For most homeowners, their home is the biggest investment they’ll make in a lifetime. That’s why one of the most important things you can do is to take steps to protect that investment. And perhaps the most integral component of protecting that investment is keeping your roof in good working condition for as long as possible.
But to keep your roof in good shape, it’s essential to check for common roof repairs and manage them before they become serious. This post from J&J Roofing in Michigan covers some of the most common residential roof repairs, so you know what to watch out for.
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Shingle Problems
Although shingle damage can be one of the more obvious roof repair issues, these issues are not always visible to an untrained eye.
These are some of the most common shingle problems for residential roofs.
Missing Shingles
This is fairly self-explanatory. Missing shingles can often occur after a strong storm. However, damaged shingles can also be lifted off over time when left without repair.
Cracked or Broken Shingles
Similar to missing shingles, cracked shingles allow moisture to get into the roof underlayment, which can cause serious structural issues and mold growth inside your home.
Missing Granules
When shingles are missing granules, the roof structure underneath can become vulnerable. You may recognize this problem by the presence of granules on your lawn.
Shrinking
As roofs age, exposure to years of extreme weather and freeze and thaw cycles can lead to shrinkage in some shingle materials.
Lifting
Sometimes shingles can lift at the edges, allowing moisture into the roof underlayment.
Curled Shingles
Heat and thaw cycles and exposure to moisture can lead to shingle curling. Cupping refers to shingles curling outward, whereas clawing refers to shingles curling in. Not only does this look unattractive, but it can also lead to shingles lifting.
Other Common Roof Repair Issues
Not all roof repair issues are shingle-related; unfortunately, some of those types of roof repair problems can be difficult to diagnose without a professional. If you suspect any of these issues listed below, it’s important to have your roof professionally inspected immediately.
Ice Dams
Generally, an ice dam forms when the heat from your home’s interior rises through your ceiling into the attic and warms the roof’s surface.
Ice dams can seriously harm your home. If unattended, they can loosen your shingles, break off your gutters, and cause water to penetrate inside your home.
In addition, water that cannot adequately drain off finds its way beneath your roof and enters the attic. It can then penetrate insulation, ceilings, walls, and other surfaces, resulting in peeling paint, discolored and sagging ceilings, warped flooring, and other issues.
Flashing Damage
Your roof’s flashing is designed to protect some parts of your roof that may be vulnerable when left unprotected. Hence, if your flashing suffers any damage, it calls for concern. Although roof flashing is designed to be solid and durable, it can also get weak over some period of time.
In other words, your flashing could get damaged from poor installations, bad repairs, aging and other human errors. When damage sets in, it often leads to cracks, twists and bends in your flashing, leaving it porous for moisture to penetrate your roof seams.
This situation can pose a huge challenge to your home during heavy rain. Therefore, the ideal thing to do to avert the worsening of your flashing damage is to invite a roofing contractor to run a full inspection on your flashing.
Airflow Issues
Airflow, also referred to as roof ventilation, is meant to aid the inward and outward flow of air to keep the air circulation in your home conducive. Without this roof ventilation system, air that comes into your home will be trapped inside, which can lead to issues for your property.
Some of the issues that can result from a poor airflow system include the growth of mildew, mold in winter, and difficulty in keeping your home cool in the summer.
Schedule a Michigan Roof Inspection Today
Do you have an aging roof or a water leak in your home? Don’t risk cumulative damage that could cost you significantly or even require a premature roof replacement. Schedule your roof inspection today by calling 586-445-6455, or contact us online to connect with a contractor and learn more about our roofing and insulation services.