Let’s talk about some of the things that can damage your roof. Some of the things that we mention will be obvious, and some of them will be things that you probably have never even thought about, which is why they are all worth mentioning. Since your home is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever make, let’s break down some things that are just a bad idea.

8 Main Things that cause Roof Damage

1. Roofing Debris

Since your roof is what protects the entirety of the continents of your home, it is critical that you maintain the integrity of the roof, roofing components, and shingles. While leaves and other organic materials blowing around are not a cause for concern, allowing a significant amount to gather in and on the roof. When allowed to sit for any amount of time, this debris will start to rot on the roof and will hold water and moisture, which can get behind the shingles and cause leaking.

The other problem with allowing this debris to collect on your roof is the growth of Blue algae. This algae grows abundantly in warm, moist conditions and derives its nutrients from the dust from the air. While it is not harmful or dangerous in itself, over time, it can cause the protective UV granules on the shingles to come off and dry out the shingles, making them brittle and prone to breakage. 

2. Lack of General Maintenance

Most people do not realize that there is more to maintaining a roof than simply having it installed. During the different seasons, there is much organic debris blowing around and will find its way onto your roof and into your gutters. It is especially important to remember to have your roof, valleys, eaves, around skylights and your gutters and downspouts cleaned a couple of times in a year to prevent debris from building up in the valleys, around skylights overflowing your gutters and causing leaking inside your home. You should have it done more often if you have trees close to or overshadowing the roof of your home. Believe it or not, this is one of the main causes of common leaks, even more so than storm damage. 

3. Trees, Branches, Vines, and Large Bushes

While these things can be beautiful, they can also be destructive to your roof and significantly decrease the number of years your roof will last. 

Trees that are allowed to grow too close to your home can not only cause foundation and septic issues; they can also grow into the gutters and prevent proper water drainage from the roof and damage your soffit. Branches that are allowed to grow into the roof can cause damage to the roof decking and shingles enough to sustain water intrusion to the soffits of the home and inside the home.

Please remember to keep all branches trimmed away from the edge of your roofline and from overhanging onto the roof. During strong winds and bad storms, branches can break and fall onto the roof causing varying degrees of damage, from missing shingles to broken plywood decking, and can even cause enormous holes in the roof that will lead to significant water damage inside your home.

4. Weather

Extreme hot weather can cause the asphalt shingle to become hot and pliable and cause more than normal granular loss. Then through the cooling process that occurs at night will allow for repeated softening and hardening of the shingles, thus allowing them to become brittle and break easily and cause leaking over time. The temperature of 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit and ultraviolet rays will also cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time.

Cold weather can also drastically affect the lifespan of an asphalt shingle by making it brittle and prone to breakage during these months.

Also, during the winter months, there are a few other things to be aware of;

5. Freezing water

Water that freezes on your roof can cause a dam, prevent proper drainage, and cause leaking. 

Snow- can accumulate on the flat roof surfaces and the edges of your roof and can cause snow dams that will force the melting snow up under your shingles and cause leaks to your home. 

It is important to have your roof inspected before the winter months to make sure that your flat roof surfaces are in good condition. 

Also, remember that if you decide to remove the snow yourself, the materials you use can also damage your roof.

6. Storms/Hail/Wind

During severe weather conditions, wind can cause shingles tabs to lift and break and cause the adhesive backing on the shingle to come loose, thus causing shingles to come completely off the roof. While this does take a significant wind force, it frequently happens, especially to shingles affected by the other items mentioned here.

Hail, while rare, does happen and can remove the granules, wear down the integrity, fracture or break completely through the shingle and leave your home vulnerable to leaking. These factors will depend on the hail storm’s size, velocity, and density. 

7. Critters/Animals/Birds

All types of living creatures can and will cause damage to your home if it is not properly protected. Squirrels and raccoons will try to enter your home during different times of the year, whether to stay dry or warm. They will enter by clawing or chewing their way in through your fascia, soffit, drip edge, or even through your roof ventilation.

Birds will nest in your gutters and downspouts that will clog them up and not allow the water to properly drain and cause water to back up under your shingles, which causes leaking to happen either inside your soffits or inside your home. Woodpeckers are also attracted to small bugs nest under the shingles and behind fascia boards and wood siding. 

8. Improper Roof Repairs

We see much unnecessary damage due to unqualified contractors and homeowners alike trying to save money by having sub-par repairs made to their roofs in an attempt to save money, so choosing Colony Roofers will always be a good decision.