Well, that’s unfortunate. 😱
Unfortunately, your roof is not untouchable; some things in the world have made it their mission to ruin or damage it. There will always be something trying to damage your roof, no matter where you live. As a responsible homeowner, you need to be aware of the dangers and do what you can to keep them away. This is true whether it’s the rain and trees in the north or the wind and snow in the Midwest.
👀 What to watch out for:
Hail: Some people think that if the hail pieces are small, they don’t pose a threat. This is not true. Hail can cause damage, regardless of its size. Each hailstorm can weaken the granules, so even if it does not destroy the roof at once, it will gradually cause damage. With time, weaker granules can lead to leaks.
Snow and Ice: For those that live in colder climates, snow and ice are huge problems. Not only do they cause leaks, but their weight can damage the structure of the roof. Icicles can lead to mold formation, water damage, wood rot, and even leaks if they are not removed regularly. To avoid such a situation, you must have proper attic ventilation and regular maintenance services from roofing professionals.
Trees: Homes in heavily wooded areas are forced to deal with trees. While they provide beautiful scenery, especially in the spring and fall, they can also cause significant damage. Heavy rains and storms can cause tree limbs and branches to break and fall off your roof, causing shingles to break. This can lead to leaks in your attic, and moisture can seep into your home. To avoid damage to your roof, you must regularly inspect trees and prune their branches.
Moss and algae: For those who live in the Pacific Northwest, moss and algae are nothing new. You often see these friends in places where there is a lot of moisture. They are generally seen on areas of the roof that are under the shade of a tree. Once there is moss or algae growth on the roof, it acts like a sponge that holds water against the surface of your roof. This causes the roof to rot.
Critters: Out of all of these, critters can do the most damage in the shortest amount of time. What makes this more difficult is that there are so many different types of critters to watch out for. Insects, birds, and animals can also cause significant damage to the roof. Insects such as woodborers and termites, for example, can eat away at the timber that supports your roof, resulting in severe damage. On the other hand, birds may poke holes in your shingles, causing distortions and breakages. Similarly, raccoons can damage shingles and vents.
What do you do?
Some of these dangers are unavoidable; however, that doesn’t mean you should give up on them. For any of the weather-related dangers, the most effective thing that you can do is do an inspection after any big storm. Make sure that there are no new leaks or damages to be concerned about. If you see any that you are concerned about, call your local roofing specialist to come take a look. Keeping your shingles clean will help with the moss and algae issue.
When it comes to critters, making sure that your gutters are clean and doing regular inspections is the most effective way to keep them away. If you find that you have some new friends crashing into your home, call your extermination company to remove them properly, then have your roofing specialist take a look to make sure no damage was done.
Conclusion
There are many things that pose concern for not only the roof but the home as a whole. You cannot always control all of them. You can do your part to prevent them, but even that has its limits. You may do everything in your power to save your roof, but it still gets damaged. Yes, this stinks, but on the bright side, your friends at Sterling Constructionhave your back. If you have any questions or concerns, call us today. We will do everything in our power to make sure you and your family are safe and sound, no matter what the damage.
