There are many
reasons why roof materials fail. It may
be from lack of maintenance, damage from storms, weathering from exposure to
the elements, or compromised flashing systems.
It is very important
that you maintain your roof and keep if free from organic materials like leaves
and branches. Organic materials attract
moisture, bugs and other debris that can break down roofing material over time, allowing water to seep in. If you maintain your roofing material by
cleaning off the debris including the gutters in the spring and fall, you can
extend the life expectancy of your roof and prevent expensive repair bills.
Storms can cause
significant damage to your roofing materials by weakening the fasteners from
the roof deck. Storms can create vacuums
of pressure in your home which push up on the bottom side of the roof causing
fasteners to fail. This makes your home
susceptible to moderate to strong wind storms. It is important to have your
roof inspected after a major storm that involves high wind or significant hail.
Homes with additions
often have valleys and issues where old and new house join. It is very important when re- roofing your
home or repairing your roof that you communicate problem areas to your
contractor. This allows the contractor to assess the situation proactively and
prevents the new roof or repaired roofing area from experiencing the same
issues.
Humidity and harsh weather conditions
can shorten the life span of a roof and generally cannot be prevented. It is important to research roofing materials
for the climate that you live in. Homes
in arid climates generally have different roofing requirements than homes that
are exposed to snow and heavy rains like we get in Minnesota.
Flashing problems may
cause quick deterioration of your roof because flashing provides a water tight
area between roofing materials and other parts of your home. If flashing fails, it allows water to
migrate into attics, siding and other undesirable areas of the home.
If your roof shows
signs of deterioration or water intrusion, it is important to contact a roofing
professional. Midwest Exteriors of Mpls,
Inc. provides a free no obligation consultation. Contact Dan at 763-550-1685, or check us out
on the web at http://www.midwestguttermn.com
