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Your Roof's Worst Enemies
Top 10 list

Top 10 enemies of your roof

 

Weather is an unpredictable variable that oscillates between regions and because of this it plays a major role in the health and lifespan of your roof. We may not have any control over the forecast, but we can prevent damage by staying informed. The following are your roof's ten biggest enemies. ​

1. Sunshine

high heat and UV rays cause harmful effects not only to you and I, but to the integrity of the roof as well. Over a long period of time roofing materials can begin to deteriorate causing the need for replacement.

2. Rain

is only an enemy when it doesn't have the proper channels to flow off of the roof. Heavy downpours can seep into the roof deck creating mildew and rotting.

3. Hail

the heavy pounding on your roof can cause bruising and dents not visible to the untrained eye. High impact can also loosen the granules of the roof covering exposing the underlayment used to protect the decking from water. 

4. Wind

when strong can tear off or lift the edges of the shingles which result in water and other debris getting underneath them.

5. Snow and Ice

when melted, flow down the roof and then refreeze, they create ice dams which prevent proper water drainage. When this happens, water backs up underneath the roofing material and seeps into the roof decking as well as the interior of the home.

6. Condensation

or moisture trapped in an improperly ventilated attic can cause unwanted wear and tear to the roof structure. Creating a balanced ventilation system helps to alleviate the risk of mold, rotting decks, ice dams and increased home cooling costs.

7. Moss and Algae

two culprits of roof rot. Both grow in moist, damp areas creating blackish-green stains that retain moisture in the wood structure. To avoid this problem, eliminate damp, shaded areas and keep gutters free from debris.

8. Trees, Leaves and Debris

this trio, mixed with sunshine, wind and rain can cause significant roof damage by puncturing, scratching or wounding roofing material. Debris build-up can also block gutter drainage and prevent proper airflow of vents with an external baffle.

9. Shingle Corrosion

when shingles curl, warp and split they lose their effectiveness. Crippled shingles can also be more easily affected by the other weather elements resulting in a deteriorated roofing system.

10. Flashing Failure

the weakest link on the roof is the flashing, a weather resistant barrier that prevents water passage into the joints of a structure. When the flashing on a roof around a chimney, skylight or other protrusions fail, water enters the interior of the home damaging ceilings, walls and insulation.

Protecting your home from various weather enemies start with prevention. Being proactive when you see early signs of damage, scheduling annual roof inspections and using the appropriate roofing materials for your climate can reduce the cost of repairs.

 

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