15 of the Most Common Roof Problems You May Encounter

September 9, 2019


As a homeowner, your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It is up to you to make sure that you are familiar with some of the most common problems that you may face. Here are 15 problems that you may encounter with your roof.

#1: Leaking Roofs

Even the sturdiest of shingles can cause leaks and a host of other issues in your home. In the event that moisture seeps into the roof, it can leak inside of your home, creating mildew and mold, in addition to rotting your home.

#2: Lifted Shingles

High winds and severe weather can cause metal flashing, shingles, and tiles to lift up off the roof. Lifted shingles need to be immediately nailed back down and resealed onto the home’s roof. The longer that a piece of roofing is lifted off the roof, the worse that the problems are that you could face down the road.

#3: Standing Water

If there is a divot in the roof that is permitting water to pool, moisture could potentially be seeping in, guaranteeing that leaks are going to occur in certain areas of the home. Metal flashing and gutters can ensure that water flows properly, preventing standing water on the roof.

#4: Holes in the Roof

Holes can occur in the roof due to debris landing on it from high winds. Open holes in the roof invite in rain, wind, insects, and other small animals. In addition, your home’s heating and cooling bill could significantly increase as a result of leaks from the AC or heater. Make sure to identify and repair the holes as soon as they occur.

#5: Bad Repairs

Though a quick constriction fix like a patch may seem like a solid temporary solution, the truth of the matter is that you need to consider the long-term impact and how your roof will be able to stand up to future issues. Rather than settling for simple patches, perform a small roof replacement and ensure that loose tiles or shingles are adequately fit into the roof. A replacement will repair holes in the roof and any vulnerable shingles around them.

#6: Shrinking

As the temperatures get colder, your entire home will contract, including the shingles and titles. If your roof isn’t prepared for shrinking, the shingles and tiles may break and fall off, creating an assortment of other problems to deal with.

#7: Splitting

As the temperatures get warmer, the shingles and tiles will expand. If there is not sufficient room on the roof, shingles and tiles may run into one another and start to split and bend. If you just had a new roof installed, examine the structure of the shingles and tiles. While roofing materials need to be packed together tightly, there needs to be a little bit of room so they’re able to move when they’re exposed to the weather.

#8: Loss of Granules

Standard asphalt shingles are equipped with small granules that are designed to absorb UV radiation and protect roofs from the elements. If these granules fall off, then the integrity of the roof will start to falter. Examine your shingles to determine if there are any “bald spots” on your roof if you begin to have any issues.

#9: Small Animals

Squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice, bats, birds, and more common pests are often flocking to rooftops. In the event that they attempt to burrow into your roof, nest, and store food, you may have small holes that open your home up to brand-new issues.

#10: Tree Damage

If you have a tree that is incredibly overgrown, all it will take is a small gust of wind to knock off flashing or some tiles from the roof. If the trees get too large, get in touch with a roof repair company to see if they can put you in touch with a reputable tree trimmer. Ensure the tree trimming company doesn’t take the tree down completely, as trees can provide your roof with much-needed shade and rain catching.

#11: Poor Ventilation

An inadequately ventilated attic can break down your roofing from below. If the attic ventilation isn’t absorbent enough, then the heat could escape and bake your roof from the inside out, resulting in cracking as well as chipping.

In addition, poor ventilation can result in snow and ice melting and freezing repeatedly. This constant repetition can cause flashing to lift up, opening the home up to further damage from the elements.

#12: Bad Gutters

A defective gutter system could potentially cause the flow of water to be directed to problematic areas. In the event that water is directed back onto the roof, there is almost a guarantee of moisture damage.

In addition, if your gutters are installed incorrectly, then the weight of the rushing water during a storm could cause the gutters to pull away from your roof, resulting in significant damage. To ensure that the gutters are properly installed and in adequate condition, make sure to clean and maintain them on a regular basis.

#13: Improper Construction

If a company that provides roofing installations is trying to cut corners, they may try to perform a quick job as opposed to doing the job right. When this occurs, your roofing and home will pay the price.

Rather than looking for the quickest project, look for the right roofing company. When obtaining quotes for a project, find out about their installation process and request their credentials. Ensure they have reviews/testimonials as well as trusted clients that are happy to attest to the work that the company has provided them.

#14: Unsafe Roofs

Roofs can be particular dangerous. Lifted shingles and tiles, nails jutted out, as well as leftover material are all hazardous to properties. If a piece of debris catches onto a nail, it could cause the shingle to be pulled out, leaving you susceptible to damage.

#15: No Maintenance

Lack of maintenance is by far one of the biggest roofing issues. Busy work and family schedules tend to get in the way of focusing on the quality of roofs, inviting more issues that can bring your roof down.

If you find that you are just too strapped for time and need help maintaining your roof, get in touch with Superior Roofing for assistance. We can help ensure that your roof will last for years to come.