Elements that Can Damage Your Roof

A roof is one part of your house that you do not notice every day. It’s just above your head. Because of this, most homeowners do not know how much damage is happening up on the roof every week. Well, for those who don’t know, there are a couple of elements that can cause the deterioration of your roofing every day. 

Tile, shingles, and metal roofing materials protect our houses from the outside elements. They endure the brunt of harmful UV rays, snow, wind, and hail.  

If you want to maintain your roof, you should know what elements are constantly damaging it. Aside from that, you should also consider hiring residential and commercial roofers if you think your roof has damages.  

Overgrown Trees  

Overhanging branches can cause severe damage, even if a tree branch does not fall on the roof. The damage is often second-hand. For instance, whenever leaves gather on the roof and trap moisture, it will produce the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. It is also often first-hand. For example, whenever a branch punctures through the roof, it produces a pathway for water to leak inside the structure of your house.   

Sun  

Over time, day-to-day heat and damaging UV rays from the sun can cause your roofing materials to break down. On a couple of occasions, the sun could fade your shingles. It can then deteriorate them to the point that they aren’t helpful in protecting the house. It is always an excellent move to contact a professional roofing company if you’ve got a sun-damaged roof. They will provide a free roof inspection.  

Moss and Lichen  

For those who don’t know, a slow-growing and simple plant that produces a crusty-looking growth on the roof is called lichen. On the other hand, moss appears a bit softer. However, it is still a growing plant that grows where it isn’t wanted. You have to know that either lichen or moss can cause structural damage and wood rot if your roof has them.  

Ice, Snow, and Rain  

Moisture is the worst enemy of your roof. However, there is moisture everywhere, especially in the air. Moisture can damage the structure of your house if it leaks into the roof. It can cause rot, mold, and mildew. It can also damage your attic’s insulation   

The major culprit is rain. However, melting snow can re-freeze and create ice dams. These will prevent water from properly draining. This leads to water backing up under the roofing materials. Eventually, the water will reach your ceiling and will result in water damage. If you think that your roof is leaking, do not hesitate to call a professional roofer. You should also have your roof inspected before the winter season arrives.   

Wind  

The wind is everywhere and it will stay here forever. Unfortunately, wind can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Wind often lifts and pulls the roofing material away from the roof. This leaves the underlayment exposed. The roof can begin to leak if the underlayment is exposed. The reason for this is that there aren’t any shingles that can repel the water. Typically, the roof’s edges are the places that take the most damage from wind. However, it can occur anywhere.  
If your roof starts leaking, make sure you fix the leak immediately.