7 Roof Problems That Most Homeowners in Charlottesville, VA Encounter

Roofs are the most overlooked element of a home. Homeowners are more concerned with their kitchen or bathroom renovations but rarely do they spend the time to ensure that their roof is in good shape. Many roof issues can go unnoticed for years, causing extensive property damage and costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

Exposure to the elements is the most common cause of roof damage. Since roofs are usually the highest point of a house, they take more abuse than any other part of your home. In addition to the scorching heat of the summer and freezing temperatures in winter, roofs are exposed to wind, rain, hail, snow, and even tree branches. When homeowners fail to inspect their roof regularly for damage or wear-and-tear issues that might need professional attention, they run the risk of serious problems developing down the road.

To help property owners prevent serious damage to their roofs, Charlottesville, VA-based Superior Roofing, LLC, lists seven of the most common roof problems that homeowners will encounter at some point in their lives. 

Damaged Shingles

One of the most common and least expensive repairs that a roof needs is the replacement or repair of individual shingles. Shingles are made to overlap each other, so when one shingle is damaged or starts to come loose from the roof deck, it can easily tear away and damage the surrounding areas. While minor damage to shingles may not seem like a big deal, those small cracks and tears could cause leaks that can lead to much bigger problems in no time.

Leakage

Leaks are often caused by multiple factors including clogged or missing shingles, loose flashing around chimneys or vents, worn-out seals on vent pipes, and cracks in the exterior walls where water seeps inside. While some leaks can be easy to spot, others are not so apparent. Since most leaks are small and slow at first, they can easily go undetected until extensive damage has occurred. A few symptoms of water leakage include warped or swollen areas in the ceiling and feeling dampness on surfaces that were once dry to the touch. In some cases, leaks can also lead to mold growth inside the walls.

Fallen Branches

Trees are beautiful to look at, but they can also be very dangerous when their branches start falling on the roof of your home. In fact, fallen tree limbs can cause extensive damage to roofs and even puncture big holes in them. Tree branches can do a lot of damage during storms and high winds, so homeowners need to make sure they trim and prune their trees regularly. Unfortunately, many property owners don’t realize just how dangerous uprooted trees or large limbs can be until it is too late.

Moss, Mold, and Mildew

Moss and other types of unwanted vegetation can grow on roofs in damp climates. Moss thrives off moisture, which means that it will cling to the roof until there is no more water for it to soak up. Some moss can also be harmful when it starts growing between shingles and underlayment materials because this leads to leaks over time. Mold and mildew can also grow on roofs, causing discoloration and the spread of mold spores throughout the home.

Animals and Pests

All sorts of animals like to make roofs their homes, including birds and squirrels. While some small rodents can cause damage by gnawing on wires or electrical insulation, others are simply annoying because they leave droppings all over the place. Birds often build nests under shingles or in vent pipes without homeowners realizing it until there is already a big problem. Birds can also cause damage by clogging up roof vents with their nests, which causes ventilation issues over time.

Damaged Gutter and Fascia

A roof is only as strong as its foundation, including the gutters, soffits, and eaves. Gutter damage can lead to leaks because water will back up in the gutter system when it does not have a way of properly draining off. Damaged fascia boards are another common issue that causes leakage concerns for homeowners since they allow water to seep into the roof structure.

Multiple Layers of Shingles

Many older roofs were not properly installed or cared for, so they often have more than one layer of shingles over the top. While multiple layers may look nice at first glance, it can be a sign that water is trapped between them which prevents proper drainage down to the roof deck. Multiple layers also cause problems because each additional layer weakens the overall strength of the roof. When the roof load becomes too heavy, it can put a lot of stress on the nails and fasteners that hold the layers together, which can lead to a roof collapse.

Contact an Experienced Roofing Contractor in Charlottesville, VA Today

Though not all homeowners will have problems with each of these issues at some point or another, it is best to prevent them from occurring in the first place by hiring a professional roofing contractor like Superior Roofing, LLC for annual inspections and repairs when necessary. The better maintained a house’s roof is kept, the longer it should last over time.

Superior Roofing, LLC is a top-rated roofing specialist that offers both residential and commercial roof repair and installation services in Charlottesville, VA, and the surrounding areas. They are a locally owned and operated company that has been in business for more than 17 years, and they specialize in roofing replacement, roof repair, gutter installation, soffit repairs, and so much more. If you have any questions about the best type of roof system to install on your home or how often it is necessary to inspect your roofs for damage or leaks, contact Superior Roofing, LLC at (434) 284-3981 today to schedule a free consultation.