Every homeowner wants their roof to last for years and offer maximum protection when they need it the most. However, some factors can cause the roof to lose form and deteriorate faster than expected.
Image by Harry Strauss from Pixabay
Whether these are plants growing on the roof, such as mold and algae, or unplanned events such as storms and hurricanes, you always need to stay prepared. Below, we’ve rounded up the five things that can endanger your roof.
That said, it’s worth noting that the level of damage these factors cause will often depend on the type of roofing material and the roof conditions.
1. Moss and Algae
Moss and algae buildup on the roof affects your home’s overall aesthetics, plus it can cause serious structural damage over time. Moss is common in a wet climate and will build up slowly with time. At first, they appear as thin spots on the roof surface that later pushes under the tiles, shingles, and shakes. As they grow, they create holes and eventually lead to roof leaks.
Algae, on the other hand, thrive in warmer and humid environments. And while they aren’t as high risk as moss, they can still wreak havoc on your roof. Algae hold moisture on the roof, which allows them to grow further and cause more damage.
When moss and algae buildup from the roof gets to the attic and eventually inside the house, they pose health risks. Spores from certain types of moss and algae can cause respiratory issues and allergies when inhaled. One way to prevent the moss and algae problem is to inspect the roof regularly and get rid of any debris and moisture buildup.
2. Excessive Heat/Sun
Another common cause of roof damage that many people overlook is excessive heat. This is often caused by strong and prolonged sun exposure. Sun rays contain UV rays that can damage the outer protective layer of the roofing material. This leaves the roof exposed and could eventually cause rust buildup.
Sun rays could also cause roof shingles to dry out and fade, making your home aesthetically unappealing. If your area experiences high temperatures during the day and extreme cold at night, your roof is at risk of cracking. This is due to the sudden expansion and contraction, which causes the roof’s structural integrity to worsen. The result is damaged roof shingles that need to be replaced. A solution is to choose the right roofing material that suits your region, for instance, slate, metal, or clay tiles in hotter climates.
3. Trees
For many people, trees add to their home aesthetics and curb appeal. It may also serve as a shade to your roof, sparing it from excessive sun and heat exposure. And while both these reasons are valid, trees could also introduce more problems than they solve.
To start with, any tree growing next to the roof could easily break its branches during strong winds and storms. If the broken branch fell on the roof, this could cause severe damage. Similarly, leaves, flowers, and other debris landing on the roof could hold moisture leading to moss and algae buildup.
4. Storms
This is one of the natural disasters that can cause serious damage to the roof and anything around your homestead. A typical storm could blow off old roofs or inflict damage leading to breakage and leaks. Severe ice and wind storms could cause more serious damage, and homeowners need to be super cautious.
If you live in areas prone to storms, there are some ways you can prepare to save your roof. One is to cut down trees around your home. You should also place a protective material on the roof, such as plywood, to avoid/minimize the level of damage.
5. Ice and Snow
In areas prone to cold temperatures, ice and snow buildup are common causes of roof damage. Ice and snow are wet and heavy and may cause structural damage to an otherwise weak or old roof. If your area is prone to snow, you want a roof with a steeper pitch. Roofs with a flatter pitch hold ice and snow. This causes moisture buildup and increases the risk of roof damage and water leakage. It’s also advisable to regularly clear any ice and snow buildup to avoid ice dams on your roof.
Stay Ahead Of Common Roof Problems
Most of the roof issues we’ve identified above can be prevented or eliminated altogether. You just have to implement an effective roof inspection and maintenance routine that will help prevent and even fix minor issues before they escalate.
For unplanned events such as storms, it’s best to always stay prepared. Keeping track of the weather and being proactive enough will help you avoid costly damages. If you have an old or worn-out roof, you should opt for a roof replacement. This will prolong your roof’s lifespan, plus it gives you and your loved ones some peace of mind.
