What Causes Roof Damage: A Complete Guide to Prevention and Repair

Weather conditions are so unpredictable. Small amounts of rain can turn into a hurricane in minutes, causing all sorts of damage to your home's roof. Whether you live in an area where this happens often or have just had your first major rainfall, you must recognize the signs of roof damage caused by weather conditions. From small leaks to high winds, there are many causes of roof damage, and if you think you have any, don't hesitate to call a professional roof repair company like Lagunas Roofing.

In this article, we'll discuss the common causes of roof damage and give you some tips on how to prevent it from happening.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Roof Damage?

UV Ray Damage and Sun Exposure

One major cause of roof damage is the sun's ultraviolet rays. To protect your roof, you need to regularly inspect it for any broken or missing shingles. If these shingles are not replaced, they allow water to seep through to the inside of your home. This can be a very dangerous situation.

Missing or damaged shingles like these allow water to penetrate your roof, leading to costly interior damage if not addressed quickly.

Poor Installation Methods

Another common cause of roof damage is improper installation methods. If someone installs your roof incorrectly, not only will it leave you with a pooling water problem but also poor insulation and even an excess of air leaks resulting in costly utility bills.

Water Damage and Moisture Issues

Water damage is often overlooked as a cause of roof damage, but it should be noted. It can come from anywhere, leaking gutters, plumbing leaks, shoddy construction jobs at your neighbor's house, etc. If water damage goes untreated for long periods, your entire home could become destroyed.

Roof Sealant Problems

Any type of roof sealant has the potential to cause unwanted damage when it is applied improperly. It can be difficult to deal with this problem once you have allowed it to happen.

Small Leaks That Lead to Big Problems

If your roof gets a small leak in an area that you often avoid walking on, such as near a chimney or air conditioning unit, then you must get the issue taken care of immediately. As soon as possible, put out any standing water on your roof to prevent mold growth.

Weather-Related Roof Damage Causes

High Wind Damage

High winds are often the culprit for roof damage. Strong wind gusts can cause major problems with shingles and even roofs themselves if they are not properly installed.

Hail Storm Damage

One of the most common causes of roof damage is hail. Hail can be very dangerous to your roof. If left alone for too long, it can cause thousands of dollars in damages. According to the National Weather Service , hail causes over $1 billion in property damage annually in the United States.

Heavy Rain and Storm Damage

Heavy rain is another possible reason for roof damage. If it has been raining for a long time and you have not had the chance to inspect your roof, then there is a big chance that water has seeped through.

Ice Dam Formation

Ice dams can cause major problems to your roof. They happen when warm air gets in under the shingles and starts melting snow. This creates a layer of ice that traps more water underneath, making it easier for leaks to occur. You must get rid of any ice dams quickly before they do too much damage.

Roof Damage Prevention Checklist

Here's a comprehensive checklist to help prevent roof damage:

Regular Maintenance Tasks:

• Inspect your roof every 6 months
• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
• Trim overhanging tree branches
• Check for loose or missing shingles
• Examine flashing around chimneys and vents
• Look for signs of water damage in your attic
• Ensure proper attic ventilation
• Remove debris from roof surface

Professional Roof Repair vs. DIY: When to Call Experts

While some minor maintenance can be handled by homeowners, significant roof damage requires professional attention. Our team at Lagunas Roofing specializes in roof replacement services and has extensive experience with insurance claims for weather-related damage.

Professional roofers have the expertise and safety equipment to properly diagnose and repair roof damage, ensuring long-lasting results.

For more guidance on identifying serious roofing issues, check out our detailed guide on how to identify roofing issues before they become costly repairs.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Roof Inspection: The best way to avoid any major roof damage is by performing regular inspections. If you have not had your roof inspected in the past six months, then it is time that you do so. It can help you identify potential roofing problems before they become costly repairs.

Roof Repair: Once your roof has been damaged, you must have it repaired as soon as possible. In some cases, a roof can be repaired for less than the cost of buying a new one. However, if your roof is past its life expectancy, then there might not be any options except to replace it altogether.

Learn more about making this important decision in our comprehensive guide on roof repair vs roof replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Damage

For more insights on avoiding common issues, read our article on common roofing mistakes homeowners should avoid.