What Causes Roof Damage?
You might have the most beautiful furniture and décor, but it could all be ruined if you have serious roof problems that you ignore. There is nothing more devastating to your home’s interior than water marks, damp, leaks and décor damage for a homeowner. There are many reasons for a roof sustaining damage. That’s why it always pays to keep a regular eye on the health of your roof, so you can nip problems in the bud before small leaks become major damage.
Major causes of roof damage include:
Bad Weather – Any extremes in the weather can cause damage such as splitting, buckling, blistering or cracking. Extreme heat, cold or rain can cause these problems, leaving exposed roof parts where water can seep in. High winds can also rip off slates and tiles, leaving areas exposed to the elements. A storm or hurricane can tear off materials from their anchors.
Corrosion – It could be that some of your roof materials have corroded over time. This can happen in areas where there are vents, chimneys, flashings and valleys. Wherever corrosion strikes, this will eventually result in roof damage.
General Wear and Tear – Over time, everything suffers from wear and tear and if your roof is old, it could just be the natural disintegration of materials as they age. Rooftops are the first defence against all the elements and also take a lot of traffic over the years from birds, squirrels, cats and other small animals. Gusts of wind can also blow leaves, branches and other detritus onto your roof.
If you want your roof to last at least its lifespan and even longer, you must commit to carrying out regular maintenance checks. For any problems or repairs needed, contact Cheltenham Roofing at http://hempstedroofing.com/gloucester-roofers/
Rooftops made from asphalt can last for up to 15 years and those made from clay, cement or slate can last a whole lifetime if checked and maintained thoroughly. The areas for checking are those more susceptible to damage and possible leakage.
Valleys – these lie between the roof slopes and as such are prone to a build-up of detritus like leaves and dirt.
Chimneys – if there is insufficient flashing, a chimney is a prime spot for water damage and leaks.
Vent pipes- as an item that protrudes from the roof, this is another are more susceptible to leakage. Inadequate caulking or flashing could well be the culprit and flashings in particular, deteriorate quicker than other roofing materials.
Blocked downpipes – the problem might have nothing to do with a leak in the roof but could come from gutters and downpipes becoming blocked by ice, snow or leaves. When this occurs, water cannot flow down freely and backs up underneath the flashings, shingles or tiles.
The ideal time of year for checking your roof is during the better weather in the summer. It should be done at least by early autumn, before the bad weather and harsh conditions expected during the winter. You should be looking for any cracks, dents or gaps so that small repairs can be made before they turn into very costly ones.
