subject: The Causes Of Roof Damage [print this page] There are many ways in which a roof can be damaged. While some problems are more common than others, the quickest way to damage a roof is to maintain it poorly. Being aware of common causes for roofing damage will allow you to mitigate the chances of problems getting worse, and may reduce the cost of maintenance when it is necessary.
Here, we will address some of the more common causes for roof damage, as well as how you can help prevent them and lessen their impact.
Weathering is perhaps the most common way roofing is damaged, and it is often relatively unavoidable. However, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of weathering impacting your roof, and while some of them can be tackled on your own, many will require the aid of a professional maintenance team.
The first step you'll want to take is to check your roof for debris periodically. Organic matter such as branches and leaves tend to collect in gutters, against HVAC unites, around pipes, and in drains. Clearing your roof of this debris will prevent it from soaking up water and damaging your roof over time. You can also trim back any branches that hang over your roof, reducing the amount of debris that will collect in the future.
Rain gutters and drains can be tested with water to ensure they are working properly. Having a maintenance team take a look at your roof will tell you about any potential problems you could run into, and will help you catch early warning signs about potential damage factors.
If you are checking your roof and encounter blisters, be very careful not to step on or otherwise puncture them. Breaking these blisters will expose the material underneath, which is much more susceptible to weathering. Blisters will need to be handled by a professional team.
You can also check your roof to ensure that caulking, sealant, and flashing (thin strips of metal that protect seams and edges from moisture) are all present and undamaged. Damaged caulking, sealant, and flashings will need to be replaced.
You can also look at the mortar of the chimney in order to determine whether it is deteriorated. While you can diagnose many of these problems, you will likely want to contact a professional team in order to actually solve them. Being aware of problems with your roof before they get worse is a good way to reduce costs.
