Three Threats to Your Roof

Roof problems can occur unexpectedly, even to newer homes. That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye on your roof so you can spot damage in its early stages. If you find damage early on, you can have it repaired before a small problem turns into a bigger, more costly one. Here are three threats to your roof to keep in mind. Whenever you find damage, contact Eagle Watch Roofing, your Newman, GA Roofer, for information and help. We’ll help you control and repair problems with your roof before they can grow.

Bad Weather

Bad weather is the most common cause of damage to roofs. High wind is one of the worst offenders. All it takes is a single large gust, and your roof may need significant repair due to lost or damaged tiles. Also, repeated exposure to high winds may cause gradual deterioration over time.

Here in Atlanta, our rainstorms are often accompanied by high winds. After a windy storm, go outside and take a look at your roof. You can’t always spot damage from the ground, but you can see some damage. Look for small patches of the roof that look lighter or darker than the rest of the roof. Often, shingles that have been pulled up or damaged will look different than the other shingles. Also, check on the ground for any shingles or parts of shingles that may have blown loose. Finally, check gutter downspouts for granules. If the protective granules on your shingles are coming loose, they will often end up washed down your gutters.

Heavy rain, hail, or snowstorms can batter your home’s roof and cause holes that need patching. In some cases, entire sections may need to be replaced. Left unrepaired, moisture that collects on the roof or beneath it can cause severe and expensive damage. Moisture that seeps into the home can cause more widespread damage that will be harder to fix.

Finally, even sunny days can be rough on your roof. As an asphalt shingle roof ages, the protective granules on the shingles can come loose. The granules are your shingles’ primary defense against UV rays. One some of the shingles are gone, the sun can slowly degrade the asphalt shingle, making it more prone to damage from other weather. Sometimes the sun alone can cause a shingle to buckle, warp, or crack.

Wildlife

Birds and small animals often make nests in or under the roofing. Some are able to make their way into the home’s attic or structure to cause extensive problems. It is important to ensure roof tiles and sheeting are secure without openings for animals to enter. Raccoons love to burrow in these areas, and bats sometimes make their home there, as well. Insects can cause damage, too. You don’t want carpenter ants or bees, along with other insects, eating the roof materials and creating problems that will be expensive to fix. It is a good idea to have the roof inspected periodically, perhaps annually, for evidence of insect infestation.

One way you can reduce the risk of animal infestation on your roof is to keep trees and bushes away from the roof. A hanging tree limb can act as a highway for bugs and rodents to get onto your roof. Eagle Watch Roofing suggests trimming all trees and bushes at least 6 feet away from your roof or the walls of your home. That makes it very hard for crawling insects or rodents to get onto your roof.

Tree Branches

Trees that overhang the roof, whether on your property or a neighbor’s, can occasionally drop branches onto the roof. Branches may fall due to rough weather, tree aging, pest infiltration, or blight. That’s another reason to keep trees that stand near the home trimmed back. It will help avoid damage to the roof from falling debris. If a part of a tree should drop, make sure that any fallen branches removed as soon as possible. Debris on your roof can trap moisture, which is your roof’s number one enemy.

While it’s easy to take your roof for granted, it plays a crucial role in keeping your home secure. Regular inspections and minor repairs will keep your roof working and in prime condition for years to come. If you are concerned about the condition your roof is in, contact Eagle Watch Roofing now to schedule an inspection.