Being a homeowner can come with many challenges and jobs. One of those challenges is the maintenance and repair of the roof. While some like to imagine that the roof will last forever, that isn’t the case. In fact, most roofs last around 25 years. If you fail to monitor your roof and potential problems, 25 years can easily be cut short. This year, make it a priority to watch for common roofing problems.

Roof Leaks

Leaks can be disastrous in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, leaks are the most commonly experienced problem with roofs. They can occur due to lost, moved, or damaged shingles, faulty flashing points, and other roofing failures. To check for leaks, you will need to climb up in your attic with some extra light and search for any mold, mildew, water damage, or water spots. The presence of any of these signs means that you should consider calling in a professional to fix your roof.

If you do not have an attic, you will likely need a roofing professional to check things out from the outside. They will need to get on the roof and examine the shingles, flashing, and other areas of your roof to ensure that everything is as it should be. Not monitoring your roof for leaks could result in a hefty repair bill and the loss of belongings to water damage.

Damaged Shingles

Sometimes shingles get damaged. Although it might seem as though the loss of a couple of small shingles on your large roof couldn’t possibly be that important – they are. Without a roof fully covered in shingles, you will have some real problems to deal with.

Shingles adhere to the roof, but strong winds and other weather can work them free. Animals such as rodents and birds can also damage shingles. Or, if you have an older roof, the shingles could easily come off. Replacing a loose or lost shingle is a simple process that can prevent severe damages in the near future.

Trees are Hazardous to a Roof

A tree damaging a roof isn’t always like the movies – an entire tree or large branch doesn’t have to crash into the roof to cause damage. Truthfully, it is more common for trees to damage roofs over time. Small branches that scratch, scrape, and drag over roofing erode the top layer of the shingle, leaving it without a necessary protective layer. Before your roof requires repairs, trim your trees!

While fallen trees are less common in the way of damaged roofs, it still does happen on occasion. Prevent a tree from falling through your roof by cutting dead trees down quickly. You will also want to ensure that any tree that poses a threat is removed.

Don’t Skip Out on Roof Maintenance

Don’t wait for a difficult lesson to be learned about roof maintenance. Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can address your roofing problems and find a resolution. Contact us today!