18 Feb Common issues that can affect your roof

A good roof is always built to last, but even the strongest roof can be susceptible to damage from a number of different sources.

Any damage to your roof can cause moisture to enter your home, which can lead to damp, and ultimately, structural problems. This is why it is essential to know what to look for so you can alert the professionals at the earliest signs of any roof damage.

Here are some of the most common roofing issues you are likely to encounter, to give you an idea of what to look out for.

1. Damaged or slipped tiles

The tiles on your roof can be damaged by severe weather, particularly the wind. Strong winds can cause debris to blow onto your roof, which can easily dislodge or damage some of the tiles.

In addition, constant exposure to the elements can cause the battens and nails holding your roof together to deteriorate and corrode. This can lead to some of your roof tiles slipping out of place, which can cause leaks.

2. Faulty flashings

Flashings are the seals installed in your roof around protruding features such as your chimney or any skylights. Without these seals, water could pour straight into your home every time it rains.

If the flashings have not been installed properly, they can become detached, which can create open seams in your roof and even lead to tiles becoming loose. Over time, even if they have been correctly installed, flashings can also wear and crack, so it is important to monitor them and report any problems as soon as you discover them.

3. Pooling water

This is a problem which is encountered most often on flat roofs. Whatever the shape of the roof, it should transport the water away by channelling it towards the drainage pipes. However, over time, a build up of debris on a flat roof can prevent this from happening, which can cause the water to pool in one place.

This can be extremely dangerous, as it causes a heavy weight to settle on your roof. In long periods of heavy rain, this can become so serious that the roof cannot hold the weight of the water, and can actually lead to the roof collapsing. This is why any problems with pooling water need to be looked at by a roofing expert as quickly as possible.

4. Damage from trees and animals

If you have any trees growing in close proximity to your roof, this can cause problems. It makes your roof extremely vulnerable in strong winds, as branches can fall off the tree onto your roof, causing serious damage. In addition, if any branches of the tree overhang your roof, they can actually wear away the top layer of your roof tiles by brushing over them every day. This can weaken the entire structure of your roof.

Small animals and birds can also cause serious problems for your roof, as they often like to make their homes there. It is important to prevent this, as they will damage the roof if they are allowed to stay there too long.

5. Blocked drains and gutters

Your drainage system has to be functioning effectively in order to transport water away from your roof. When drains and gutters get blocked with dirt and debris, this can prevent them from functioning properly, resulting in water spilling over and potentially seeping into the walls of your property.

It is essential to check your drains and gutters for blockages regularly, but particularly in the autumn, when falling leaves can create major problems.

6. Ventilation problems

As warm air rises, it needs a way to escape form your home through the roof. This is why most roofs have vents positioned at the bottom and the top.

If your roof is not ventilated properly, this can lead to the temperature rising inside the roof’s structure. Over time, this can result in a build-up of hot air and moisture, which can cause mildew, mould and structural damage to your roof.

Find out more about common roofing problems

If you would like to know more about the various issues which can affect your roof, or you have a problem with your roof which needs professional attention, please contact us here at Roundhay Roofing, and we will be happy to help.