What Are the Most Common Roof Problems?
Many homeowners aren’t aware that their roof can be affected by bird droppings, leaks, and ice dams. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid the most common problems and save yourself money. Continue reading to learn more about roof problems. Here are some common problems that need professional attention:
Inherent design errors
Roof leaks can be caused by many factors. Latent defects can occur during construction but are not often discovered until years later. An example of this is a structural beam with low strength. As we age and are exposed to natural forces, progressive defects become worse. Concrete begins to deteriorate after freeze-thaw cycles. Pavement loses its supporting subgrade. Leaking roofs can cause a variety of problems including mold growth and damage of building components.
Leaks
Leaks are the most common problem with roofs. They can appear as a steady drip, or as a stained ceiling. The best way to determine if a leak is occurring is to access the attic and look for a stain or wet spot. If you cannot access the attic, you can try to find the leak by soaking the affected area with a hose. If you cannot find the leak, a professional roofing contractor can do it for you.
Ice dams
If you live in an area where there are winters where the temperature is below freezing, you may have questions about how to prevent ice dams. It may seem tempting to knock down huge icicles but you need to remember that this could cause injury. If you are lucky enough to have a small icicle, you can safely remove it with a rake or pole. To avoid ice dams, keep your roof and attic cool.
Birds
Bird poop is one of the most common problems that birds can cause on a roof. Bird poop can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Some birds can carry ticks, lice, and fleas. Birds can also be carriers of the bedbug, a relative of the bird mite. Thankfully, there are many ways to protect your home from bird pests, including getting rid of them before they start causing damage.
Clogged gutters
If you have a home with a lot of trees, you may be surprised to learn that clogged gutters can lead to a variety of problems. Standing water can cause roof damage and attract all sorts of insects. Other wood-destroying pests include mosquitoes, carpenter beetles, and carpenter bugs. Trees can also make it easier to let pests get onto your roof due to clogged gutters.
Trusses damaged
One of the most common roof problems in a building is damage to trusses. A damaged truss may cause roof and ceiling to sag and transfer load to nearby materials. Woodworm and other structural problems can occur in one set, and then transfer to the next. Others, such as damp and dry rot, may affect the adjacent timbers.
Leaks near skylights
Skylights can be a beautiful addition to any home. They allow natural light into dark rooms and make them look larger. Skylights add style to a roof and save homeowners money on electricity. Skylights are susceptible to leaks and other damages. It is important to understand the causes and correct solutions for skylight leaks if you live in an area that is often flooded by rain.
Flat roofs are vulnerable to damage
Wind can cause major damage to flat roofs. Even the best-built roofs are susceptible to damaging windstorms. In fact, strong winds can result in more than half of the damage reported in the lower 48 states. Flat roofs can also be damaged by tornadoes that can reach speeds exceeding 300 mph. Here are some reasons your roof could be susceptible to wind damage. These natural disasters can be prevented by taking the necessary steps.