Roof leaks are commonly a result of improper installations of shingles, gutters that aren't draining correctly, and/or defective flashings, and are especially prominent near the chimney, step, apron, pipes, and any points at which two roofs meet. Having the problem fixed immediately can help you avoid serious structural damage to your home and the spread of life threatening black mold. Roof damage can have a variety of causes:
- Wind - heavy winds can cause roofing materials to lift, curl or come off completely, exposing a weakness in the roof for water to enter.
- Corrosion - deteriorating flashing in roof valleys and projections (chimneys, vents, skylights) can allow water in your home.
- Weather - weather extremes of hot, cold, wet and dry can cause roofing materials to split, blister or buckle, creating openings for moisture to gather and collect.
- Wear and Tear - Premature wear to roof materials can be caused by falling debris and high human or animal traffic, and can lead to damaging leaks if left unchecked.
Types of Roofing Materials
Wood shakes, tile, and asphalt shingles have become the dominant choices in roof materails. Asphalt shingles have become the standard on over 75% of residential homes in the US now due to their longevity, maintenance, reliability and cost. Slate tile is one of the longest lasting roofing materials, but is heavy, expensive, and requires special substructures to support the additional weight. Wood shake shingles have been around the longest and are usually made from cedar, spruce or treated pine. Architectural, or laminated, shingles are advanced versions of fiberglass and asphalt shingles and are built of several layers, but being relatively new they have not developed a reputation for durability or longevity. There are also a variety of newer composite roofing materials available that are created using natural rock particles, clay, resin and fiberglass, and are designed to be maintenance free, fire resistant and non-moisture absorbing.
If you see signs of roof damage in your home, or are concerned there may be a problem, it is best to have a professional assess the situation as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement down the road. Contact DryHome Roofing & Siding immediately for a free roof evaluation. |