Some obstacles that are ignored but slowly damaging your roof

There are some things that are found on the roof that may look simple and harmless, but they are actually subtle culprits that damage roofs and lead to repairs; Organic debris, overhanging branches, algae, moss, fungi and heavy equipment of your roof slowly destroy the roofs, leading to leaking roofs or sagging roofs. As small as they are, they greatly impact the flow of water on the roofs, forcing water stagnation and damaging the roofing structure. Regular maintenance of the roof can prevent such things. This blog explains the things that can be found on the roof that damage it.

Organic debris

The wet leaves, needles and twigs seem to be harmless. Most times, birds tend to make their nests in the gutters or near the vents, and you might think that they would make an impact since they are small. When it rains, this organic debris, or nests, start to function as nests; they disrupt the flow of water in the gutters or shingles and leave the water with nowhere to go but to be absorbed in the roof, and this is where the damage starts because as the roof absorbs the water, it leads to leakage.

Overhanging tree branches

Overhanging tree branches should always be properly trimmed. As they overhang the house, they function as an easy pathway for rodents or pests to enter through the roof. The overhanging branches are also capable of damaging the roof when the winds cause them to snap or punch through the roof, causing holes. That's why it is always advised to keep the branches in check to prevent such accidents.

Heavy equipment

Heavy equipment like satellite dishes can be dangerous for the roofs if not well-installed. They can cause stress on the roof decks and also leave room for holes. As such, if there are any old satellite dishes on the roof, ensure they are removed and seal up the place they were installed, but if still needed, ensure that they are properly installed and that they do not leave any holes to prevent leakages.

Moss, algae, and fungi

These are the silent destroyers of roofs. They grow best in dump areas, making their roots grow deep into the shingles, and it starts to lift up the shingles over time. The algae destroys the surface of the shingles, leaving them susceptible to damage, and the fungi's roots can grow tightly to the shingles and create small holes, which causes scarring of the shingles. Ensure that any shade that is not good for the growth is removed, and remove any patches by gently brushing them off; you can also hire professionals to remove them.

Conclusion

The roof is supposed to be well cared for and maintained just like the rest of the house; neglecting it can usually lead to unexpected roof damage. This can be done by conducting regular inspections in the gutters and shingles, and if there are trees near the house, the branches should be well trimmed. When it's time for making some repairs, it takes a pro to really get the job done for durable results. All CarePros ensure that you are connected with the best roofing experts available near you. All that is needed is the services you require and an explicit explanation of what is required, and we ensure that you get the best quotations for the services from the best.

FAQ's

Do ice dams cause roof leaks?

Yes, they do, the heat from the house melts the snow, which freezes again at the colder eaves, blocking water passage, which then forces back under the shingles, hence the leakage.

Is it okay to do roof maintenance by myself?

It's okay if the damage is small, and you are able to safely have access to the damage, but it requires expert maintenance if the place is unreachable.