Whether a commercial or domestic
property, the roof is one of the most important features of any building. Come
rain or shine, a roof protects your building from the elements and provides a
shelter from the outside world. When installed properly, a good, sturdy roof
should stand the test of time, however problems can - and do - occur. From
invasive critters to overhanging trees, there are a large number of problems
that can damage your roofing.
No matter how small the problem
may appear, neglecting to repair your roof could cause significant and
long-lasting damage. If issues are ignored, they can escalate until the only
solution is an expensive and time-consuming repair. Identifying problems early
is essential to keeping your roof well-maintained and preventing small
breakages becoming a bigger deal than they should be.
Here are some of the common
roofing problems that you should be aware of to keep your home in good
condition.
Moisture damage
It is impossible to shelter your
property from the weather, so it’s inevitable that over time your roof will be
exposed to sun, rain, snow, wind and hail. This can take its toll on your roof,
especially in periods of high rainfall or during snow storms, as moisture can
seep through cracks in your roof or gaps in its protective membrane.
Without an effective drainage
system, rain water can collect on the roof and eventually leak through to the
rooms below. This can cause a number of worrying problems, such as damaging the
building’s insulation and tampering with its electrical circuits. Leaks aren’t
the only problem that can occur as a result of a moisture build-up. Unwanted
damp can also cause mould and rot, which will require the infected tiles to be
replaced.
It can be difficult to repair the
damage caused by leaks and moisture without help from the professionals. First
you must identify where the water is coming from, before making a judgement on
what to repair and how. It is important to ensure that your flashing has been
installed effectively to prevent water from seeping through the roof into your
home. Installing an effective draining system can also protect your roof from
water damage.
Drainage is especially important
for properties with flat roofs. Puddles can place extra pressure on structures,
and in the most extreme cases could even contribute to a roof collapse.
Blistering
A roof blister is a raised bubble
caused by tiles becoming detached from the roof. Air or water can fill the
blisters, causing them to increase in size and cause significant damage to
tiles and roof membranes. Blisters can occur when moisture seeps under
shingles, so if these have been used to tile your roof it’s important to be
especially observant.
Blisters can even change in size
over the course of the day. Warm air causes them to increase in size before
cooling and allowing them to deflate. Over time, this can cause the shingles to
wear and leave them exposed to a moisture build-up.
Prevention is key when it comes
to dealing with roof blistering. Make sure to seek professional help when
installing your roof, as it’s important to ensure that your roof is dry before
the shingles are laid and that all substrate materials are sealed properly. If
the blisters begin to pop, you should repair the damaged areas as soon as
possible to prevent any other damage from occurring.
Insects and animals
Don’t be fooled by the size of
insects, birds and rodents. They may be small, but they can be very
destructive. Un-kept roofs can be a playground for small animals as they’re
often an unlikely source of food and shelter. While you’d be quick to respond to
an insect infestation in your home, you may not identify the damage caused by
termites and ants until it’s too late.
Insects can find their way into
cracks and nest in wooden beams, leading to the slow but significant
deterioration of your roof. Gutters filled with leaves and debris can attract
birds, which may find small holes in your roof to nest, and any gaps will
provide ample room for bats and mice to find their way into your home.
Regular roof inspections can help
you keep track of the potential damage caused by insects and small animals.
It’s important to act quickly if you do notice that you’re sharing your roof
with other creatures, as gaps and cracks can allow moisture to seep in and
create more serious problems. This may be a simple process of sealing holes
from the outside, but if significant damage has been caused you may need to
replace certain tiles or parts of the protective membrane.
Age
Age is one of the biggest threats
faced by roofing. As buildings age, it is inevitable that they will begin to
weaken and become susceptible to weather exposure, small animals and other
irritants. Roofs are no exception, and as time goes on you may start to notice
more and more problems occurring.
It can be easy to forget to pay
attention to your roof, especially if it doesn’t display any obvious breakages
or damage. It is important to remember, however, that inspecting your roof
regularly can help you identify potential problems and fix them before they
cause long-term damage.
Whether you’re inspecting the
roof of a residential or commercial property, look out for:
- Leaks and water damage in the interior of your
building.
- Missing or lifting flashing.
- Shingles becoming detached from the roof.
- Gutters filling up with debris from tiles and shingles.
Each of these could indicate that
your roof requires maintenance or is due for repair. Moisture damage could
signal that your roof has gaps and cracks, while missing or broken shingles may
be a sign that your underpinnings aren’t working as efficiently as they should
be. If you think your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, don’t hesitate
to seek advice regarding repairs.
Ineffective ventilation
A good ventilation system may not
be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of installing a roof,
but it’s actually one of the most important systems put in place to keep roofs
in good working condition. All residential and commercial properties generate
energy, and a successful ventilation system can be useful in regulating
temperatures and allowing your building to breathe.
As heat is generated by
buildings, both through electricity and human movement, it rises and escapes
through the roof. Cool air will then be drawn in through the base of the house
as the cycle starts again. To facilitate this, properties should be built with
a good ventilation system, with vents at the top and the bottom of the roof to
allow for the free movement of air throughout the building.
Without an effective system, your
roof may grow vulnerable to a whole list of different problems. If the
building’s temperature is not regulated efficiently, condensation can collect
until the attic’s moisture levels become problematic. Moisture damage can
affect the insulation and shingles, in addition to causing mould and rot. If left
untouched, mould can become a breeding ground for bacteria and contribute to an
unhealthy living environment.
Improper installation
Many of the problems that affect
roofs can be avoided with the proper preventative measures. A faulty or poorly
installed roof will be vulnerable to a whole host of issues, so ensuring that
every aspect of your roof has been taken care of is critical to maintaining its
durability. Failing to lay your roof properly can shorten its lifespan and
force you to repair and replace the tiles, flashing and drainage systems much
more frequently than you should have to.
Over time, poor installation -
coupled with a lack of proper maintenance - can cause long-lasting damage. What
may have started out as a small issue may grow into a larger, unmanageable
problem, which will require costly and time-consuming repairs.
Employing the services of a
reputable roofing company can minimise the chances of problems occurring in the
first place, which is certain to save you time and money in the long run. It
can also save you a huge amount of stress and make your residential or
commercial property a safer home or work environment.
It can seem tempting to do things
yourself, especially when the task appears to be a minor one, but without the
right knowledge it can be easy to make mistakes. These can grow and grow until
you have no choice but to hire a professional company, which may be more
expensive once you already have existing problems.
When it comes to roofing, let the
professionals give you a hand. At WR Leivers, we’re dedicated to providing
specialist roofing services across Nottingham and Derby with 40 years of
quality industry experience. Our team of experts are committed to providing the
best possible service to both domestic and commercial customers, whether you
need a brand new roof installation or repairs made to your existing roof.
Whatever the problem, we’ve got a
solution for you. For more information, get
in touch with our friendly team
and see how we could help
you today.
