As every homeowner knows, the roof above your head is one of the most important aspects of your property. Not only does the proper roof add resale value to your home (as well as curb appeal), but it also protects you and your family from the elements and reinforces the structural integrity of your home.

Unfortunately, if your roof is aging or wasn’t installed properly, roof damage is likely to occur; and for a myriad of different reasons. When this happens, many homeowners are left feeling helpless and typically have a range of questions, such as “will my insurance cover repair costs?” or “am I in need of roof repair or a full roof replacement.”

While experiencing roof damage can be one of the most frustrating times of a homeowner’s life, you can effectively avoid roofing issues by taking the necessary steps to prevent it in the first place. This comes with educating yourself on the most common causes of roof damage, in order to take steps toward preventing these roof issues.

As the most reputable roofing company in Newnan, Georgia, our goal at Eagle Watch Roofing is to not only provide the most exceptional roofing repair, maintenance, and replacement services but to also ensure our customers are well aware of their part in maintaining their roofs. With this in mind, here are just a few of the most common causes of roof damage, and how to prevent them.

Faulty Or Improper Roof Installation 

As unfortunate as it may seem, some roofing contractors are frauds, especially in North Georgia, where being licensed isn’t even enforced by law. This can lead to a myriad of roofing companies who are either unqualified or unfit to handle your roofing installation, which will ultimately mean your roof won’t be installed properly in order to withstand the elements.

This can lead to a myriad of roofing companies who are either unqualified or unfit to handle your roofing installation, which will ultimately mean your roof won’t be installed properly in order to withstand the elements.

Think of it like this: if you go to an unqualified mechanic for an engine repair, the chances of your engine truly being fixed are slim to none. The same goes for a roofing contractor, which is why you should do extensive research on each company you’re thinking of hiring, ensuring to inspect their accolades and certifications, as well as reviews and testimonials from past customers.

Moisture And Roof Leaks

Aging roofs are notorious for roof leaks, as excess moisture from rain and thunderstorms can seep its way underneath shingles and into the structure of your home.

When leaks happen, and you don’t opt to immediately have them repaired, you could quickly be looking at a myriad of more serious problems, including mold growth — which could affect the health of you and your family — and structural rot, which could cause your home to become unstable and unsafe.

Incorrectly Installed Roof Flashing

Known as the material used to seal the areas of your roof that have been penetrated — such as vent pipes, chimneys, sky lights, windows, and heating or cooling systems — roof flashing is one of the most important roofing aspects in terms of maintaining an airtight seal on your roof.

Unfortunately, flashing is commonly installed improperly, which can lead to open seams in your roof and could ultimately lead to tiles blowing off in high winds. What’s worse? Improper flashing installation can reduce the puncture resistance of your roof, which is an open invitation for leaks.

Pest Damage

It may come as a surprise to some homeowners, but pests — such as squirrels, rodents, insects, and even birds — can all cause serious damage to your roof.

For this reason alone, it’s best to consult with a professional roofing company in order to figure out what pests, in particular, can cause problems and how to prevent pests.

Pooling Water

Any excess water that doesn’t run off your roof is a tell tale sign of a roofing problem. The proper roofing system, along with your gutters, will be able to successfully send water away from your property.

When this doesn’t happen, you’re likely to receive leaks and cause excess weight to be placed on your roof which could cause it to cave in.

Penetrations And Punctures

In the South East, hail and heavy winds are a common occurrence, especially during the summer and fall months.

Sadly, these weather conditions can cause punctures and penetrations of your home’s roof. This is why the sealant around your roof should be inspected by a roofing professional regularly, especially during the months when nasty weather conditions are more common.

Tree Damage

If your room had one main nemesis in a long list of foes, it would have to be trees. Not only can overhanging tree branches cause friction and abrasion to your shingles and tiles — causing them to loosen or fall off — but they are also prone to collapse entirely on your roof during a storm, which could cause serious damage.

Thousands of homeowners in the United States are victims of falling tree branches and limbs, causing them to replace their entire roof. With this in mind, you should always ensure trees aren’t growing anywhere near your roof.

If you just so happen to have an existing tree next to your recently purchased home, you should consider having it removed or (at the very least) arrange for the limbs and branches to be trimmed regularly.

Inadequate Ventilation

A key element when it comes to your roof’s longevity, roof, and attic ventilation occurs naturally when vents are installed at the base of your roof, and at or near the top of your roof (also known as the roof ridge) in order to ensure warm air has an opportunity to leave through the top and cooler air can be pulled through the bottom.

The great part about ventilation for your roof is the fact that no mechanical or electrical device is necessary to ensure proper ventilation, as warm air rises naturally. The proper roofing ventilation will allow you to regulate both moisture and temperature levels in your attic.

However, if left uninspected, moisture and heat have the potential to build up, which can cause severe damage to your sheathing, insulations, rafters, and shingles, and could also result in an abnormal spike in energy costs.

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