Almost every homeowner has faced a roof problem at one point or another in their life. However, unlike other parts of your home like the living room, kitchen or garden, roofs are often left unnoticed until a tiny problem blows up to something much bigger.

While homeowners may renovate their kitchen or bedroom frequently, it's not often that they’d think of renovating their roofs. Since it’s the roof that is most exposed to natural weather conditions, even the most durable ones are likely to wear away if not maintained properly. That’s why it's very important to notice the small damages on your roof and fix with roof professionals or gutter cleaners it before its irreparable.

Below, we look at ten most common roof problems.

1. Leaking

One of the most common roof problems is a leaky roof. You can have a leaky roof for various reasons, ranging from broken shingles or tiles to cracked flashing. An easy way to spot a leaky roof is to look out for water spots on the ceiling or walls. Roof leaks often tend to occur near the chimney, under damaged shingles, close to vents and pipes or in low spots and valleys.

Immediate leaky roof repair is a must. To ensure that your roof doesn’t have any leaks, it's important to get it regularly inspected, especially during harsh weather conditions.

2. Stagnant Water

When water gets collected in small puddles on your roof due to clogged gutters, the moisture can cause damage in the long run. Stagnant water on the roof often leads to mold issues or leaks. This is especially true for flat roofs. In this case, you can create a tapered area over the surface of the roof so that the water can drain out.

3. Broken Shingles

Missing shingles are often due to the sealant under the roof, which keeps the shingles intact, wearing off. The sealant can get damaged due to harsh weather conditions or rodents. When the sealant is damaged, the shingles stuck to it start falling off. However, they can be easily replaced.

Broken or torn shingles are usually the result of foot traffic, impact from tree branches, and wind damage. Some signs that your shingles need to be replaced are the following:

• Cracks
• Clawing, which happens when the edges are flat, but the center's starting to rise
• Cupping, which means the tabs are turning upward
• They’re covered with algae and moss

4. Snow Damage

Homeowners living in areas that see frequent snowfall often face the problem of roof damage due to snow. As the snow melts, water seeps under the shingles. However, if this water re-freezes it can cause serious damage. Since the water expands on refreezing, it pushes up the shingles, creating an opening where more water can enter through.

The only way to avoid this situation is to get regular maintenance for your roof and get it inspected by professionals such as those found at Team Roofing in Atlanta, every spring and fall to avoid any last-minute surprises.

5. Poor Installation

Though installing a new roof can be very expensive, it’s crucial to get it done properly. While a well installed roof can last you for years, a poorly installed one can lead to long term complications and mold. A poor roof installation can turn out to be an expensive risk in the long term, especially if the materials used for installation are substandard.

6. Granule Problems

If you find granules in your gutter and your roof is old, you should get alarmed. This means that your roof is beginning to falter and the shingles may need to be replaced. Granules absorb UV radiation and protect the roof from the environment. When they start to fall, the shingles will get damaged.

7. Shrinkage

When the weather becomes cold, the cold may cause the shingles and tiles to break and cause leakage. Shrinkage also affects roofs covered with EPDM, a synthetic rubber membrane, and can cause a lot of damage to your roof. When the roof material shrinks, cracking or pulling apart of components like flashing may also occur.

8. Clogged gutters

Clogged gutters can also damage your roof. This happens when your gutter is broken or blocked. In this case, stagnant water damages the wooden boards your gutters are mounted to or the water can be redirected to your roof. This eventually causes moisture to seep inside the house. To ensure that your gutters don’t harm the roof, regularly check and clean them up. This is especially important during harsh weather conditions.

9. Trees

Though trees are needed to protect your roof in harsh weather conditions like extreme rain or heat, overgrown trees can also cause damage to your roof. If a tree limb falls on your roof it can cause serious damage. Even tree branches that constantly rub off the roof can damage the shingles and wear away the protective layer of your roof.

To protect your roof from tree damage, consult a professional tree trimmer so you won’t have to get rid of the tree.

10. Lack of Maintenance

One of the most common reasons for roof problems is lack of maintenance over long periods of time. Though most of the roof problems are easy to fix only if found early, but if left undetected, it can cause serious issues. It's advisable to get professional roof maintenance at least once a year and have your roof checked after heavy snowfall or windstorms.

Conclusion

One of the easiest ways to detect roof problems is to look for sagging, holes, and moisture on the ceiling and walls. This often means that your roof has been neglected and needs maintenance. The above-mentioned roof problems are some of the most common issues homeowners face that requires immediate professional attention. Most roofing issues can be easily solved if they’re detected early. However, if left undetected for a long while, they can cause serious damage.

If you’re thinking of repairing your roof by yourself, remember, it can be a tricky and dangerous job. It’s a job best left to professional roofers. That’s why it's very important to call on professionals for regular maintenance. Giving your roof some regular attention will ensure that your home has a sturdy roof for years to come.