Most Common Roof Problems and How to Prevent Them

A Short List of the Most Common Roof Problems and How to Prevent Them

Your roof bears the brunt of the extreme weather we experience. This is especially true during the harsh temperatures, snow, sleet, and wind during the winter months. But, let’s not forget the scorching sun beating down as a constant that can deteriorate your roof. A roof that is working as it should is one of the most important factors in having a comfortable home. The roof on your house protects your family from the elements, keeps out pests, and provides a comfortable living space. 

Even though you may have been diligent in maintaining the roof by having annual inspections, you can still have problems that develop when you live in an area with weather like we have in New Jersey. It doesn’t matter how well the roof was installed, over time the roof will develop weaknesses from wear and tear. Even a small leak will damage your house so it’s important to address problems quickly when they occur.

You may be very handy at fixing things around your house, but most roofing problems should be corrected by a professional roofing company. Finding and repairing issues on the roof can be difficult and unsafe. Here at Allied Roofing Solutions, your New Jersey roofers, we have a lot of experience repairing roofs that suffer damage from extreme weather. So that you are more aware of and can identify roof problems as they start, we are sharing some of the most common roof problems and how you can prevent them.

Leaking Roof

This is the most common of all roof problems because it can be caused by many different issues. Some causes of roof leaks include damage to shingles and tiles, poor roof maintenance, improper installation, and old roofing materials.

Leaks can be difficult to pinpoint and don’t always present themselves with a flood of water or even a steady drip. If you see a wet spot on the ceiling or a stain that keeps getting bigger, you may have a small leak. Most of the time, you find leaks around the chimney, around the gutters, at flashing points, and close to vents and pipes. The attic may show you where the leak is coming from. If you see wet insulation or stained areas on the sheathing or rafters, more than likely that is where the leak is located.

Broken or Missing Shingles

When the sealant that attaches the shingles to your roof wears off, it loosens, breaks, or comes off. Over time, sealant can be damaged by nature, rodents, or general wear and tear. An older roof will have broken and/or missing shingles as a normal course. 

Damaged Flashing

If the flashing on your roof becomes loose or cracks, the fixtures around it are in danger of damage from water and moisture. The flashing on your roof is a material made of sheet metal or plastic that protects creases on skylights and chimneys. Flashing is also used to preserve venting pipes that are under the roofing materials. 

Clogged Gutters

You may not immediately think that a gutter can affect the roof, but it can. If a gutter is clogged there is the potential to cause expensive damage over time. When a gutter is clogged for a long time, water accumulates into the roofing system and your home. As more and more water seeps in, your roof will begin to leak and even rot causing structural damage. Getting your gutters cleaned regularly or installing screens on the gutters will reduce the amount of debris that mounts up. 

Shingle Granules Clogging Downspouts

Granules on the shingles can come loose and fall as the roof ages. When you see these granules regularly in your downspout, it is an indication that the shingles are getting weak and need to be replaced. Granules on the shingles serve an important purpose by protecting the roof from UV rays. If the granules fall off, the shingles become vulnerable and begin to crack. When this occurs, call a roofing professional to talk about either repairing the roof or roof replacement.

Freezing Damage

An area like New Jersey can experience a great deal of snow and ice during the winter, which reduces the life expectancy of a roof. The majority of roof problems occur during cold weather. When ice water melts, it runs off the roof very slowly causing a stagnate situation that penetrates the roof and causes issues. As the temperatures fluctuate by warming up during the day and dropping at night, the water that has permeated underneath the roof can freeze. The result is frozen water expanding and pushing against the shingles, leaving an opening that allows even more water to get in. Check on the roof regularly during winter to catch damages before they get severe.

Trees and Falling Limbs

Damage from falling limbs and trees is a very common roof problem. It isn’t only large tree limbs that can cause damage. When smaller branches rub against your roof for a prolonged period of time, they erode the top layer of the roof. If a tree looks like a potential threat, cut it down and plant another tree in a place where it can’t harm the roof. And, to further prevent damage always keep your tree branches trimmed when they reach the roof.

Preventing Roof Problems

Here are some tips to prevent roof damage:

• Regularly inspect your roof
• Clean your gutters
• Trim trees
• Clear snow
• Remove debris
• Inspect and repair seals, joints, and flashing

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions - Your Experienced New Jersey Roofers

When you have signs of roof damage, call our professionals as soon as possible. What may begin as a small problem can quickly progress to major damage, especially during extreme weather. We can provide a roof inspection and correct the problem without delay whether it is a roof repair or roof replacement. We serve New Jersey residents in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. Call us at (201) 772-0633 or complete the contact form to schedule a free estimate appointment. Let us help correct roof problems and protect your home!