A roof over your head is one of the most important things in the world and something a lot of us take for granted. A roof that is well maintained and in a good condition is just as important for the safety of your belongings and your family. It is quite common for people to not notice damage to their roof before it’s too late or not know where the damage came from.
This is why we are going to be looking at common reasons for roof damage. This should help cast a light on where roof damage can come from as while some of the reasons are obvious, some may surprise you and it’s important to highlight why your roof is damaged so you have a better chance of getting the right repairs performed.
Below are 6 ways that your roof can become damaged. These range from freak occurrences out of your control to more long term factors and are designed to help you identify whether your home might be at risk from roof damage.
Weather
Weather is well known for the damage it can do to your home. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, hailstorms, high winds, and snow, can cause significant damage to a roof over time. Constant exposure to these elements can cause shingles to deteriorate, flashings to loosen, and leaks. While the UK is not home to these strong weather conditions all that regularly, long term downpours and strong winds are common and are a leading cause of roof damage in the UK, particularly in Scotland and on the coast where winds and rain are often stronger and more fierce.
Poor installation
If a roof is not installed correctly, it can cause various issues, including leaks and premature wear and tear. This is why it is crucial to hire a reputable and experienced roofing contractor. It’s also important to leave any repairs or corrections to a professional. If you suspect something is wrong, please don’t try and fix it yourself. Not only can this void insurance claims in a worst case scenario, it is irresponsible and dangerous and rarely results in more than a temporary fix and more commonly results in far more damage being done.
Lack of maintenance
Regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, removing debris, and checking for damage, can prevent small issues from becoming more significant problems. Roof inspection and maintenance should be performed regularly. Inspections should be at least yearly and after adverse weather conditions such as storms, hail, or high winds. If you insist on doing inspections yourself, things to spot are cracks, missing tiles and areas of potential rot. It’s also worth checking any rooms directly below the roof such as the attic to look for any signs of leak or damp.
Ageing
As a roof ages, it becomes more vulnerable to damage, and the materials can begin to deteriorate. This can lead to leaks and other issues that require repair or replacement. Older homes are typically the culprit as their roofs are obviously older and they aren’t made from more modern materials that can last longer. A roofing inspection when you move into an older house from a contractor you trust is always a good idea to ensure you aren’t going to be running into problems down the road.
Tree damage
Trees too close to your home can be a major hazard and it’s highly recommended that you prune or remove any trees within close distance to your home. Older trees in particular can be dangerous and it can be worth asking a tree surgeon to inspect nearby trees to see what their health is like. Falling branches, limbs, or entire trees can cause serious damage to a roof. This can lead to leaks, structural damage, and other issues.
Foot traffic
Walking on a roof can cause damage, particularly if the person doing so is not careful. Roofers, HVAC technicians, and other service providers can cause damage to a roof if they are not careful when working on it. Most professionals will know where to step and this is why vetting is so important when it comes to contractors. Proper contractors will cause minimal if any damage to your roof. This is also why avoiding any repairs or maintenance yourself is key. You will not only likely harm the place you are working on but the surrounding areas.
Overall, the best way to prevent roof damage is to stay on top of regular
maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise. While you cannot control adverse weather or roof ageing, you can be responsive to the dangers and put an inspection plan in place to spot any minor concerns before they become big problems. If you do spot any issues, please don’t try to fix them yourself as this will only cause more damage and won’t fix the problem.
Get in touch for a free quote, consultation or just some advice. Leading roofing specialists in Hull and Yorkshire, we can provide professional roofing guidance and ensure that you always have a solid roof over your head.
