Most any homeowner recognizes that their asphalt roof is vulnerable. A roof can face risks through exposure to any number of conditions that can diminish its stability. There are sworn enemies of your roof that affect the integrity of your roof and here are the top offenders.
1. Heat Buildup
The biggest enemy of your asphalt roof is probably an accumulation of heat and the UV rays of the sun. Constant exposure to heat and the sun’s rays can do a real number on your roof. Think of how damaging the sun is to the skin and you can get an idea how an asphalt roof can suffer similar effects. Heat buildup and the sun’s ultraviolet rays will damage roofing materials over time and leave them in a deteriorated state.
2. Damaged or Missing Shingles
When shingles are damaged or missing, areas of a roof are going to be totally unprotected. If shingles are sparse, damaged or torn, further problems can occur with any remaining shingles as they will be unable to stay in place. They can be easily torn and ripped away by the weather. Further damage can occur because of moisture accumulation or water that can leak through any bare spots where shingles once were. The interior of your home can be subject to water damage which can further destroy any wood framework. Shingles can also lose their effectiveness when they are warped, corroded, curled or bare.
3. Wind
Wind is another major enemy when it comes to your roof. Strong winds can severely damage roofing materials. The edges of shingles and other materials can be completely lifted from the roof making way for water and anything else to get underneath the old materials. These kinds of actions can jeopardize any underlying roof structures and compromise the integrity of your roof.
4. Snow, Ice, and Hail
If you live in an area where snow and ice are prevalent, your asphalt roof could likely suffer. The heaviness of snow can cause roof collapse and moisture damage and when ice is formed (ice dams), even more damage can occur through water edging its way into the interior of your home. Hail is just as damaging as snow and ice as it can dent and bruise a roof, and go undetected. The pelting can also dislodge the granules on an asphalt roof, which can play havoc with the underlayment of a roof and allow water to do further damage.
5. Roof Growths
An asphalt roof can show signs of rot when growths like moss, algae, mold, and mildew have their way. Moist areas on a roof are subject to these growths and in order to avoid them, any continually wet or shaded area on a roof should be cleared and gutters cleaned of debris. Debris buildup in gutters can cause moisture backup that leads to these growths and the eventual rot, and other roofing issues.
6. Trapped Moisture
Poor ventilation can cause condensation or moisture buildup. If moisture is continually trapped in an attic area that hasn’t been properly ventilated, a roof’s structure is going to suffer because of it.
7. Flashing
When roof flashing is damaged or has deteriorated, leaks around various areas of a roof can occur. Whether it’s flashing around a chimney, skylights, vents, or any other roof projection, leaks will happen when a seal no longer exists. Drips can find their way into the interior of a home and damage walls, ceilings insulation and even electrical wiring.
If you want to combat the enemies that are lurking around your asphalt roof, you may want to think about an inspection to determine if any of these culprits have done a number on your roof. Addressing roofing issues is important and you can alleviate the worry of it all by simply completing the online contact form. A roofing expert will get back to you with the answers you need to combat those pesky roofing enemies.
