Roofer Hudson Valley 10 Common Problems

Roofing can be a complex and overwhelming job, but the most common roofing problems are easy to fix if identified early. The earlier you can catch these 12 common roofing problems, the better your chances of correcting them with little cost and help from a local HV Roofer. Listed below are the most common roofing problems homeowners experience and how to repair them.

 

  1. Hail Damage: Hail damage is one of the more obvious signs that something is not right with your roof. Hail storms create countless holes in shingles, deteriorate caulking around vents and skylights, and cause other forms of damage that only a trained professional should attempt to repair. To determine whether or not you have hail damage on your roof, check all shingles for any small holes and depressions. Have an expert inspect for more severe damage such as missing shingles, cracked or split shingles, and large dents.
  2. Torn or Curled Shingles: A torn or curled shingle can be a result of high winds, ice accumulation, or poor installation; however they most commonly occur because your roof is old and no longer functions as it should. This problem typically occurs after the first ten years on a new roof as it begins to age. Because tearing and curling is not an easy fix (in case you were tempted to try) make sure to schedule an inspection with your HV Roofer as soon as possible.
  3. Broken Flashings: Flashings are pieces of metal that function as a barrier between joints in adjacent pieces of metal. Flashings are found around skylights, vent pipes, chimneys, and other areas where the roof is not continuous. If your home or business has broken flashings your shingles can start to leak over time, so it’s important to have them fixed soon after they develop this problem.
  4. Missing Shingles: Missing shingles usually arise from high winds and ice accumulation; however they can also be caused by carpenter ants or poor installation practices. Unfortunately, missing shingles cannot easily be replaced because there should always be two layers on any one section of the roof (a starter course and an additional layer above). Once you realize you’re missing shingles, schedule an inspection with your HV Roofer right away.
  5. Evidence of Leaks: If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls it can be a sign that there is a leak somewhere on the roof. Make sure to inspect all parts of the roof for evidence of leaks and if possible use binoculars to do this. The most common places where roofs tend to leak are in valleys and around skylights, but feel free to enlist a professional’s opinion, especially when dealing with large roofing issues such as holes or missing shingles.Roofer Hudson Valley
  6. Chimney Problems: A broken or crumbling chimney is another one of those obvious problems that should no longer exist after ten years because it typically arises from a lack of maintenance. If you have a broken or crumbling chimney it could be the result of multiple factors such as moisture, heat, and poor design which can cause other problems on your roof. To avoid these leaks from occurring in the future, make sure to schedule an inspection with your HV Roofer after ten years have passed.
  7. Inadequate Attic Ventilation: Without proper ventilation at the peak of your roof, hot air builds up inside during the summer months and causes discomfort for residents while also adding undue stress to the roof itself. Installing a solar-powered fan is one way to create fresh airflow through your attic but hiring a professional would be the safest option if you’re unsure about how to repair this common roofing problem Inadequate insulation or any cracks in the insulation are both common causes of this problem.
  8. Deteriorating Caulking: If you notice cracking, peeling, water stains, or other damages around any vents or skylights on your roof it could be an indication that your caulking is deteriorating. To avoid this problem make sure to inspect all areas where caulk exists regularly, especially after 10 years have passed since installation. Cracks in the caulking can also result from high winds and temperature changes causing moisture to seep through these cracks which can accumulate over time and cause damage to surrounding materials.
  9. Valley Flashing Problems: The valley flashing sits at the peak of a roof right above where three sloping roofs meet together which makes it incredibly susceptible to damage. Because it is so important to repair this flashing as soon as you notice problems, it’s also one of the most common roofing issues that HV Roofers deal with regularly. Improper installation can cause rips and tears in valley flashings which should be repaired immediately before they worsen over time because if not caught quickly enough will eventually lead to leaks.
  10. Ice Damming: Ice dams are formed when ice accumulates at the edge of roofs during winter months due to heat loss from inside your house. The water backs up behind these icicles and causes leakage into your home or business. If not handled properly, ice dams can become a much larger problem that may require replacing parts of your roofing system (which would be incredibly costly) or having to replace the roofing system altogether.
  11. Improper Pitch: An improper pitch on your roof is typically caused by an installation error but could also be due to structural damage which is why it’s important to have this inspected right away, especially after 10 years have passed. If left untreated this problem can cause staining and water penetration issues. An HV Roofer would be able to tell you if the problems are the result of improper installation or structural damage.
  12. Damaged HVAC Systems: Damaged heating and cooling systems that aren’t properly insulated can often lead to increased energy costs over time which is why checking your air ducts for insulation periodically is another one of those small yet projects that will pay off in spades in the future or if you aren’t interested in doing it yourself HV Roofer can look over them with a fine-tooth comb and make sure they’re properly insulated.