There are a number of natural and manmade causes that require homeowners to repair a roof. Storm damage is among the more prevalent reasons, though improper roofing repair or installation with substandard materials can also cause major problems. Often, a well installed roof will withstand all but the worst storm damage. Keep reading to learn more about roofing damage and what you can do as a homeowner.

Roofing Damage Causes

There are number of different causes for roofing damage. Here are some common causes of roofing damage and what it can do to a roof:

• Clogged gutters won’t drain properly, making rain flow where it shouldn’t, potentially causing foundation damage.
• Crumbling mortar around a chimney may lead to leaks.
• Hail storm damage can deteriorate and dent shingles and other roofing materials, making them susceptible to leaks.
• Heavy snowfall, especially on low sloped roofs, can lead to ice dams and leaks.
• Moss not only looks bad, but it can also deteriorate your roof and lead to leaks, requiring roofing repair.
• Poor maintenance and neglect of necessary roofing repair can lead to larger problems, such as major leaks or sagging roofs.
• Problems with flashing, which creates a seal around sun lights, vents, and other roof openings may also cause leaks.
• The buildup of leaves on a roof can hold moisture that can lead to leaks, causing roofing damage.
• Wind storm damage can rip shingles right off the roof, in some cases, such as in hurricanes and tornados, stripping the whole roof off.

Keeping Down Roof Repair Cost

A roof will age naturally and will at some point need roofing repair or replacement. Depending on the type of material used, a properly installed roof should last at least 20 years. Severe storm damage, however, can destroy even a new roof. Some forces of nature are factors that can lessen a roof’s lifespan considerably include:

• Hail
• Lightning
• Wind.

One thing a homeowner can do to keep roof repair cost to a minimum, is repair a roof immediately when necessary, and perform diligent maintenance.

In cold climates especially, the roof should be inspected in autumn to prevent more serious roofing damage from occurring. Debris should be removed from the roof and the gutter to keep pools of water from forming, refreezing, and creating ice dams that will inevitably cause leaks. It is a good idea to keep checking the roof through winter to ensure that no roofing repair is necessary.

Removing snow from the roof will help prevent ice dams, caused by snow melting during the day and penetrating under the shingles at night, where it then refreezes. Failing to deal with this may result in water damage in the attic. Installing adequate insulation will help prevent problems of this sort, as it will keep the roof from getting too warm and causing snow to melt.