Overhanging trees…buildup of algae and moss…moisture…all of these occurrences can damage your roof and you won’t even know it until it’s too late. While your roof may be relatively new, it can fall victim to the surrounding environment, temperature extremes, animals and more. Check out the many factors that can contribute to roof damage over the years
- Weather: Rain, hail and wind can damage your shingles, cause leaks and weaken the layer of protection provided by your roof. Streaks and spots on your interior ceilings and walls can indicate a leak.
- Sun: The UV rays of the sun can accelerate the aging process for your residential roof. And with Texas experiencing a lot of year-round sun, your roof could be drying out as we speak, leading to cracks and other damage.
- Flashing: Designed to act as a protective layer between your roof and openings such as vents and chimneys, this thin protective strip can experience wear and tear. Whether it’s been removed or loosened, this situation is ripe for moisture leakage. Once water gets in, you’ll experience leaks from any location, and those locations can sometimes be hard to detect with the naked eye.
- Debris: Leaves, branches, acorns, twigs and dirt can all accumulate on your roof and infiltrate cracks in your roof. This mulch mixture can eat away gradually at the roof layers.
- Gutter systems: If you allow your gutters to get clogged with debris, water run off won’t be diverted properly. Backups of water and debris can stay trapped, damaging your roof in the process. In addition, heavy gutters can pull away from the home, reducing its structural integrity.
- Branches: Especially when storms blow through, weak tree branches can snap off and damage not only your roof, but your windows, siding and more. Cut back branches that are dead or weak to prevent future roof damage or pose a safety risk to your family.
- Animals: Any manner of critters can decide to move in on your roof or attic, from squirrels to mice to birds. Those pesky creatures can really do a number on your roof. Once they’re there, it’s tough to get rid of them because they need a warm home, food, and a place to keep their young — and they tend to hide from the weather and predators in out-of-the-way places. Keep an eye out for damage and infestations. Overhanging tree branches that are close to the roof or that touch it can provide a pathway for animals, so be sure to keep those branches trimmed back, advises Popular Mechanics.
- Moisture: Many things can tear away at your roof, from animals to debris. Once damaged, water can get underneath the layers and cause rot and leaks. Yearly roof inspections will check for these things, but you can also be on the lookout for cracks, crevices, and damage. It’s much easier to repair small amounts of damage than to wait until things become much worse. Don’t let it get so bad that you’re experiencing leaks inside your home.
- Moss and algae: Those black streaks on your roof indicate a buildup of moss, lichen, mold and algae. If left to fester, these things can eat away at your roofing materials. Have your roof power washed once a year to remove that buildup.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors in Dallas/Fort Worth
Your trusted roofing contractors in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Ferris Roofing can provide annual inspections to ensure your roof stays healthy and has the longest life span possible. Contact us to book an appointment at 817-595-0500.