5 COMMON ROOF PROBLEMS: SIGNS & PREVENTION TIPS
Sometimes roof damage blatantly shows, but other times it’s so subtle you won’t know until it’s too late. With your roof being the first line of defense from the harsh Minnesota climate, damage can occur and accumulate during any season.
Knowing the signs of damage and how to prevent them is valuable to Minnesota homeowners. Knowing how to keep your roof in great shape while spotting signs early will save you a great deal of money and massive headaches down the road.
Learn how to spot five common roof problems and the best way to prevent them.
PROBLEM #1: LEAKING ROOFS
If you notice water dripping into your home or in your attic, you more than likely have a damaged roof. Shingles can be damaged by a severe storm, especially hail. These storms can create intrusions through which water can enter. Neglecting a leaky roof is sure to cause damage to your home’s interior, such as the wood framing and electrical wires.
Prevention
To prevent water damage caused by leaking roofs, it’s best to inspect your roof after the event of a severe storm. Doing so will catch early signs of roof damage prompting a repair.
PROBLEM #2: HIGH ENERGY BILL
Heating your home is especially important in the winter, as Minnesota experiences some of the coldest winter days in the nation. When the temperature drops, your energy will obviously rise. However, you may be losing a lot of heat through the top of your house.
As you know, heat rises. So if your roof isn’t properly insulated, you may be shelling out a ridiculous amount to keep your home warm during the winter.
Prevention
If your energy bill skyrockets over the winter, consider getting insulation installed in your attic to keep warm air in!
PROBLEM #3: CLOGGED GUTTERS
Believe it or not, gutters play an important role in your home’s exterior and interior. Gutters are responsible for directing the flow of water away from your house when it rains. Water will pool on your roof if the gutters are clogged, causing damage to the shingles.
Additionally, a clogged cutter means more water seeping in around the foundation of your house, which can lead to the basement leaking water.
Prevention
To prevent clogged gutters from damaging your roof, it’s best to clean them out once or twice a year, especially in autumn when the leaves fall. Another preventative measure is to install gutter guards, decreasing the amount of debris that may fall in during the year!
PROBLEM #4: BROKEN OR MISSING SHINGLES
Over time, the sealant that adheres your shingles to the roof can wear away, which makes your shingles more susceptible to loosening or breaking off. A big storm can rip those away completely. If your roof is at an advanced age, shingles may start tearing off, which is expected.
Prevention
While you can replace those loose or missing shingles yourself, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your roof to check for signs of missing or loose shingles. Performing regular inspections of your roof can also help catch signs of loose shingles before they blow away. Then those shingles can be repaired or replaced right away.
PROBLEM #5: ICE DAMS
Ice dams occur during the winter months when the snow melts from your roof, then refreezes along your roof line and in your gutters. This excess build-up of ice can cause many problems for your roof, such as damaging your gutters, causing water to back up under your shingles, or allowing water to find a spot to leak inside the house.
If you have icicles hanging off your roof, then you likely have an ice dam.
Prevention
The best prevention for ice dams is to have proper insulation and ventilation in your attic. When your attic becomes too warm, it causes the snow on the roof to melt, which can help form ice dams once that water refreezes.
Make sure you have the proper insulation in your attic and that you have proper ventilation. These two prevention tips ensure that the air in your attic stays consistent and will not melt the snow on your roof.
Another prevention technique is to use a snow rake to pull snow off your roof. You only need to remove the first few feet of snow off your roof to help prevent ice dams.
CONTACT TRINITY EXTERIORS FOR TRUSTED TWIN CITIES ROOFING
Family-owned since 2007, Trinity Exteriors is proud to deliver exceptional and trustworthy roofing services to the West Metro area.
Get a free estimate online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!