A roof is a vital part of the structure of any building—especially when it comes to your home. Your roof protects you and your family from harsh wind, snow, cold, extreme heat, rain, and more.
So when your roof fails, it can naturally be very stressful as a homeowner. A new roof can cost thousands of dollars, and you may spend a lot of time wondering how you’ll find a reliable roofer to get the job done within your budget. You might even spend a great deal of time and money trying to fix the problem yourself.
Luckily, there are many preventive measures you can take to avoid common roof problems and get more life out of your existing roof. To get started, check out some of the most common reasons roofs fail:
1. Poor Roof Installation
A sound roof starts with proper roof installation. Unfortunately, some of today’s roofing companies try to cut corners by using cheap materials and speeding through the installation process. This compromises the integrity of your roof and leaves it more likely to leak, loose shingles, and deteriorate more quickly.
Before hiring a roofing contractor, make sure to thoroughly research reviews and experiences previous people have had to know if you’re hiring a quality contractor. You may also reference our list of questions to ask before hiring a roofer.
2. No Flashing
Another way some roofers try to cut corners is by not installing flashing. This is an essential part of any roof that will last up to 20 years or more if installed correctly. A lack of flashing increases the risk of leaks near your chimney, vents, skylights, and more. If you notice your roof doesn’t have flashing installed, it’s important to have a professional add it to your roof as soon as possible.
3. Mismatching Roof Materials
You may think you’re saving money and making the practical choice if you choose to use a different type of material when your roof needs repairs. But, not only do mismatched shingles and other roofing elements look bad—it can also cause your roof to fail sooner. Mismatched materials could even void your manufacturer’s warranty, so think twice before you use a different product for your DIY roof repair.
4. Third-Party Vendor Damage
Whether you’re getting a new satellite cable, adding skylights to your roof, or hiring a third-party for any other job on your roof, make sure you’re hiring someone you can trust. Many third-party vendors are responsible for costly roof damage while they’re installing their product. Choose wisely and ask if the company offers a workmanship warranty before you hire them.
5. Lack of Maintenance
Out of sight, out of mind—right? When it comes to your roof, this mindset is all wrong. Homeowners who avoid maintenance tasks are in for a big surprise when their roof eventually fails. Make sure you get the most out of your roof by clearing debris, keeping gutters clean, and getting regular inspections.
6. Improper Ventilation
Even the newest roof could fail if it doesn’t have proper roof ventilation. No matter what part of the country you live in, you’re going to need a system that enables your roof to ventilate properly after rain, snow, or a humid day. Make sure your roof is adequately releasing heat and letting fresh air in to regulate the temperature and moisture in your attic.
Add Up to 15 Years of Life to Your Roof
One of the main reasons asphalt shingle roofs are failing is simple because asphalt shingles aren’t manufactured quite like they used to be. Increase in the cost of asphalt has caused manufacturers to decrease the amount of asphalt used in shingles during production. This takes away from the essential oils in the shingles that are necessary for their flexibility and durability. This is causing shingles to dry out more quickly, leading to cracking, breaking and ultimately failing sooner than ever before.
Is your roof starting to show signs of aging? Roof Maxx’s technology can restore your asphalt shingles and provide up to 15 years of extra life. See what Roof Maxx can do for your roof by contacting us today.
