Maintaining your roof is one of the most important aspects of home ownership, yet it’s often overlooked until significant issues arise. While people often focus on major weather events as the primary cause of roof damage, everyday factors that go unnoticed can also lead to serious problems over time.
Understanding these less obvious causes can help homeowners take proactive measures to protect their roof and extend its lifespan.
10 Surprising Causes of Roof Damage and What To Do About Them
Here are ten common causes of roof damage and suggestions for how to minimize or avoid them.
1. Overgrown Trees and Branches
Overhanging branches can scrape against shingles, causing wear and tear over time, while also accumulating debris that retains moisture and leads to mold growth. Additionally, during storms or high winds, these branches can break off and cause significant damage to the roof, including punctures or broken shingles.
What to do: Remove branches that scrape against the roof, and trim (or remove) those that are hanging over the roof and could cause damage if they fall onto it. To minimize the possibility of mold growth, examine your roof during various times of the day to see if there are areas that are consistently shaded; trim the trees as needed to allow some sunlight.
2. Clogged Gutters
Blocked gutters prevent proper drainage, causing water to pool and potentially seep into roofing materials. Prolonged exposure to this trapped moisture can compromise the integrity of the roof, leading to weakened shingles, rot, and other structural issues over time.
What to do: To keep your gutters clean, consider checking them at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. Remove any accumulated debris by hand or using a gutter scoop, and flush the gutters with a hose to ensure proper drainage. Installing gutter guards can also help prevent buildup and reduce the frequency of cleaning.
3. Improper Ventilation
Poor attic ventilation can lead to excess heat and moisture buildup, which over time causes significant issues for your roof. Excess heat can cause shingles to become brittle, while moisture can lead to mold growth and rot. Together, these factors can result in premature roof aging and shingle deterioration, significantly shortening the lifespan of your roof.
What to do: Ensure that your attic has both intake and exhaust vents to facilitate proper airflow. Intake vents, typically located under the eaves, bring in fresh air, while exhaust vents at the roof’s peak allow hot, moist air to escape. Keeping vents clear of debris and checking them periodically can help maintain effective ventilation, reducing the risk of excess heat and moisture buildup and ultimately extending the lifespan of your roof.
4. Moss, Algae, and Lichen Growth
Moss, algae, and lichen thrive in damp areas of your roof, trapping moisture against the surface and causing long-term damage. This constant moisture can lead to the degradation of shingles, ultimately weakening the roof structure. If left unchecked, these organisms can cause rot, reduce the lifespan of your roof, and create an environment that promotes further deterioration.
What to do: To prevent moss, algae, and lichen growth, keep your roof as dry as possible by trimming nearby trees to allow sunlight exposure. You can also apply a commercial treatment specifically designed to kill and prevent these organisms. Regular roof inspections and cleaning can also help identify and remove any early growth before it becomes a major issue.
5. Pests and Animals
Birds, squirrels, and insects can cause significant damage when they nest or burrow into roofing materials. These pests can weaken the roof structure over time by creating holes or gaps, allowing water to seep in, which can lead to rot and mold. Additionally, their presence can disrupt the integrity of shingles and other roofing components, contributing to further degradation.
What to do: Regularly inspect your roof for signs of animal activity, such as nests or burrowed areas. Seal any gaps or holes you find to prevent pests from getting inside, and consider using deterrents such as mesh screens or pest repellent to protect vulnerable areas. If an infestation is already present, contact a pest control professional to safely remove the animals.
6. Poor Roof Installation or Repair
Improper installation or poorly executed repairs can leave your roof vulnerable to various issues, such as leaks, structural weaknesses, and premature aging. Faulty techniques, incorrect materials, or shortcuts taken during installation can create gaps and weaknesses that expose the roof to potential water damage, reducing its lifespan and effectiveness.
What to do: Always hire a qualified and experienced roofing professional for any roof repair or installation work. Verify their credentials, read reviews, and make sure they follow industry best practices. A professional roofer will ensure that materials are properly installed and all potential weak spots are addressed, providing a solid and durable roof.
7. UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause significant damage to roofing materials, particularly shingles. Over time, the sun’s rays can cause shingles to fade, crack, and become brittle, which reduces their ability to protect your home effectively. This can lead to leaks, structural damage, and a reduced overall lifespan for your roof.
What to do: To minimize UV damage, consider applying a reflective roof coating that helps to deflect harmful UV rays. Additionally, ensure that your roof is inspected regularly for any signs of sun damage. Replacing damaged shingles promptly can help prevent further deterioration and keep your roof functioning as intended.
8. Walking on the Roof
Walking on the roof can lead to damage by causing shingles to crack, loosen, or even detach completely. The concentrated pressure of footsteps can weaken roofing materials, making them more susceptible to leaks and other issues. Additionally, walking on the roof without proper safety measures poses a serious risk of injury.
What to do: Avoid walking on your roof whenever possible. If you must go up, use proper safety equipment and take care to step lightly on the roof’s structural supports. For tasks like cleaning or minor repairs, consider hiring a professional who is trained to work on roofs safely without causing damage.
9. Accumulation of Debris
Leaves, sticks, and other debris can accumulate on your roof and in the gutters, trapping moisture that leads to mold growth and rot. The constant presence of moisture can cause roofing materials to weaken over time, compromising the integrity of the entire roof structure if not addressed promptly.
What to do: Regularly clean your roof and gutters to prevent debris buildup. Use a leaf blower or a soft-bristle broom to gently remove leaves and other debris from the roof surface. Installing gutter guards can also help reduce the amount of material that accumulates, minimizing the risk of moisture-related damage.
10. Extreme Temperature Fluctuations
Rapid shifts between hot and cold temperatures can put stress on roofing materials, leading to shingle cracking and deterioration. During freeze-thaw cycles, any trapped water expands when it freezes, causing further damage to the shingles and potentially creating gaps that allow leaks. Over time, these fluctuations can weaken the roof’s overall structure and reduce its lifespan.
What to do: To help mitigate the effects of temperature fluctuations, ensure your attic is properly ventilated to regulate roof temperature. Proper insulation can also help to minimize the impact of extreme temperature changes. Regular inspections are essential to catch any early signs of damage caused by temperature shifts, allowing for timely repairs before issues worsen.
Your Lakeland Roofers
Roof damage is sometimes unavoidable since no one can control Mother Nature. However, there are a number of ways that homeowners can help prevent or minimize other sources of damage, and Stronghold Roofing & Solar is here to help!
From free roof estimates to inspections, repairs, and installation, our Lakeland roofing company provides a full range of services for residential and commercial property owners.
Contact us today!
FAQs – Unseen Causes of Roof Damage
It’s recommended to inspect your roof at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Periodic professional inspections are also important, and should also be done after major storms.
Minor debris removal can be done yourself – as long as you take proper safety precautions. However, it’s safer and more effective to hire a professional for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
Signs include increased energy bills, mold growth, and excessive attic heat. Poor ventilation can lead to premature roof aging.
Signs include increased energy bills, mold growth, and excessive attic heat. Poor ventilation can lead to premature roof aging.
Ideally, tree branches should be at least 15-20 feet away from your roof to prevent damage from scraping and falling debris.
Some materials like metal roofing are more resistant to UV damage, while others – such as asphalt shingles – are more prone to wear and fading due to prolonged sun exposure.
