COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS

COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

WHEN DECIDING ON WHICH TYPE OF MATERIAL IS BEST FOR YOUR ROOF, YOU LIKELY LOOKED AT SEVERAL FACTORS INCLUDING DURABILITY, LIFESPAN, AND PRICE.

But even the most durable roofs will eventually succumb to wear and tear - it's just a matter of when. Below are the most popular roof materials and the problems each tends to have:

FAULTY ROOFING MATERIALS

Whether tiles were poorly installed, shingles were broken, or other materials flew off in a storm, once roofing materials get damaged or displaced, it compromises the integrity of a roof and causes many problems. Even a high-quality, perfectly installed roof wears over time and becomes damaged because of climate conditions. Some roof accessories do not last as long as shingles and need to be replaced partway through the roof's lifespan.

Underestimating the importance of your shingles is a common rookie roofing mistake. While damaged or curling shingles may not seem like an emergency, they expose your roof to weather conditions and make it more susceptible to damage. The longer damaged shingles go unfixed, the more likely you will experience problems that go deeper than the surface, such as rotting sheathing.

WATER DAMAGE

After a downpour or snowstorm, standing water on your roof can lead to mold or mildew, which affects roofing material and causes leaks or structural damage. If your roof has any small penetrations or weak areas, standing water can seep through and cause a leak. This issue is more common on flat roofs, though every roof style needs to have proper drainage. Stagnant water can also cause ice dams that lead to soffit or fascia board rotting, spreading to the rest of the roof. This is one way to end up getting pests and birds on your roof.

Routine roof maintenance will help lessen the chances of leaks and water damage issues. Make sure to schedule routine maintenance or have a professional contractor check the roof if there is any concern.

ROOF LEAKS

Roof leaks are common and can occur for many reasons, such as insufficient insulation, improper ventilation, ice dams, worn pipe boots, or inadequate installations. If you see water running down your walls, the reason is probably a leaking roof. Look for roof leak signs, such as water stains or mildew. Once you see a leak, the best you can do is fix it immediately to minimize the damage. If left untreated, roof leaks can cause extensive (and expensive) damage, as well as structural problems. At the first sign of any type of roof leak, call a roof repair professional to conduct a comprehensive inspection.

INCORRECT ROOF FLASHING

Flashing is made of weatherproof plastic, aluminum, or steel. It is installed in the weakest areas of your roof to protect creases on fixtures and connections, such as chimneys or skylights, which helps to keep awkward areas sealed for leak prevention.

If flashing material breaks or cracks, connections become vulnerable to water and moisture. Flashing needs to be properly attached and secured; otherwise, you may experience problems. Damaged flashing needs to be addressed immediately and repaired or replaced by a roof repair professional.

POOR INSTALLATION

Hiring inexperienced or poorly qualified roofing professionals can cost you more money in the long run. Poorly installed roofs are among the most common reasons for mold, short life expectancy, and long-term complications. While you may save some money upfront, taking this risk can lead to complex problems. It is best to hire a top roofing contractor to install your roof professionally since this can be a dangerous project without direct experience.

Pro tip: Try to find out who is performing the roof installation. Maybe the sales rep that sells you on the roof is great and knowledgeable, but their team is not. Perhaps they have some in-house crews but also use untrained subcontractors. It never hurts to ask.

DAMAGE FROM TREES

If a tree branch falls on your roof, it can cause major damage, but large branches are not the only concern. Smaller branches can cause even more damage when they rub against your roof for a long time. They slowly deteriorate the top layer of the roof, leading to problems with shingles or flashing. Debris and leaves from trees can also block water flow in gutters, causing water to seep into your home and cause damage and leaks. It is safer for your roof if you trim or remove trees that pose a danger to the roof's integrity.

Hire a service to clear your gutters regularly if you are not up for the task yourself. If you do go up there, take the time to check for any damage from trees or other debris on the roof, and remove it if you can do so safely.

CLOGGED OR DEFECTIVE GUTTERS

Clogged or defective gutters can lead to leaks along the roof's edge, backups, and standing water that might eventually seep into the eaves, causing rot. Standing water in gutters means water is not properly escaping your roof, which causes other roof problems. Overflowing water from a blocked gutter can become an issue for your foundation.

There can be any number of reasons why gutters are not doing their job, including an improper slope or the accumulation of leaves or other debris that must be cleared away. You can prevent this by installing a drip edge or gutter screens. If your gutters are clean but still overflowing with water, be sure to inspect for possible gutter damage, such as decay, rust, or cracks.

DAMAGED SHINGLES

Shingles can become damaged due to high winds that knock them out of place, a fallen tree or flying debris that moves them around, or an animal (such as a squirrel or raccoon) that decides to build a nest just under your roof line. Whatever the reason for damaged shingles, you should repair them promptly to avoid further damage, which could become more costly if left unresolved.

DAMAGED FLASHING

Flashing fails to do its proper job when installed incorrectly or when it becomes corroded or rusty. It can be challenging to notice damaged flashing, but if you notice corrosion, that is one telltale sign that you should dig deeper. Signs of water damage in the attic or interior walls, such as water stains or mold, might help you to identify damaged flashing as the culprit. Fixing damaged flashing early can help prevent more damage to the roof and it is less than the full roof replacement cost.

MATERIAL SHRINKAGE

Just as there are different types of soffit and fascia materials, there are different types of shingles, and some are more prone to material shrinkage than others. Roof shrinkage is when the membrane shrinks, either caused by material aging, poor installation, excessive or long-term UV exposure, or microbial growth (think moss or lichen growing on shingles). When shrinkage occurs, it can contribute to shingles curling up, drying out, or pulling at flashing. Eventually, they crack or split, exposing the building to external elements, including moisture.

DAMAGE FROM PESTS

When pests decide they want to take up residence either on or below a roof, they can cause serious damage to shingles as they pry their way into a home. If it gets bad enough, some homeowners wonder how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement, once they realize they may need to consider the full roof replacement cost.

BALD PATCHES

Loose granules, usually from asphalt shingles, leave your roof vulnerable to any kind of weather since those granules are designed to keep your entire roof protected against heat. Over time, they thin out so much that it creates bald patches on your roof. When the granules loosen and fall off, those bald patches create shingles that lose their effectiveness, and your roof will not perform at its best. Those bald patches are not only unsightly, but they also expose your roof to the elements.

WHY HIRE ECOS ROOFING?

At Ecos Roofing, we have years of experience in the roofing industry. We offer a wide variety of roofing services, including repairs, replacements, and installations. We also offer free estimates, so you can get an idea of the cost before you commit. In addition, our staff only uses the highest quality materials and products including GAF, so you can rest assured knowing your roof is in good hands.

TRUST ECOS ROOFING WITH ALL YOUR ROOFING PROBLEMS

For over two decades, Ecos Roofing has been dedicated to perfecting our craft and offering the most comprehensive roof maintenance, repair, and installation services possible. We operate in the Massachusetts area and are proud to serve several towns in and around our home base in Fall River If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule a free quote, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!