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Honestly, everyone should give their roof a little more credit. Just think about it: they’re up there doing their job, shielding everything from the elements, and they rarely get the attention they deserve until something goes wrong. That’s right, usually, they only get attention (like maintenance) only when there are a few signs of roof damage.
But while most people think of the usual culprits like storms and tree branches when it comes to roof damage, there are a lot of lesser-known dangers that can wreak havoc on your roof. So, with all of that said, let’s dive into some surprising things that could be causing damage without you even knowing it.
You Might have Unwanted Roof Guests
It’s not just storms and falling branches that can mess with your roof. Sometimes, it’s the little creatures looking for a cozy spot to call home. Yes, that’s right. It’s not just the other parts of your house you need to think of either; bats, swallows, and even squirrels love the shelter that roof tiles provide. You have to keep in mind that these critters can squeeze into the smallest of gaps and make themselves comfortable, which is bad news for your shingles or tiles.
Bats and swallows, in particular, can sleep or even nest under roof tiles, leading to loosened shingles and water leakage problems. Squirrels and other rodents can go a step further—they’re notorious for gnawing on materials, including wood and wiring. As you might have already guessed, over time, this can cause structural damage, create entry points for water, and even pose a fire hazard if they chew through electrical wiring.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Now, every homeowner is super guilty of doing this at least once. Yes! You read that right! Ignoring regular roof maintenance is like skipping oil changes for a car—problems are bound to crop up sooner or later. Roofs need periodic inspections to catch small issues before they turn into major problems. This includes checking for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and other signs of wear and tear.
Now, there’s a lot of homeowners aren’t sure how often to replace asphalt roof, for example. Generally, asphalt roofs last about 20-30 years, but this can vary based on factors like weather conditions and maintenance. Plus, how old is your house? Do you know when the previous owners had it inspected? Is it even due for a new roof?
Sure, it’s a lot of questions, but overall, regular inspections can help determine when it’s time for a replacement, ensuring the roof stays in top shape and continues to protect the home effectively.
Improper Solar Panel Installation
Needless to say, solar panels are fantastic for cutting down energy bills and being eco-friendly, but if they’re not installed correctly, they can be a nightmare for your roof. So, with that all said, improper installation can cause leaks, damage shingles, and even lead to structural issues. It really can’t be stressed enough that the solar panels need to be securely attached to the roof without compromising its integrity.
So you’re going to have to make sure that the solar company that’s installing them (or the contractor) is doing the job right and make sure there’s insurance and warranty to go a step further in keeping your home safe.
Overhanging Tree Limbs
So, a lot of people know about this one, but at the same time, it also gets a lot of neglect too. Now, tree limbs hanging over a roof might not seem like a big deal, especially if they’re not in direct contact with it.
But over time, they can cause some serious issues. So, just think about it for a moment, there’s things like leaves and twigs— both of which can accumulate on the roof and in the gutters, trapping moisture and leading to rot and mold growth. The constant shade from overhanging branches can also prevent moisture on the roof from drying properly, creating a damp environment that encourages the growth of moss and algae.
While sure, a mossy roof can be adorable and look all Cottagecore like, it’s seriously not something you want for your roof—- let alone your whole house.
Poor Ventilation
Did you know that roof damage isn’t always caused by external factors? Sometimes, the issue starts from within the house. Actually, poor attic ventilation can lead to a buildup of heat and moisture, which can warp roofing materials and shorten the life of shingles.
When the attic gets too hot, the shingles can overheat and age prematurely. On the other hand, too much moisture in the attic can lead to mold growth and wood rot, compromising the roof’s structural integrity.
Improper Roof Cleaning
Cleaning the roof might seem like a straightforward task—just get up there and scrub away the dirt and moss, right? Not quite. Using the wrong cleaning methods can actually cause more harm than good. Here’s a great example: a pressure washer.
So you might see people on TikTok or YouTube Shorts making entertaining content with their pressure washers. But that doesn’t mean you can use one for your roof. But why? Well, it can strip away the protective granules on asphalt shingles, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan. It can also force water under the shingles, leading to leaks and water damage.
Satellite Dishes and Antennas
Satellite dishes and antennas might seem harmless, but if they’re not properly installed, they can cause a lot of trouble. It’s like the solar panels, just a bad installation job and ruining everything. So, these fixtures are usually bolted directly to the roof, which means drilling holes into the shingles or tiles.
If these holes aren’t sealed properly, water can seep in and cause leaks. But is that all? Well, the constant exposure to wind can cause these fixtures to move slightly over time, meaning more problems down the line. So if you’re wanting an antenna or satellite dish, see if you can have it installed on your siding.
Ice Dams
So, ice dams form when snow on the roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and refreezes, creating a barrier of ice. But why is this so bad? Well, this ice prevents water from draining off the roof, causing it to back up under the shingles and into the house. Now, this usually goes unnoticed, and most homeowners won’t found out until its too late.
Bird Droppings
Yes, the grossest was saved for last! Bird droppings are another issue—they’re highly acidic and can eat away at roofing materials over time, particularly if they’re left to accumulate. Ideally, you’ll need to look into regularly clearing nests and droppings, which can help prevent damage and keep the roof in good condition.
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