Most Common Roof Problems

Regular visual inspections will help your roof last longer because you can find and fix common issues before they become big problems. Depending on the type of shingles you have, you can expect your home’s roof to last up to 30 years. Asphalt and fiber cement shingles have a lifespan of 20-25 years, with wood shakes lasting even longer.

Once or twice a year, use binoculars as you walk around your house looking for areas that require attention, then contact the experienced roofers at Precision Windows and Doors to for repair or replacement.

Homes in the Kansas City area are subjected to a variety of weather, like heat, cold, hail, wind, rain and snow. Over time, these elements will wear down your roof. Wind can loosen shingles, and the heat from the sun can cause them to curl. Rain and hail can wash away the granules on shingles.

Flashing is the material at the base of chimneys and vents. Its purpose is to waterproof the edges where shingles meet other surfaces. Faulty or deteriorated flashing can allow water to leak underneath the shingles and into the decking, which can result in water damage to the interior of your home. Look for buckling or tearing of shingles near roof valleys, chimneys, vents, skylights and adjacent walls. Also check for damp spots or water stains inside in your attic.

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into the eaves, leading to a rotted roof and shingles. Check for debris build up and clean the leaves, twigs and dirt out of your gutters every spring and fall. Installing screens or gutter covers will minimize maintenance and prevent structural damage to your house.

Inadequate attic ventilation can shorten the lifespan of your roof, due to excessive heat and moisture. Too much heat in an attic during the summer will bake the shingles, causing them to become dry and brittle. During the winter, ice dams can build up at the edge of the roof, causing leaks and broken shingles, or worse. Look inside your attic for signs of inadequate ventilation, such as rafters and joists that are damp or blackened with mold. Check for rusty metal fasteners and moisture on a rainy day. A professional roofer can install attic vents that will regulate the temperature of the attic.

Tree limbs hanging over a house can damage shingles and even break through the roof during a storm or high winds. Regular inspections and routine maintenance, such as trimming tree limbs and cleaning gutters, can prevent small problems from turning into major repairs.