Your roof is a very important part of your home. It gives you and everything inside it shelter against rain and other environmental conditions. With this, it is designed to be durable enough to last a long period of time. Regardless of how sturdy your roof is, it will eventually suffer wear and tear leading to different roofing problems. Below are the most common roofing problems that many homeowners encounter and what you can do to fix it.

Most common roofing problems

• Missing or Damaged Shingles

Strong winds and heavy rains can lift and damage the shingles on the roof. If the shingles are blown by strong winds, it needs to be nailed down again onto the roof. If the shingles are broken or missing, then you need to have them replaced at the earliest possible time. 

• Damaged Flashing

Flashings are roof components that seal roof edges and other areas, and prevent water from penetrating your roofing system. Flashings can deteriorate fast or may come loose due to harsh weather conditions. If this happens, you need to call a roofing professional to have it inspected and replaced if the damage is beyond repair.

• Rotten or Damaged Fascia

Fascia are wooden boards or metal sheets that run horizontally along your roof line. It acts as a layer that separates the roof and the environmental conditions such as rain, protecting the roofing system against it. You can repair a damaged fascia with some DIY skills; however, you aren’t too confident with it, then contacting a licensed roofing company might just be the best option.

• Roof Leaks

There are a number of reasons why your roof leaks — from broken shingles, cracked flashes, clogged gutters, and many more. In order to address this issue, you need to first determine the exact location of the problem. 

• Bad Gutter System

A poor gutter system can change the direction of the flow of water on your roof and cause flooding or water penetration in your home. It is important to check your gutter especially before the storm. See if it is correctly installed. Remove debris from it to allow water to freely flow out of your roofing system. Any damage should be repaired before severe weather conditions hit your area.

• Roof Ventilation Problems

Poor ventilation in your roof and attic will not just cause your energy bill to skyrocket, but it also lowers the life expectancy of your roof. If your roof has bad ventilation, heat from the inside can escape, or cause snow and ice from melting and freezing over and over again, leading to roof damage. 

• Ice Dams

We all know how snow can cause havoc in your home, especially on your roof. If your shingles are loosely installed, water could seep through it. The problem arises when this water freezes over. When this happens, the frozen water can push the shingles and flashes up creating more gaps. Call a professional roofing company to inspect your roofing system and see if it’s in proper condition before the season changes.

• Punctures and Holes

Animals and pests can cause more damage to your roof than you could imagine. Squirrels and other pests can leave scrapes and puncture marks. Birds like woodpecker can also drill a hole in your eaves. Once you notice any damage caused by wildlife, cover or replace the damage right away.

• Tree Damage

A roof being damaged by a falling tree is a common scenario experienced by many homeowners. Even a tree branch rubbing on your roof can affect it. Trim the trees near your area, especially if a bad weather condition is coming.

• Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance is definitely the root of all the common roof problems. If your roof is not inspected regularly, any minor issues can worsen, leading to more costly damage. Always remember your roof’s routine maintenance. If you are too busy to check your roof by yourself, call a professional roofing company to do the inspection and maintenance.