Results of Roof Maintenance Neglect
Shingles are flat, overlapping items that protect the roof from water and other damaging elements. Shingles are typically constructed of wood, slate, asphalt or composite materials. Staples or roofing nails are typically used to keep shingles in place. It usually takes s few days for a roofing contractor Houston to complete installation on a new house. Very large houses or roofs that require specialty products may take longer. Inclement weather can inhibit roof construction. Roofing companies will avoid working on days when rain is probable and will cover the roof with a waterproof tarp to prevent any leakage.
Leaking Roof
Roof leaks are common, yet very distressing, as they are the cause of damage to the home. A roof without proper maintenance and care is at risk of damage from a variety of sources. Due to the occurrence of extreme weather events, Houston TX homeowners should stay proactive when it comes to roof maintenance. Your roofing contractor should provide a free annual roofing inspection. That regular maintenance will help spot and prevent damaged and weathered sections from leaking, but many homeowners don’t realize there is a problem until it is too late and serious damage has been done to their home.
What are the Causes Of a Roof Leak
The simplest cause of roof leaks is age. Temperature changes that come with seasonal weather, ultraviolet rays from the sun, wind, and storms all wear on your the roof shingles and dissolve the tar that holds everything together. Inclement weather can wreak havoc on rooftops. High winds can pull off shingles, and excessive rain or snow will worm its way into any cracks in the roof and penetrate the house beneath. Any holes in the roof, whether from the removal of a rooftop installation or from vents that are not properly sealed, allow water to infiltrate the home.
Your Roof Can Be Compromised By Extra Weight
Extra weight from debris, such as large branches or a buildup of snow and ice, weighs down the roof. The extra pressure compromises the overall integrity of the structure Debris can also collect water, preventing it from reaching the gutters and the ground. The excess trapped moisture seeps through the roof and causes rot. Overflowing gutters back up water onto the roof and, like debris on the roof, keep the water trapped in one place where it can do significant damage.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
With the various ways a roof can be damaged, it’s important for homeowners to do their part to keep their roof safe. Keeping the roof clean is important, and professional roof cleaning services are available to handle especially dangerous or dirty roofs. A clean roof is easier to examine for any weaknesses and can prevent rot from setting in. An examination of the roof, either from a ladder or from the ground with a pair of binoculars, should be performed after every major storm to locate possible damages caused by rain and high winds. Trimming overhanging tree branches near the roof keeps branches and leaves from falling onto the roof and either directly damaging the structure or clogging the gutters. Clogged gutters are a huge nuisance, and regular cleaning of gutters will help keep the roof and the rest of the house safe from water damage. With a bit of vigilance and care, any roof can protect a home for many years.