The life of a homeowner is one of maintenance and upkeep in order to keep their home looking brand new. Some of the most unexpected repairs can come from roofing problems and range from small cracks and leaks to more severe damage such as collapsed supports. There are a handful of common roofing problems you should be aware of.
A quick word of advice before starting. Always get professional roof repairs done by a trusted local company like the team at Roofers Elite. Don’t put yourself at risk, let roofers that know what your home needs to survive the harsh Maine winters handle the task safely.
Roof Leaks and Cracks
The most common roof problems are also the ones that can lead to much more concerning issues if not addressed quickly. Leaks that spring from cracked shingles, flashing and slate can create a weaker roof structure and even pockets of moisture that develop into hazardous mold.
Another root cause of cracking is the shrinkage of roof coverings, typically ones made of EPDM rubber. As temperatures change, the rubber can expand and shrink which wrenches tiles and shingles out of their original locations. While these cracks can also occur from the natural settling of chimneys or other features after new construction, mother nature also plays a part.
Wildlife and Weather Damage
If you’ve been on the receiving end of termites or other burrowing insects, you know that even the smallest of critters can have a huge impact on your home. Squirrels and other rodents have a tendency to chomp off and steal anything they can to nest with while woodpeckers can make hundreds of holes throughout the roof over time.
As for weather, Maine homes can see a fair bit of winter damage from snow and ice. Your roof is made to withstand the weight of packed snow but the issues come when it melts. The water finds its way under the shingles and when night comes and the water freezes, those shingles can be pushed up creating gaps that expose even more of your roof to snow and ice.
Winter Isn’t the Only Seasonal Concern
Fall is currently upon us and with the change of colors also comes a change in roof problems. The first is a common piece of maintenance and that’s clogged gutters. When your gutters are clogged, water can get backed up and leak into the roof. The gutter system can also break apart under the stress and cause damage to the edges of the roof or side of the house.
Lastly we have tree damage. As the landscape goes into it’s hibernation for the fall and winter, tree branches become more brittle and are much more susceptible to being blown off due to high winds or freezing rain. Trimming the trees nearest to your roof can help alleviate this concern along with any potential rubbing currently happening which can cause more wear and tear.
Now that you know the most common roof problems, are there any you’re currently experiencing? Whether you’re in need of repairs or want to get ahead with routine maintenance, we encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Roofers Elite for a quick consultation.