Roofing is one of the most important aspects of any home. It protects from the elements and keeps your home energy efficient. Roofing problems like leaks, missing shingles, and storm damage can lead to expensive repairs to the roof and interior of the home. It's important to address any problems as soon as possible and hire expert roofing contractors if you need repairs or roof replacement.

Temperature Fluctuations

Spring has arrived and temperatures are increasing. While this is a wonderful boon for us, your roof is undergoing a lot of stress. Temperature fluctuations expand and contract the materials that make up the roof. The expansion from warmer temperatures can create gaps in your shingles that allow water to easily get into your home.

Expansion can also cause what's known as "nail popping". Thousands of nails help hold the roofing materials together, and if they expand too much then they can cause bulging or pop out and pierce through shingles entirely. Water can get into your home through these bulges and holes, ruining walls, ceilings, floors, electrical appliances, and more. Check your roof from the ground to make sure you don't see any bulges that may indicate temperature fluctuations are damaging your home.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters may seem like a small part of the roof, but they have an important responsibility. Gutters keep water from pooling on the roof and drain it away from the home and its foundation. During the winter, ice dams can form on the gutters and prevent snow from properly melting and draining from the roof. Even after these melt, branches, leaves, and nests can all clog your gutters.

If your gutters are at a height that you can safely reach with a good ladder, you can clean them out yourself and make sure they are draining water efficiently. If you have gutters that are too high for you to safely reach, contact a roofing service to handle the job for you. It's not a huge investment, but it does a great job at preventing problems down the line.

Storm Damage

Your home and roof are constructed to weather harsh storms, but nature can be hard to deny. Strong winds can lift shingles and create a passage for water, or rip them off entirely. Branches on trees can fall and cause significant impact damage to your roof, endangering the lives of the residents of the home.

After a big storm, conduct a ground inspection to see if there's any visible damage. If you're experiencing leaks and you can't spot the problem, call your local roofers. They will find the issue and fix it quickly to prevent it from getting out of hand. It's also a good idea to hire a tree service to inspect any trees that have limbs above your roof. Unhealthy trees pose a significant risk and need to be treated or removed to avoid catastrophe.

Improper Installation

Outside of weather-induced issues, man can have a significant impact on a roof's longevity and durability. If the roofers who installed your roof didn't do a good job, you'll be paying for numerous repairs down the line. Roofing requires sharp attention to detail to prevent issues, especially when it comes to pipe collars and flashing that sit at the most vulnerable parts of the roof.

If you're experiencing problems within the first few years of roof installation, it's a good sign that the company you hired did a poor job. Use your warranty and see if you can find a better roofing contractor to reinstall.

Wear and Tear

Over time, regular wear and tear will eventually cause your roofing system to fail. How long this takes depends on the materials you use. According to Bob Vila, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material and usually last about 10-20 years. If your roof is getting up there and you're seeing signs of age, it may be time for a roof replacement. The good news is a roof replacement offers a substantial ROI. According to Home 365, roof replacements can yield 85% of the investment back to the customer once they resell. It increases property value, reduces repair and maintenance expenses, and renews the roof's warranty and insurance.

If you need a quality roofing company to help you with any of the problems listed above, contact Rich Roofing & Exteriors. In business since 1965, we offer a variety of commercial and residential roofing services. Call today or visit our website to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.