5 Surprising Things That May Be Hurting Your Roof

Your roof protects you from the elements and keeps your family safe. Also, a quality roof promotes energy efficiency, improves the aesthetics of your property, and boosts your property value if you decide to resell. But roofs are susceptible to wear over time, and a few surprising things may damage your roof without your knowledge.

Trees

Trees are suitable for shade and curb appeal, but without proper care, trees can wreak havoc on your roof in various ways.

Overhanging Branches

If you do not trim back branches that overhang your roof, they can rub against the shingles and wear them down. Wear makes your shingles more susceptible to wind and rain damage. Broken limbs can also fall and puncture your roof and cause leaks.

Falling Leaves

When leaves fall from trees and land on your roof, they can hold moisture against the shingles, creating a thriving environment for mold growth. Mold is not only unsightly but may also eat away at your shingles and cause premature wear.



Additionally, leaves from the trees may clog your gutters and downspouts. This problem can cause water to back up, overflow the gutters, and damage your shingles.

Moss Growth

Trees can transfer moss spores to your roof through direct contact and through the rain as it drops on your roof from the leaves. Moss thrives in shady, moist environments and can hold moisture against your shingles.

Moss may attach to your shingles and work its way under the shingles. This issue causes the shingles to curl and lift, which lets water into your home and causes leaks. And the roof will be more susceptible to wind damage.

Your Gutters

Your gutters and downspouts play an important role in protecting your roof from water damage. When gutters and downspouts get clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, water cannot flow freely and may back up and leak into your home through the roof. Clean your gutters regularly and repair any damaged or loose gutters as soon as possible.

Birds and Animals

Birds, squirrels, and other animals can cause severe damage to your roof. Animals may try to build nests in your gutters or on top of your roof, which can block water flow and lead to leaks.

Some animals, like woodpeckers, may peck at your shingles, creating holes that let water into your home. Others, such as raccoons, may rip off shingles to get to the insulation underneath.

Bird droppings may seem harmless but contain acid that can eat away at your shingle granules. This issue leaves bald spots on your roof that are more susceptible to leaks.

Ice Dams

Be wary of ice dams if you live in an area with cold winters. Ice dams form when heat escapes your home and melts the snow on your roof. The water then flows down to the gutters and refreezes.

This cycle repeats itself — over time, ice builds up and creates a dam. The dam blocks water from flowing freely, which causes backup and leaks into your home.

Poor Installation or Maintenance

If your roof is not installed correctly or isn't well-maintained, it is prone to premature wear.

For example, if you do not correctly nail down the shingles, they can come loose and blow away in high winds. If you do not adequately install flashing around the chimney or vents, water can seep in and cause damage.

Work with a reliable roofing contractor for all your roofing needs. At All Terrain Roofing, we offer extensive roofing services and can advise you on protecting your roof from the above factors. Therefore, contact us today to discuss how we can transform your roof.