also block the gutters. The clogged gutters result in poor drainage and back up of water.
Eventually, water may find its way to the underneath of the shingles and lead to the decay of other roofing materials. The moisture can also affect the interior of your home. Timely removal of leaves from roofing Colorado Springs will help improve the lifespan of your roof.
Algae and moss
These lower plants can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof. They can discolor your roof and cause the rafters to rot since they can trap water. Though lichen traps less moisture than moss, it strands can damage the shingles by penetrating into them.
You need to inspect your roof often to detect potential problems and address them. Regular maintenance will prevent premature aging of your roof. It will also help you to determine when to repair or replace your roof. However, there are warning signs you should look for during your inspections.
Decaying roof:
Replace the entire shingles if many of them are rotting. Replacing only the affected ones will not save the day as others will follow suit later. Peeling, curling, cracking, and chipping are signs that the shingles are in bad condition. However, you may replace the rotting shingles if they are few. Quality roofing Colorado Springs may also rot due to old age.
Curling shingles:
Curling can compromise the water-shredding ability of shingles. This defect may result from natural wear, improper installation, or even poor quality of the materials used in the production of the shingles.
Damaged flashing:
The metal sheet installed at the joints of your roof prevents water from finding its way under the shingles. A damaged flashing may seem to be a minor problem but it can contribute to structural and interior damages. You need tight-fitting flashings at the junctions of your roof and around the vents or chimney to effectively prevent water from penetrating into your home from the roof.
Blistering shingles:
The accumulation of water within shingles can cause the material to swell up. Radiations and heat from sunlight can worsen this condition. Blistering may result from aging and the buildup of leaves or debris on the roof.
Adverse weather conditions are the major causes of root deterioration. However, age will give you signals to replace even quality and well-installed roof..
