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Most people are unprepared for the work involved in owning a home. As a homeowner, you will have to keep all of the vital systems in your residence functional and free from damage. While this might sound like a relatively straightforward task, it is anything but. If you want to keep your home in pristine shape, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance. Some homeowners even go so far as to enroll in home warranty coverage to help offset the costs of repairing any major issues.
When dealing with complex repair issues involving your home’s roof, for example, you will need to reach out to professionals for assistance. The more you know about the factors that can cause roof damage, the easier it will be to mitigate the risks these problems cause.
Major causes of residential roof damage
If you are trying to find out more about the common causes of residential roof damage, check out the useful information below.
Overgrown tree branches
For most homeowners, maintaining a high level of curb appeal is something they view as a priority. One of the most appealing things you can have on the outside of your home is well-manicured trees. The older the trees around your property get, the more trimming and maintenance they will need. As a tree gets older, the branches that it has will start to grow over the top of a home. Leaving these branches in place can become problematic.
If you have a strong storm move through your area, these overgrown branches could get knocked down and cause damage. In some cases, these branches may puncture your roof and cause extensive leaks. Avoiding this common problem is easy when working with experienced tree trimming professionals. These professionals will have the time, tools, and experience to adequately trim overgrown branches. Once this job is done, your trees will look more appealing and your home will be safer as well.
Clogged or damaged gutters
Dealing with large amounts of rainwater is something most homeowners are familiar with, especially during the summer months. One of the main things you need in order to deal with heavy rain is a functional gutter system. Residential gutter systems are designed to remove water from your roof and move it away from your home’s foundation. However, if the gutters are filled with debris or are damaged, they will have a hard time performing the job they were intended for.
Instead of allowing gutter problems to creep up on you, inspect this essential part of your home regularly. If you notice that your gutters are filled with leaves or sticks, contact a professional to clean them out. Companies like Four Seasons Kanga Roof will have no problem getting this work done in a timely manner. With routine cleanings and the right amount of maintenance, you can keep your gutters and roof damage-free.
Rusted or bent flashing
The average residential roof has a number of vents. Whether you have HVAC vents or a chimney coming out of your roof, sealing around them is crucial. Metal flashing is used to create a seal around these vents and prevent leaking, but the older this metal flashing gets, the more problems you will have. If the metal flashing on your roof is bent or rusted, it is only a matter of time before water damage occurs.
If you start to notice a leak around the vents on your roof, you need to contact professionals immediately. The only way to ensure this problem is addressed is by replacing the damaged flashing. Attempting to do this complex job without the help of professionals can lead to even more damage. Before hiring a roofing contractor to replace your damaged flashing, do some research. Ideally, you want to hire a contractor with experience and a good reputation.
Sun damage
One of the most used roofing materials on the planet is asphalt shingles. This roof covering is not only durable, but it is also extremely affordable. The shingles on your roof are exposed to direct sunlight for many hours each day. As time goes by, the exposure to the sun will start to dry out your shingles. When asphalt shingles get dried out, they are more susceptible to damage.
Allowing professionals to perform an inspection of your roof once a year is a great way to discover shingle damage early on. If the roofing contractor feels like your shingles are too damaged to function properly, they will need to replace them. The cost of the repair will be worth it considering the leaks and other damage they can help you avoid.
Wind damage
Forces of nature like wind can also blow shingles off of your roof. The more missing shingles you have, the easier it will be for water to make its way into your home. Inspecting your roof after bad storms can help you discover where shingles are missing and take action before leaks start to occur.
Final words
If your roof has seen better days, it might be time to reach out to professionals to have a look and repair it. With proper maintenance and regular inspections, your roof can last for many years to come.
