Regular Maintenance Is Key To Avoiding Roof Problems
All roofs suffer from problems eventually if they are not looked after. Regular roof maintenance and inspections can minimise expensive roof repair bills by spotting potential roofing problems before they become serious. Some common roof problems are easy to identify and can even be fixed by the homeowner if they are happy to climb a ladder and get their hands dirty.
Other problems may require the services of a professional roofing contractor, especially if they’ve been left so long that a simple fix won’t cut it – as in the case of the roof in the large image above 🙂 Below are the 5 most common roof problems homeowners face, that could have been avoided with a little timely roof maintenance to nip them in the bud.
The 5 Most Common Roof Problems Homeowners Face
Fascias
Fascias are the long, straight boards that run horizontally along the lower edge of the roof, often called the roofline or roof trim. Traditionally constructed in timber, the fascia is fixed directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and does the work of supporting the lower edge of the bottom row of roof tiles.
The primary function of fascia is to protect the edge of the roof from weather damage and water, by blocking its entrance into the structure. It also carries all the guttering; an important job when it’s raining hard and several gallons of water per second pour into its gutters.
It also plays an aesthetic role, creating a smooth, even appearance for the edge of a roof. Moisture is the number one cause of problems with your fascia so be sure to look for signs of rot or damage and contact a roofing contractor immediately if you notice an issue.
Gutters
Gutters are designed to direct water away from your building foundations and to protect the overall structure, so it’s important to maintain your gutters so they do their job properly.
Guttering is very susceptible to accumulation of debris that holds water, causing mould and mildew under your roof and blocking downpipes, which then get so backed up as to be completely useless.
The weight of leaves, twigs and standing water can cause guttering to sag and detach itself from the fascia. Sagging gutters are also caused when the hangers that secure the gutter pipe to the fascia either deteriorates over time or are spaced too far apart to support the weight of the gutters.
Small leaks or holes in guttering can be sealed by caulking joints or filling small holes from the inside with gutter sealant. Larger holes will require a patch.
Make sure your gutters are pitched toward the downpipes so water can flow properly at a minimum of a quarter inch slope for every 10 feet. If you have standing water in your gutters and they are not blocked with debris, you probably don’t have sufficient slope.
Lastly, downpipe exits should ideally extend a few feet from the house to avoid water flowing back toward your basement or foundations.
Soffits
The Soffit is the exposed surface suspended under the fascias and roof overhang, or eaves, and is ventilated to allow a flow of air into the roof to avoid condensation in the roof void to reduce the risk of timber rot in the sheathing and rafters.
It also helps regulate the temperature in your attic and through the rest of your home. Most soffits are made from vinyl because it is a water-resistant and cost-effective. Look for cracks, holes and rotting that could afford easy entrance for water, insects and small animals.
Flashing
Flashing is used to seal roof system edges, gaps and and any other area where the actual roof covering is interrupted. The primary function of flashing is to help seal any voids in the roof system where water could enter making these prime areas for leaks if not checked regularly.
Flashing can be made with lead, copper, aluminium or galvanized steel. It is most often seen in the valleys where two roof planes meet, around chimneys, dormer windows, skylights, roof vents and drains.
Weather and oxidization can cause flashing deterioration, plus flashing can just simply become loose causing leaks requiring urgent attention to minimise damage.
Roof Slates & Tiles
Roof tiles and ridge tiles offer great protection but can be prone to slippage, weather and storm damage. Areas of missing or broken tiles can leave underlying wood susceptible to rotting, holes and other damage. If you have missing roof slates or tiles, water, snow and ice could be hitting your roof square on, causing timber rot within the attack space.
Moss and vegetation growing on your roof can also cause problems in the long term. Vegetation should be remove periodically and the tiles checked for damage once removed.
Check your roof often and make repairs or replace tiles as necessary to avoid a small problem becoming a gaping hole in your ceiling requiring a complete re-roof.