Roofs are prone to deterioration, and factors such as hail, sun and wind are known to cause problems. Understanding the signs to look out for will enable you to notice signs of roof damage. Here are what to look for:

Rain

Normal rainfall cannot damage the roof unless it has already been undermined by other adverse weather conditions. In case the shakes or shingles are damaged, water might find its way through the cracks and holes. On the other hand, heavy downpour might wash away the granules, impairing the shingles.

In case your roof was designed poorly or some areas are inverted or flat, the pooling of water on the rooftop might spike potential problems. Surprisingly, an inch of rain water has an equal effect on the roof as that of five pounds on the roof. An average roof is designed to withstand an average of 20 pounds of weight. That means that it can only stand four inches of water; in case more pours on it, the roof might collapse.

Winds

Roofs are made to withstand tension and weight by disbursing it over the rafters or trusses. When tough winds hit the roof, they will not do so uniformly. Instead, their major effects are felt at the corners and edges. As the winds grow stronger and hit harder, the roof will weaken eventually thus allowing it to heat beneath the roofing material. In case the insulation parts are exposed, you will start noticing leaks that will eventually damage the house.

Roof damage from hail

Hail can be either destructive or harmless, depending on how severe the storm will be. In case the hailstones are too large, they might knock off granules from the shingles. The result is faster deterioration of the shingles over time, and might cause leakage. The pounding could also compromise the membrane that lies below the roofing material. That makes the whole roof to be more prone to water damage.

Excess heat

If part of your roof is metallic, you ought to consider the effects of excessive heat on your roof’s stress points. As the metallic parts are heated by the scorching sun, the panels will contract and expand. This results in excessive stress on the fasteners and seams.

Solar panels

With time, solar energy has become a popular option. However, solar panel installation might cause stress to the roofing system such as the shingles, rafters or sheathing. Installers are thus advised to stick to manufacturer’s instructions and directions. Discuss the implications of the installation before choosing to have the panel installed.

Tress and debris

It is possible to notice when a tree hits your roof, but you might never realize when branches and small twigs fall on the rooftop. The small debris slide off without leaving any evidence on the roof. Whenever any material falls on the roof forcefully, it might damage it. The damage is bound to fasten your roof’s deterioration. This leads to leakage and other issues with time.

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Article is courtesy of Roofers Essex

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