When you own a home, it's your responsibility to keep the roof in good condition. If you don't take care of small problems before they become big ones, your roof is at risk of leaking or falling apart. That's not something you want to deal with when it's raining! There are several factors that contribute to roof damage, and we cover the top seven in this blog post.

Weather

It's a fact, roofs, like all other parts of a building, age over time. Like any other part of the structure, they're exposed to the weather every day. The roof is the most exposed part of your home, and it's subject to a wide range of weather conditions. The roof is damaged by strong winds and storms or simply by wear and tear over time.

Shingles are made from asphalt or fiberglass, both of which make them strong enough to withstand strong winds and heavy hail. No matter how strong they are, they still get damaged by fire or extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. Storms usually carry debris that hits roofs at high speeds. These sharp objects puncture holes into the shingles themselves or tear away pieces of them as they bounce off other objects. 

Heat from the sun causes a number of problems with your roof. For example, heat causes shingles to curl and crack, which leads to leaks and damage. It also dries out asphalt shingles and makes them crack. The sun’s UV rays also damage roofing materials, including asphalt shingles. This leads to peeling, cracking and curling, which makes your roof more vulnerable to water damage. Heat also causes your roof to expand, which causes cracks in the shingles or even lead to leaks. This is especially true of asphalt shingles, which are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Improper Installation or Design

There are a number of ways you cause roof damage during installation or design. For example, if you have shingles that are too small for the job or improperly installed flashing (such as around vents), water may leak into your attic and get trapped there. The longer water sits in your attic, the more likely it is to cause damage to the rest of your home or business like mold growth and wood rot.

Another common mistake is not properly installing skylights or other vents in a way that allows for drainage through downspouts. This leads to water filling up inside your house instead of running off through gutters and downspouts like it should.

Low-Quality Materials

One of the most common causes of roof damage is low-quality materials. The best roofs are made from durable, waterproof and easy to clean materials that last for years. The worst roofs are brittle, flammable and don't last as long. The best way to avoid problems with your roof is by choosing a high-quality material and installing it properly. Don't skimp on the quality of materials and installation.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the metal covering that protects the edges of a roof. It prevents water from seeping into the roof, which damages your home’s structure. Flashing is most often damaged by hail, but it’s also damaged when there are improper installations, improper maintenance, and age-related problems. Flashing is made from metal, and the most common metals used are copper and galvanized steel. It’s also made from plastics or other materials that are resistant to water damage.

Clogged Valleys and Gutters

A valley is the part of a roof that connects two sloping sides and directs runoff water to gutter lines. The gutter is the system of pipes, tubes and other parts that drain water from your roof away from your home. Valleys are prone to clogging because they are hard to access for cleaning, especially if you have a steep-pitched or multi-sloped roof. Also, plants grow up into the area behind your gutters, further contributing to clogs by blocking drainage channels.

If you see standing water in gutters during rainstorms or after heavy winds blow leaves onto your home's eaves (or leaves fall into them), call an expert immediately! They clean out blockages before they cause more serious damage—like leaks inside your home or  business.

The most common causes of roof damage include weather, improper installation, and low-quality materials. A lot can go wrong with your roof if it’s not properly maintained and cared for, so it’s important to get regular inspections done by a professional. Call Lewis Roofing for a roof inspection, maintenance, and any other roofing needs you may have!