Your roof’s a vital part of your property. It keeps the weather out and generally looks after your home. So if there’s anything that could damage your roof, it’s worth noticing and sorting out as quickly as possible.
Here are 7 top things that could damage your roof.
1. Trees
Trees frequently cause roof damage. Whole trees or branches falling on your roof can break tiles, dislodge slate and shingles and even cause structural damage.
Twigs and leaves can also cause problems. If they accumulate on your roof and start to rot, they can damage your roofing materials and could cause leaks.
If there’s a tree overhanging your home that you’re worried might damage your roof, contact a tree surgeon for some advice.
2. Wind
Strong winds can also damage your roof. They can easily dislodge shingles and tiles, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks. To prevent further damage, it’s vital to repair your roof as soon as possible.
3. Hail and rain
Rain is often harmless, but very heavy rain and hail can weaken your roof over time. Roofs that are repeatedly hit by rain and hail can be more prone to leaks and may need more frequent maintenance.
4. Ice and snow
If you live in an area where winter temperatures are often sub-zero, ice and snow could be causing significant damage to your roof. Big quantities of snow can be really heavy so can easily cause structural damage. Plus, as water expands when it turns to ice, if water gets into cracks in your roof and then repeatedly thaws and refreezes, you could end up with some large holes and leaks.
5. Poor drainage
If your flat roof isn’t angled so that rainwater runs straight off, this can cause ponding (where water collects in pools on your roof). This can lead to decay, structural damage and leaks.
Pitched roofs with blocked gutters or poor drainage can also develop leaks. If water accumulates on your roof then it can end up seeping down into your home through the roof edges.
6. Algae and moss
Algae and moss growth can also damage your roof. If you have shingles then it can cause them to rot and deteriorate, which can cause leaks. Moss and algae can also make your roof slippery and difficult to repair.
7. Sunlight
Many homeowners don’t realise the damage that the UV rays in sunlight can do to your roof. Shingles and felt are both prone to UV damage. Both roofing materials weaken when exposed to prolonged sunlight and can also start to look faded and tired.
So there are many things that could threaten the condition of your roof. To avoid damage as much as possible, ensure you check your roof after heavy precipitation, extreme temperatures or storms. And if you think you’ve got roof damage, contact a professional roofer and ask them to have a look.
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