subject: 3 Causes For Roofing Problems [print this page] There are many common causes to roofing problems, although by far the most common is the lack of any type of maintenance. Some types of roof maintenance are simple, and can be accomplished by the homeowner, although if small problems worsen they will need to be handled by a professional repair team.
Attempting to find and diagnose problems with your roof early on will allow you to save on overall repair costs. If your roof has a low slope, or does not drain water well during the rainy season, you may want to check it for debris, clogs, and other types of problems. Finding areas of the roof that collect water before they can damage the roof is also a good way to prevent significant damage.
Weathering is a relatively unstoppable source of roof problems, and refers to wind, rain, sun, and so on. Exposure to extreme weather will damage roofing more quickly, and having ways to prevent your roof from being damaged by weathering is a good way to keep down maintenance costs.
Flashings (thin strips of metal used to seal edges and seams), caulking, sealant, and other preventative measures should be checked periodically in order to determine whether they are functioning as they should. You can also test drains and gutters to ensure they are draining water efficiently.
Wind damage can be a source of severe roof damage, especially when there are large pieces of debris blown into roofing. Shingles can be broken, and blisters can be punctured if they are present, by sufficiently powerful wind blowing objects into your roof.
While there is no real way to prevent anything from striking your roof, you will want to check it after storms or other periods of heavy wind. Be careful when dealing with shingled roofing, as a misstep can damage the shingles further or may even be potentially dangerous for the person on the roof.
Poor design may also contribute to roofing problems, and having a repair or maintenance team diagnose your roof can help you determine whether it is subject to damage more than other roofing types. There are some steps you can take to remedy a poorly designed roof, but simply being aware of the fact that it is more likely to be damaged should help you prepare for damage. Being conscious of these potential causes for problems will allow you to foresee and, ideally, prevent any major damage.
