Many homes in Centreville experience roofing issues from time to time. From gutter and shingle damage to fallen trees during storm season, nature often throws a lot of challenges at Northern Virginia homes. Below are some insights on how to address the most common roofing issues encountered in our area.
Roof Shingle Damage
One of the most common roofing issues seen in Centreville, VA is shingle damage, which can be caused by the Northern Virginia weather or general aging. Impact from storms and heavy winds can cause shingles to break, tear, or lift off the roof, while aging shingles are prone to curling and becoming brittle.
Another type of shingle damage homeowners may encounter is “bald” shingles, which are shingles that have lost the granules that protect their outer layer. In addition to being unsightly, this problem can lead to premature aging in shingles by exposing them to too much sunlight.
When just a few individual shingles are damaged, it may be possible to simply repair or replace the affected shingles. However, when the damage is more extensive, the roofing may need to be replaced.
Damage to Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts play an important role in protecting your home from water damage, directing roof runoff away from the foundation and helping avoid basement flooding. Unfortunately, even small scrapes and dents can be enough to compromise the functioning of these important features. In heavy storms, gutters and downspouts may even become bent or crushed. Another cause of damage is wood rot, which can weaken fascia boards and cause gutters to come loose.
When a gutter is not functioning properly, the problem might also be a clog. If debris such as leaves is blocking the gutter, clearing it out may be enough to restore proper functioning. However, if the gutters or downspouts have sustained enough damage to change their shape or have pulled loose from the home, professional gutter replacement or repair is needed.
Blow-Off Roof Damage
Another problem that can be caused by storms or heavy winds in Centreville is blow-off damage. This occurs when a strong gust of wind blows roofing completely off of the home. This type of damage is normally seen on just one side of the roof; the side that is not exposed to wind may remain fully intact. Blow-off damage can impact a section or an entire side of the roof, and it may also affect roof sheathing and roofing felt.
This type of problem cannot be solved as a DIY project. Instead, roofing professionals are needed to assess the damage and install new roofing. When the damage is just confined to one section, a full roof replacement may not be necessary. Roofing professionals will also ensure the home is prepared for future storms.
Roof Leaks
Some roof leaks are very obvious, such as when a large branch falls off of a tree in a storm and creates a sizable hole in the roof. However, most roof leaks are far more challenging to detect. Even a smaller hole created by a popped nail can be enough to allow water to make its way into the home. Water can also leak around compromised flashing as well as through water backups created by ice dams. Complicating matters further is the fact that the place where the leak makes its way into the home is not always close to the external entry point in the roof.
Any time water is leaking into your home from the roof, it is best to contact roofing professionals right away as they have the experience and tools needed to identify the source of the leak and address it quickly to prevent further damage.
Faulty Roof Flashing Issues
One problem that can arise when a roof has been installed improperly is faulty flashing. The flashing in a roof normally serves to direct water away from weak areas in the roof. When the components of flashing are not tightly sealed, it can cause water to leak into the home.
This issue must be addressed by experienced roofing contractors who are trained in identifying flashing issues and correcting them.
Structural Damage
Storms are a part of life for Centreville residents, with hurricane season being a particularly challenging time of year for your roof. Even in the absence of a direct hurricane hit, strong winds and rains associated with tropical storms can cause trees and other objects to fall on your roof. This can cause anything from a small puncture to a complete collapse.
Structural damage, no matter how small it is, requires an assessment by a roofing professional. Some types of damage can be addressed with a spot repair, while more extensive damage may necessitate a full roof replacement.
Learn More About Roof Replacement from Adelphia Exteriors
Whether your roof has already sustained damage or you want to learn more about how to avoid the common roofing issues encountered in Centreville, the team at Adelphia Exteriors can help. Contact us today to find out more about our Northern Virginia roof inspection and replacement services.