The roof’s one of the most critical elements of a home. That’s precisely why an average homeowner must watch for any changes, big or small. For instance, a faulty roof might boost your energy bills, or there might be an issue that, if left unattended, can result in you paying some good money for a major roof repair. In today’s article, we’ll introduce you to the six most common roof problems folks all around the country deal with. It’s good you know what to pay attention to so that you don’t end up paying for a repair that could’ve been less costly if you’ve acted on it right away.
#1 There’s some moss resting on your roof
Moss on your roof might seem romantic to some (just an assumption). However, one should deal with the issue ASAP (primarily when moss blocks your gutters). Of course, just a little moss isn’t something you should worry about too much. But, if there are excessive amounts of moss resting freely on your roof, that will cause it to keep some of the moisture. Subsequently, that will lead to the appearance of rot. When roofs start to rot – that’s a good sign they’re in desperate need of a replacement.
Here’s a little guide on how to deal with moss on your roof: you’ll want to mix 50% of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and tap water; put it in a spray bottle and use it on the moss; after 20 or so minutes after you’ve sprayed the moss with this homemade remedy, rinse it off with water.
#2 Blister in the sun
If your roof starts singing that Violent Femmes tune, that might mean it’s time to call up professionals to do some renovations. Even though we’re kidding here a bit, blisters on your roof should not be taken lightly. They are usually caused by bad attic ventilation. That leads to your roof becoming too hot. Every homeowner must ensure that they have good, functioning attic ventilation. If you’re not sure what to do about it, contacting qualified roofers might be your best bet.
#3 The mini-zoo issue
“Darling, look! Birdies made a nest on our roof! How cute!” Once you realize that the nest is made out of pieces of your roof’s insulation, the cuteness will magically disappear. Now, of course, waking up to the sound of birds singing is way better than waiting for your phone to ring. However, critters appearing on your roof (or attic) is an issue you should handle as soon as you notice it. In other words: you’ll need to evict the unwelcome roomies ASAP.
Also, if you’re selling the place, you might want to know potential buyers aren’t all that excited about your roof’s mini-zoo. If you’re one of those potential buyers trying to find their new home in Minessota, watch out for this issue while doing an informal home inspection. You don’t want to plan an interstate relocation and hire a local moving company to provide all the help you need, only to find out you’ll also have to cough up some bucks for a roof renovation. Luckily, a home inspection will help you use all of these issues to negotiate a good price.
#4 Damaged (broken) gutters
This one goes without saying. Damaged or broken gutters will have to be replaced right after you’ve noticed the issue. Since this will enable the water to run down from your roof along the side of your home, some additional problems might appear. These could be siding rot, washed-away landscaping, and many other unwelcome surprises. Contact professional roofers to deal with this issue since going full-blown DIY isn’t something that’s recommended you do (unless you’re a roofer yourself).
#5 The missing shingle(s)
One of the most evident signs that your roof’s in desperate need of repair is noticing there are some missing or broken shingles on your roof. You should act on the issue even if we’re talking about a single (one) shingle missing from your roof. Neglecting this might cause some severe damage to your attic, as rain and snowfall will have an unequivocal invitation to visit it. One of the ways you can check if there are any issues concerning your roof’s shingles is to visit the attic on a bright day and see if there’s any light pouring through the roof and into the room.
#6 Leaks as the greatest roof problems
Last but not least on our list of 6 most common roof problems are leaks. If you notice there is water running down the walls of your home, you’ve got an issue on your hands you should handle immediately. Keep your eyes wide open for some of these signs to see if there’s an active leak, such as water stains, mold, or mildew, on your home’s walls. This might result from the missing shingle(s) issue we’ve talked about earlier, or there might be a more serious problem with your roof. Whatever the case – a qualified roofing company will help you determine the source!
A word or two before the end
This was a list of the six most common roof problems you, as a homeowner, might encounter. Even though some of them aren’t so hard to deal with (in other words: you can go DIY), most of them require you to hire professional assistance. Just so you don’t pay even more to cover the damage you’ve caused trying to repair the roof yourself.