If you ‘re a property or homeowner and you are responsible for the roof maintenance read this blog. In this article we share the most common roof problems and their fixes to help you keep on top of any likely issues and how to deal with them.

The most common roof problems and their fixes

Every roof has to withstand the elements day after day, year after year. Yet, sooner or later, no matter what type of roof you have, it will need to have some repairs made. In some cases, roof repairs can be conducted by homeowners, while in others, it’s best to leave it in the hands of professional roofers or else you may wind up causing more damage.

The key to any good maintenance is to recognize when you can do it yourself and when to call in the pros. Knowing when a roof replacement is needed instead of focusing on repairs is also crucial. Here are some common roof problems and how to fix them.

Missing, broken, or curled shingles

Missing, curled, or broken shingles are among the most common roof problems every homeowner runs into, and the causes can drastically vary. In some cases, rodents and other pests might be at fault. In others, it might be due to natural elements taking their toll or simply because of old age.

If your roof is more than 20 years old, you should replace it. If it isn’t, you can replace the missing, curled, or broken shingles. Some stores sell single shingles, but you should buy a box to have some for a backup so you can replace any others that you may find.

Make sure that the shingles match your existing ones. If you are skilled, you can replace the missing shingles by yourself. If there are many curled or missing shingles, you have a bigger problem on your hands, and you will likely need to replace your roof before things get worse.

Visible moss

If you see moss on your roof, that’s a big warning sign that you need to fix your roof. Moss is certainly a common problem that most homeowners face. You can get rid of the moss with preventive products that have zinc and copper. Scrape the moss away from your roof from the top down to avoid lifting the shingles.

If there are many visible patches of moss on your roof, there is a high chance it is also present underneath your shingles. This can turn into a costly endeavor, as the moss can create cracks that lead to leaks in the structural integrity of your roof. Depending on how bad the situation is, you may need to replace your roof.

Damaged flashing

Creases on fixtures such as skylights or chimneys are protected by flashing, which is a material made out of a plastic or metal sheet. It is also used in the preservation of venting pipes under your roofing materials.

In many instances, your flashing can become damaged. Cracks can form, or they can become loose. Thus, the fixture inevitably becomes vulnerable to moisture and water damage. In such a scenario, you have to replace the damaged flashing with a new one.

You can remove parts of the surrounding material to install the new flashing. However, if you aren’t confident about performing this task, you should enlist the help of a qualified roofing contractor.

Tree damage

Many homeowners face a lot of issues with falling tree branches. However, your roof doesn’t become damaged only by falling branches. If the branches repeatedly rub against your roof for a prolonged time, the top layer of the roof might become eroded. Thus, it is best to trim your nearby trees at least once per year.

Trimmed trees will also have other benefits for your roof. For example, you won’t have to clean leaves so often from your roof. Leaves and debris can expedite the growth of moss on your roof. Apart from this, the shade on your roof due to the untrimmed trees is also a moss-favoring environment.

Roof leaks

One of the most common problems most homeowners face are roof leaks. These can be caused by broken, missing, or curled shingles, but there are many other possible reasons. If you head to the attic and discover mold, water stains, or black marks, you have some serious roof leaking issues. The best thing to do in this case is to contact a roofing contractor to expertly repair these problems.

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