No homeowner wants to hear that they will need to replace their roof or that they will need to pay for a costly repair. Most new roof installations last between 20 and 50 years, but many homeowners are surprised to find that water damage can drastically shorten this life span. There are many ways that water can damage your roof, from overloaded gutters to rusted nails and loose shingles. Even small problems can escalate and lead to costly and time-consuming roof repairs. Understanding how roof water damage can damage your roof is key to preventing it and making your roof last for a lifetime.
Cracked Roofs
One of the most common ways that water can damage your roof—and the interior of your home—is through cracks in the roof itself. In some cases, the flashing is not tight to the roof, there are gaps in the chimney, or shingles have been improperly installed and allow rainwater and humidity to seep through and eat away at your roof. Not only does this damage the roof, but it can also short out your wiring, cause water to pool on the inside of the home, and encourage the development of mold. Scheduling an appointment with a roofing company for a yearly inspection can uncover these cracks before they cause major damage to your roof.
Mold Accumulation
Cracks in the roof, spaces between the shingles, and holes in the foundation can cause the buildup of deadly mold. This mold can expand into the interior of the home, causing home damage and making your household members sick. If you allow water to stand too long on the roof, it will eventually make its way into the house, potentially costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. In addition to having to remove the mold, you may have to re-paint or replace damaged furniture or appliances.
Rusting Nails
Most people don’t think of the nuts and bolts of roof installation and repair, but the nails that hold together your shingles are important to the integrity of the roof. When water seeps under the shingles, the nails can get rusty and lose their ability to hold the roof together. During heavy storms, your shingles can go flying. Hiring a knowledgeable contractor that knows which nails to use is key to ensuring your roof will withstand the elements.
Clogged Gutters
While it may seem like a clogged gutter is a minor nuisance, the truth is that it can wreak havoc on your roof, leading to costly repairs. Gutter-related roof problems often happen in the fall when heavy leaves wet by autumn rains accumulate in the gutters around your house. When the rain gutters become bogged down with leaves and other debris, water has nowhere to run off, so your roof will not be able to handle the weight of the rain and debris and may start to leak.
On the other hand, you might notice water dripping into your attic, crawl space, and home. Also, you could even notice ongoing drips from the ceiling or a steady stream of water after a storm.
It’s possible avoid this rain damage to your roof by having your gutters cleaned regularly, especially in rainy seasons or when the leaves are falling.
Roof Runoff
There are other unexpected consequences of standing water on roofs. Clogged gutters can overflow, pouring water into your yard and destroying your plant beds, shrubs, and flowers. It can flood your yard, making it swampy and muddy. You may have to re-plant your grass and re-seed your yard to replace damaged lawns.
Maintaining your roof is the easiest way to ensure that it will last as long as your home. Summer humidity, heavy rains, and even snow can cause your roof to become damaged, leaking water into your home and yard and costing you huge repair bills.
A simple annual maintenance from an Atlanta roofing company is affordable and effective and could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Dealing with Roof Water Damage?
The team of experts at Pro Roofing & Siding works with all types of roofs, and we are glad to perform routine maintenance on yours. We identify areas of weakness, replace missing shingles, and repair damaged flashing. We can recognize the signs of wear and repair them before they become a problem. Contact us to discuss your roof maintenance and repair needs today.
