Watch Out For These Things That Damage Your Roof

Purchasing a new roof is among the most significant expenses for any homeowner, costing between $5,500 and $11,000. As such, you want to properly maintain your roof to increase its lifespan and avoid costly problems.

Regrettably, numerous factors can wreak havoc on your roof, compromise its integrity, and shorten its lifespan. Learn about five things that could damage your roof so you can watch out for them.

Over time, debris like dust, leaves, sticks, branches, and pine needles accumulates on your roof. When left to sit for long, the debris affects your roof's appearance, performance, and integrity in three ways. Firstly, debris blocks drainage paths allowing water to pool on the roof, resulting in membrane failure, leaks, and mold and algae growth.



Secondly, debris may end up in the gutters, clogging and overloading them. Thirdly, wet debris harbors moisture, leading to shingle deterioration and roofing structure rot. The best way to tackle roof debris is to create a cleaning schedule to keep the roof clean and functional. 

Although most roofs are built to withstand weather damage, strong winds can overpower and ruin them. Turbulent winds are notorious for damaging shingles or even blowing them off. With broken or missing shingles, water and moisture make their way into your ceiling and home's interior.



While wind damage is largely unpreventable, you can minimize its effects. You can start by inspecting your roof after inclement weather to identify any damage. Watch out for curling, worn, and missing shingles. Also, look out for shingles in your yard or around your property. If you suspect any damage, hire a roofing professional to fix it.   

The summer heat can cause a broad range of problems for your roof. For instance, exposure to UV rays wears out and discolors your roofing, dispels oils in roofing material, and makes shingles buckle. Remarkably, vast amounts of heat cause thermal shock, which reduces your roof's structural integrity with time.



You can solve heat problems on your roof by ensuring proper attic ventilation, installing light-colored roofing materials, and investing in a high sloped roof. A high sloped roof has a small part exposed to the sun, minimizing heat damage.   

Apart from nature, poor installation and repairs can hurt your roof and decrease its lifespan. A poorly installed roof is more vulnerable to roofing problems like leaks, flashing failure, storm damage and mold and mildew. Also, it may not function as the manufacturer intended.



With time, your roof may need repairs to tackle issues as they emerge. While the internet is full of DIY roofing repair advice, it is best to work with a roofing professional for all your roof repair needs. A trained, licensed, and experienced roofing contractor performs excellent repairs using quality materials to restore your roof's functionality and appearance. 

During severe weather, the limbs of nearby trees can fall on your roof. It is not uncommon for old, weak, and diseased trees to collapse on a roof and ruin it. In addition, overhanging branches allow bats, birds, raccoons, and other pests into your roof, where they dismantle and destroy roofing materials.

While tree damage can be dangerous and expensive, it is preventable. Start by inspecting all the trees near your house and pruning any overhanging twigs and branches. Also, get rid of weak and diseased trees since they threaten your home and roof's health.

Your roof is crucial in keeping your family safe and protected from the elements. However, it is vulnerable to damage from numerous things, from trees to wind damage. Call All American Roofing for all your roof maintenance and repair needs. With our experience, we will help you protect your roof from damage.