There is potentially no greater investment in your life than your home, so when roof damage becomes evident, it’s a source of concern. Unaddressed issues with the roof can end up costing thousands down the road. If you’re wondering what causes roof damage, take a few moments to review 11 common culprits behind your roof damage and what kind of roof repairs you may need.

1. Improper installation

A substandard roof installation can be identified by shingles which aren’t uniformly attached to the roof or roof materials which have been reused for a new installation. Drip edges should be installed around the entire edge of your roof. When the installation is complete, there should be no signs of rot or damage.

2. Broken or Torn Shingles

Broken shingles give moisture the opportunity to enter your home, no matter how small the entry point is. Your roof should be seamless. It’s especially important to have your roof inspected after severe weather. Some damage may not be readily visible from the ground so it’s a good idea to schedule a roofing professional to conduct an inspection.

3. Damaged Flashing

Signs of water damage to the siding of your house or in the area of the flashing is a sign the area needs to be repaired. Bent, warped or corroded flashing should be replaced quickly to prevent leaks from occurring at joints. Water damage at the site of the flashing could be a sign of more extensive, unseen damage inside your home.

4. Rotten or Damaged Fascia

The fascia works to keep moisture and insects out of your home. Due to its location just below the gutter, a home’s fascia is especially susceptible to damage or rot over time. While water is often the cause of damaged fascia, severe weather fluctuations can also break down the wood over the years.

5. Bad, Old, Clogged Gutter System

It’s important to regularly inspect and clean the gutters of your house at least once a year, if not more often. Clogged gutters can cause water to build up, corroding the gutters. When water is not properly diverted by the gutters it overflows onto the siding and causes rot or decay. 

6. Attic Ventilation

Hot air trapped in your attic can cause a myriad of issues from loss of energy efficiency to humid air (causing mold and mildew). It also degrades your shingles far faster so you have to replace your roof sooner than it should be. Proper ventilation allows your roof to expel the damaging air. It works to help your roof last longer.

7. Storm Damage

High winds, rain, and hail will wreak havoc on your roof. If you’ve experienced storms recently, it’s time to have your roof inspected. Hail and high winds can break or pull away shingles from your roof, exposing the support structure beneath to the elements. Talk with your trusted roofing company with assistance. File an insurance claim for the damage.

8. Punctures and Holes

Holes or punctures in the roof need to be addressed immediately. Oftentimes, this damage is caused by falling branches during storms, high winds, or hail. Holes in the roof not only let water in but serve as an entrypoint for pests. It’s important to have your roof thoroughly inspected by a roofing professional after these events as the damage is sometimes difficult to spot.

9. Critters and Pests

If you’ve been experiencing an unusually large amount of pest activity in and around your home, it could be a sign of a breach in your roof somewhere. Schedule a roofing professional to check the roof for possible points of entry. It’s a good idea to seal any holes or gaps found before a few pests turn into an infestation.

10. Tree Damage

Another common cause of roof damage is falling branches or trees after heavy storms. Additionally, branches on your roof means debris is most likely also building up in your gutter system. Schedule a professional roofer to come and carefully inspect the roof, remove any debris, and assess the extent of the damage.

11. Poor Maintenance

A quality roof is built to last, but yet it is important to perform regular maintenance. Speak with your trusted roofer about implementing a comprehensive roof maintenance plan to safeguard your roof. Many times expensive repairs can be averted by spotting potential problems long before they become a serious issue.

For top quality assistance inspecting and repairing your Central Kentucky roof, contact AIC roofing today. Since 2003, we have provided our customers with outstanding, affordable service. AIC Roofing has received several awards for our dedication to excellence, including the GAF Excellence Award and the GAF Training Excellence Award. Trust AIC Roofing for reliable, superior service for all your roofing repair needs.

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