Owning a home is one of life’s greatest experiences. However, it is also a big responsibility. Home maintenance is one of the most important aspects of protecting a home as a financial investment.
When a maintenance problem arises in any of the mechanical or structural aspects of the home, it is essential that they are addressed quickly and adequately. Lack of proper home maintenance often leads to more significant problems that can be quite costly.
One of the major systems of a home that needs to be monitored and protected is the roof. Roofs that are not correctly installed or those that suffer damage can cause significant structural problems. Since a roof system is primary protection for the covering of the interior of a home, it is essential that it is properly installed and maintained.
Roof Problems and Life Spans
Roofs that lack proper installation or that have suffered damage usually have shingles that have buckled, shifted or fallen off. This can leave whole sections of the roof in disrepair. If this occurs, the area of the roof that lacks shingles will expose sub-roofing to weather elements.
While sub-roofing does provide some protection from the elements, it is far inferior to the types of protections that roof shingles offer. When roof shingles start to slide away from the base of the roof, it can leave the sub-roofing at risk for wood rot. If wood rot is discovered, it may require the wood around the damaged area to be replaced.
Rotted wood can compromise an entire area of the roof creating further damage. Rotted wood will weaken a roof over time and can lead to holes in the roofing system. If left unattended, wood rot can cause potential damage to interior wood and the home as the seepage area grows.
Roof Damage and Aging
All home roofs will need to be replaced or repaired over time. The typical lifespan of a roof depends on the material. In most cases, a twenty-five-year life span is considered average. However, depending on the roofing materials, certain roof systems can last up to fifty years or longer. Roof systems with inferior materials can deteriorate after eighteen to twenty years leading to roof system failure.
Sliding, damaged or missing roof shingles are some of the main signs that appear if the roofing system of the home is beginning to fail. When roof tiles pull away from the overall roof system, elements such as rain and debris can readily invade the underlying roof sections. If left unattended for a more extended period, wood rot can also be accompanied by mold website blogs which can begin to grow in the sub-roofing.
When moisture begins to build around the area between the roofing and sub-roofing, the mold can start to invade the home. Mold is a growth of fungus, and it is often found in dark areas where moisture has built up. Mold growth is considered a significant health hazard and should be dealt with as soon as it is discovered.
Checking the Roof System
Sometimes people have problems with their roof system without even knowing. Tiles that begin to pull away from the central roof system do not always seem obvious. Sometimes the first way a homeowner detects there is a roof problem is through a leak in the ceiling. Other times, roof tiles may be found on the ground after a storm. In fact, one of the biggest reasons a roof gets damaged is through high wind or storm events.
Learning more about roof replacement and protection can be obtained if you visit website blogs. For homeowners who have a roof system that is older than eight years, it is wise to have the system checked annually. This will ensure that any damage is caught early.
Once roof tile damage is found, it is critical to have it repaired and the tiles replaced as soon as possible. This will help preserve the attic and primary structure of the home.
