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By: Rae Fakner
* What are some of the typical causes of roof problems?
There are different types of roof problems, and it is best
to be aware of them so you can avoid shortening the life
span of the roof. Some typical roof problems are:
Not enough maintenance done. Failing to fix minor roof
problems can lead to a bigger problems later on. Structural
damage caused by any physical contact can also lead to more
problems later on.
Climate and Weather. Extreme weather (hail, ice, snow,
scorching heat) can expedite the deterioration of a roof.
Strong winds can, of course, damage the roof as well.
Industrially polluted or salty air (as near the sea) and
other atmospheric contaminants are also contributing factors.
Wrong design. A faulty design can lead to early problems.
A weak or improperly attached roof can also collapse from
weight.
Flashing problems. Flashings are used to make the roof
watertight. Improper installation and weak flashing can
make the roof leak and by the time it is discovered, water
damage maybe extensive.
* How do I know if I need a new roof if I don't see any
leaks?
Leaks are not the only reason for replacing a roof. Furthermore,
if you wait until you begin seeing leaks, you may end up
with more damage and a bigger problem than you had hoped.
So, check your roof regularly for the following:
- Age of roof - Depending on the kind of roofing, a roof
can last up to 20 years. If your roof is 15 years old, you
should be watching for signs of needing repair.
- Missing or torn shingles - Damaged shingles expose the
roof to water damage and rot. They also make it so that
other shingles may be blown away in the wind. Old shingles
may curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness.
These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away
by wind gusts.
- Rusted or missing flashing - Flashing is the metal that
surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes. It is also
often found in the valleys of the roof where the roof sections
meet. If it is rusted, damaged or missing, it could cause
leaks.
- Gutters - Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for
damage or decay. Look for broken pieces of paint and scraps
of roofing. This may be a sign that your roof needs some
attention.
- Inside Walls - Watch for discolored plasterboard or cracked
paint and peeling wallpaper indoors. This could be a sign
of a leaky roof.
* What kind of preventive maintenance should I do for my
roof?
Since roofs are constantly exposed to the elements, most
roof damage results from weather and pollutants in the atmosphere.
To save yourself big repair costs or even having to replace
your roof before its time, you should perform a general
inspection on your roof at least twice a year, checking
for mildew, mold, rust, trapped water, and possible damage,
and make minor repairs if necessary. That is the best preventive
maintenance you can do.
Also, be sure to keep your roof clean. Remove any debris
that may accumulate on it and clean out the roof gutters
regularly. Also, repair any weather damage as soon as it
occurs.
About The Author
Rae Fakner is editor of http://www.roofingfaq.com/, the
online guide to Roofing. He also writes Roofing FAQ's for
http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/RoofingQuestions/.
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