Many homeowners looking to save money on a roof replacement may be tempted to hire subpar contractors or even attempt the work on their own. However, this could put the entire house at risk as roofs are highly vulnerable to the elements.
Installing a roof requires precision, skill, experience and the right equipment. Here is a look at some of the problems that can arise due to faulty roof replacement work.
Leaks
One of the most obvious signs of roof trouble is a leak. Many people believe that small leaks are harmless and may even go away over time, but these leaks often have a way of getting worse surprisingly quickly and should never be ignored. Any amount of moisture that is able to seep into the layers of the roof will eventually lead to mold and rot.
Some of the causes of roof leaks can be attributed to poor installation practices, such as nails being incorrectly placed in shingles and improperly installed flashing. Other potential causes are missing or damaged shingles, broken skylights, punctures from tree branches, and ice dams.
Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to detect small leaks and they can cause damage for years before they become noticeable. Regular roof inspections from professional roofing contractors can help prolong the life of a roof replacement and avoid the need for expensive repairs.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing around the roof keeps any awkward or protruding areas sealed to protect them from leaks and water damage. A home may have flashing installed on areas around skylights, venting pipes, heating and cooling systems, and chimneys located in the roof.
However, if flashing is not properly installed and secured, it can easily run into trouble. Once flashing is damaged, the seams sealing the roof and any structures protruding from it will open up and can lead to serious problems.
Clogged Gutters
Although many people do not associate clogged gutters with roof problems, experts warn that clogged gutters can lead to expensive damage over time. When gutters are clogged for extended periods, water will back up into the roofing system and eventually the home, leading to leaks, rot and structural damage.
A roofing replacement must be installed in such a way that it does not compromise the gutters’ ability to do their job or raise their risk of clogging.
Snow and Ice Damage
Ice dams can be a major problem in the winter. When snow accumulates on the roof and undergoes repeated freeze-thaw cycles, it can put the roof at serious risk. Water can end up under the shingles, particularly if they have not been installed properly. Once the temperatures drop again, the water will refreeze. This can push shingles or flashing up and expose the roof underneath, creating large sheaths of ice and dangerous icicles that can compromise the home’s structural support.
Shrinkage
All types of roofing materials are vulnerable to shrinkage to some extent, but roofs with coverings such as synthetic rubber membranes have a particularly high risk. When the material shrinks and pulls from all directions, the extra pressure creates problems.
Roof shrinkage can manifest as tears or cracking in the shingles or flashing. A professional installation and regular inspections and maintenance can prevent shrinkage from occurring on roofs.
Shingle Damage
One of the most common roofing problems that homeowners experience is damaged shingles. There are many ways that shingles can sustain damage, from heavy storms and winds to sun exposure, debris and aging.
Although damaged shingles may seem like mainly an aesthetic concern, they leave the roof exposed and, as a result, more vulnerable to damage. Although there is not much that homeowners can do to protect their shingles from damaging storms, a properly installed roof will fare far better in inclement weather than DIY roof replacements.
Standing Water
Another problematic roof issue is standing or pooled water. This may occur when the roof starts to sink in certain areas and is most commonly found on flat roofs. Roofs must be installed carefully to ensure that water will be able to completely drain off of them. Otherwise, standing water can create issues such as mildew, algae, mold and rot. It can also seep into the home’s support system over time and lead to structural damages that could put the home’s overall stability at risk.
Too Many Layers
Some homeowners may choose to cut costs by installing a new layer of asphalt roofing over an old one rather than installing an entirely new roof. However, once there are more than two layers of roofing on a home, it will not only be in violation of most building codes, but it also is very dangerous as it can exceed the load-bearing threshold of the framing.
It may also be uneven and poorly anchored to the sheeting of the roof, which can pose a long list of problems. Reputable roofing contractors will never offer to exceed two layers of roofing.
Talk To The Professional Roof Replacement Team At Adelphia Exteriors
A roof replacement is a major home improvement project that can lead to serious problems when performed incorrectly. Protect your investment in your home with the professional Virginia roof replacement services offered by Adelphia Exteriors.