The roof sits on top of a home and serves to protect the rest of the structure and its inhabitants. Some people expect it to remain sturdy no matter what, which is why they don’t pay that much attention to it. But some things may cause your roof to deteriorate suddenly. Neglecting the roof of your home can cause problems for you and your family. One day, you’ll wake up and realize that you need to repair or replace it already, which will cost you a pretty penny and then some. You should keep an eye on your roof and read up on the things that can cause it to deteriorate. If you’re clueless, here’s some information on that topic:
Weather:
Harsh weather conditions can damage your roof. Here’s how:
- Rain, snow, and ice: Moisture is your roof’s worst enemy. When it seeps into your roof, it can cause mildew, mold, and rot, which can end up damaging the rest of your house’s structure. While rain can be the main culprit; snow isn’t far behind. Snow can melt then freeze again, creating ice dams that block water from flowing out through your gutters, causing it to back up under your roofing materials and leak through your ceiling.
- Wind: Strong winds may lift and pull shingles away from your roof, exposing the layers beneath. Once exposed, your roof will start to leak as there are no shingles to repel the water.
- Sun: The sun can cause your shingles to break down, to the point that they can no longer protect your home.
Trees and Plants:
It is worth noting that trees and plants can damage your roof too.
- Lichen and moss – Lichen is one plant that you should watch out for. It is a simple, slow-growing plant that can create a crusty-looking growth on your roof. It can also cause wood rot and structural damage.
- Overgrown trees – Overgrown trees around your house can significantly damage your roof because of falling branches, twigs, and fruits. Even leaves, when accumulated on the roof, may trap moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow.
Animals:
Certain types of rodents can invade your roof and make their home there. They might chew and tear off the materials that make up your roof, layer by layer. They might destroy the electrical wiring and vents. They might also remove the shingles. Here are some animals that may invade your roof:
- Bats
- Mice
- Possums
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
- Woodpeckers
Humans:
While it’s true that most damage to your roof can be caused by animals, plants and the weather, you and your family may also be at fault. You probably aren’t aware that you did some things that damaged your roof.
- You are constantly walking on your roof for some reason.
- You didn’t mount satellite dishes or solar panels properly.
- You tried to fix leaks in your roof but ended up making things worse instead.
- You don’t regularly clean your roof.