When you think of roof damage, you likely think of the damage caused by extreme weather that requires storm damage restoration. However, there are many other potential causes of roof damage. These possible causes of damage include tree branches, roof debris, animals, poorly maintained gutters, worn flashing, and even the sun’s rays. No matter what the cause of your roof’s damage may be, you should contact a reputable professional roofing firm to safely and effectively make the necessary repairs. Read on to learn more about the different causes of roof damage.
Schedule Your Storm Damage Restoration Inspection Today!
Inclement Weather Can Cause Roof Damage
Inclement weather is one of the most common causes of roof damage. Tornados, hail storms, and wind storms can all cause roof damage. Even a garden-variety rainstorm can lead to roof damage.
Tree Branches Can Lead To Roof Damage
Tree branches are one of the most common causes of roof damage. Of course, tree branches can be snapped off by high winds and land on the roof. Dead tree branches may simply fall off and land on your roof. If you have a tree growing very close to your house and you do not get it trimmed, live tree branches may sway and strike your roof, potentially causing severe damage. This is one reason why it is so important to get trees trimmed if the branches overhang your roof. Even if the tree branch itself does not damage your roof, it may drop acorns, pine needles, leaves, and other debris onto your roof that could eventually lead to damage.
Roof Debris Can Cause Roof Damage
While debris from nearby trees can certainly cause roof damage, this is not the only type of debris that can be dangerous for your roof. Trash can end up on your roof, where it can cause gutter blockages and erosion. Also, if your kids or the kids in the neighborhood get a ball stuck on your roof, this can cause damage and gutter blockages. Any roof debris, no matter what type, should be removed immediately to protect your roof.
Animals and Roof Damage
There are a wide variety of animals and insects that may damage your roof. Woodpeckers, for example, are known to drill into roofs in search of insects nesting in the wood underneath the shingles. Raccoons are known to tear off shingles and flashing to get inside a house in search of food. Rodents like squirrels, mice, and rats can also cause extensive roof damage. If you are concerned that animals or insects may be causing damage to your roof, you should call both a pest control service and a roofing company.
Poorly Maintained Gutters Can Lead To Roof Damage
Cleaning gutters is a pain, but it is vital to maintain the condition of your roof. Improperly maintained gutters may clog and result in water spilling over onto your roof. This can lead to leaks, which can cause extensive roof damage in a relatively short period.
Worn Flashing and Roof Damage
Worn flashing is one of the most overlooked ways that a roof can become damaged. Flashing is a thin strip of weatherproof material found around chimneys, the edges of your roof, and vents. While this material is weatherproofed from the factory, it will eventually become worn and become susceptible to leaks. Even the sealant around the edges of the flashing can become worn over time and let in water. Once a leak starts, it will only get worse. You should replace worn flashing according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A good rule of thumb is to replace worn flashing when the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
The Sun Leads to Roof Damage
Most of the common causes of roof damage are related to inclement weather. However, your roof may also be sustaining invisible damage on sunny days. UV rays from the Sun can cause your shingles to dry out. Over a long period of time, this may lead to the shingle breaking down and becoming susceptible to inclement weather. If this happens, the shingles will eventually start leaking, and your roof may be badly damaged.
Getting Roof Damage Fixed
No matter what caused damage to your roof, it is imperative that you get this damage repaired as quickly as possible. The damage will only worsen and become more expensive to repair over time. This is especially true if you have a leak. A small leak can completely destroy a roof in a surprisingly short time, so you should call in the professionals as soon as you notice any sign of water damage.
Keep in mind that many roof damage repairs are covered by insurance. If you have a mortgage on your house, you are likely required to have an insurance policy covering roof repairs in the case of some kind of roof damage. It is best to work with a roofing company with experience dealing with insurance companies, making the process less of a headache for you.