Problems That Can Affect The Performance Of Your Roof This Fall

It’s time to start preparing for the fall season. You’ve probably already started cleaning out your closets, but don’t neglect to check the condition of your roof.

For example, if you’re experiencing or having any issues with leaks or mold – or even just an old shingle that needs replacing, then it’s important to know how these problems can affect other parts of your home.

Below are some 7 common problems (that affect the performance of your roof) that tend to arise during the Fall season if not properly addressed:

1. Gutters

Gutters have a system of drainage channels that direct rainwater away from the home and are essential for keeping your home safe and dry of rainwater. They work by collecting rainwater from the roof and funneling it into a downspout at the edge of your property. From there, this water can either be collected in a storage tank or safely sent to a storm drain.

If you have gutters attached to your home, then you should make sure to keep them clear of debris and dirt so that the rainwater flows freely through them. The proper size and pitch of your gutters will also help ensure that the rainwater does not pool up in places where it can cause damage to the walls or floors in your home.

2. Cracks and Holes

Cracks in your roofing structure along with missing shingles can lead to two big problems: leaks and mold. A leaky roof can result in a lot of damage, so it’s important to check for cracks in your shingles and missing shingles regularly. If you have a hole in your roof or an opening, such as from storm damage or an animal making its way into your home, under or through the shingles, then you’ll want to get that fixed as soon as possible so that rainwater isn’t able to seep into the home. The best way to prevent both of these issues is by hiring a professional roofing company for help.

When you hire a roofing company to fix your roof, they’ll start by inspecting your roof’s structure and looking closely at any areas that could become a problem. Then, they’ll repair any leaks, holes, or openings that are present by either re-sealing them with roof cement or installing new shingles in the areas needed.

3. Visible Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are different types of fungus. They thrive in moist environments and can grow on any surface, including your roof. As the weather gets cooler, moisture will begin to accumulate on your shingles.

Mold and mildew spores are naturally present in soil and other organic matter around us, so they’re constantly being introduced into our homes through construction materials (such as wood), outdoor debris like leaves or grass clippings that blow onto your roof, pets (like cats and dogs) who bring them inside accidentally when they rub against surfaces outside, even humans, who can unknowingly carry spores around with them after spending time outdoors without proper protection from the elements.

4. Shingle Granules

The purpose of the mineral granules that you see on your shingles is being added on shingles to help protect your roof from excessive sun exposure, which can eventually lead to roof damage and hasten the need for a roof replacement.

They also play a part in the color of the shingle.

5. Interior Water Leaks

You may have seen water stains on your ceiling or floor and assumed it was just a sign of the rain outside. However, you may be surprised to find that what is causing this problem could be as simple as a leaky gutter or downspout. Leaks can happen for a variety of reasons, including roofing issues and improper maintenance. That’s why we recommend calling in a professional roofing company for help at the first sign of trouble.

A qualified professional roofing company can evaluate your home’s existing setup to identify where leaks might be coming from and recommend solutions for addressing them.

In addition to water damage, leaks can also be a sign of structural problems with your home. For example, if you notice a leak in the ceiling in your bedroom, it could be a missing or blown-off shingle where the shingles have become loose due to the home settling.

6. Rotting or Damaged Wood

The roof decking on your roof can be defective due to your roof leaking, which leads to water damage. If you have wooden shingles and or asphalt shingles on your roof, they can also be damaged by excessive moisture. The same goes for other types of roofing materials, they can be damaged by extreme temperatures like heat or cold, as well as extreme weather such as hailstorms, snow, and ice.

But if you have a metal roof, it’s much less likely to suffer damage from extreme temperatures or weather.

7. Ice Dams

Ice dams are the result of snow accumulating on the roof and melting slowly, which causes water to leak into your home. If your home is prone to ice and water damming, you’ll want to get this situation addressed sooner than later so as to not have any water inside your home.

To prevent ice and water damming in your home, ice and water barrier should be installed at all gable and rake ends of the roof.

Also

Make sure there’s no room for ice to form between your shingles and the edge of your gutters. To do this, check that all of your gutters are angled correctly (the bottom should be sloped outward slightly) and clean them out if necessary.
Trim any vegetation that hangs over or near a roofline where snow could collect, this includes bushes, vines, and trees within 10 feet of either side of a gutter or vent pipe area.

While there are many issues that can affect your roof during the fall, these are some of the most common. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to contact a professional roofing company that can assess your roof’s situation and determines if repairs are needed. This will help prevent further damage from occurring as well as save you money down the road by preventing future repairs that could cost thousands of dollars each year!

FREE Roof REPAIR vs. REPLACEMENT Quiz here!

It will help you make a wise decision on what to do in reference to your roof.

A-1 Roofing’s Kangaroof offers a comprehensive service and a fair price.