How often do you think about your roof? If you are like most people, you probably don’t think about it all that often. Neglecting it would be a mistake, though. It is one of the most costly parts of your home to have replaced if you end up having a major problem. Lack of maintenance means your roof will wear out faster than its life expectancy, which means you will be looking at a large repair and a big expense to your budget much sooner than if you had taken care of smaller problems promptly.
Common Roof Problems You Should Have Dealt with Promptly
1. Previous Repairs that Were Not Performed Properly
A temporary fix that is not a permanent solution is one of the most common roof problems. When roof cement or caulking is used to seal broken roofing materials instead of replacing it, this is not the type of repair that is going to last over time.
2. Damaged Flashings
Flashings are usually made from galvanized metal and are meant to carry water away from the roof. If the flashing deteriorates over time, then its seams, nails and joints are exposed to the elements, which can lead to leaks.
3. Cracked or Missing Sealant Around Flashings
Silicon-based caulking is used to keep water from penetrating when flashings are not tight enough, when flashings are fastened with nails or when there is a joint between flashings. If the sealant becomes cracked or is missing because it has deteriorated, you run the risk of water getting in and causing a leak.
4.Exposed Nails
Misplaced or exposed nails are likely to let water in, which will lead to leaks. Manufacturers have specifications about nail placements for their products if the nails are not placed as directed or the seal covering the nail cracks, then you are more likely to have a leaky roof.
5. Improper Skylight Installation
If a skylight’s flashings are improperly installed or there are no flashings at all, you may experience leaking around it. If the skylight has any cracked glass, you will almost certainly have a leak when it rains.
The best way to head off a leak on your roof is to get it inspected in the spring. You’ll want to make sure that any minor issues are taken care of before they turn into a big job, which will only become a bigger drain on your wallet.
