Common Causes of Roof Damage

Maintaining your roof is an important part of maintaining your home. A damaged roof puts your belongings at risk and can raise the cost of heating and cooling your Arlington home. Additionally, neglecting small problems allows damage to become widespread, making repairs more extensive—and expensive—when they are finally scheduled. Check out the information below to discover some of the most common causes of roof damage and how to spot signs that your roof needs repairs.

Nearby Trees

Large trees with overhanging branches are a common cause of roof damage. Trees are often responsible for the accumulation of debris on your roof, including leaves, pinecones, nuts, and branches. If not cleaned away regularly, debris can trap moisture against your shingles and cause mold or rot. Debris may also collect in your gutters, causing them to clog and pull away from your home, damaging your roof in the process. Overhanging tree branches also provide a pathway for animals to gain access to your roof, where they may cause damage to the shingles, vent covers, and flashing. Storms or heavy snowfalls can snap large branches, causing them to fall and cause significant damage to the roof.

Poorly-Maintained Gutters

Your gutter system channels water away from your home to prevent rot, mold, and damage to your foundation. It’s important to check your gutters often and clear away any debris that may have accumulated inside them, blocking the flow of water. Blocked gutters can overflow, causing rot underneath your eaves and stains on your siding. Gutters that are in poor repair can also pull away from your roof, taking parts of your roof with them. If you spot signs of damage to your gutters or any areas that appear to be pulling away from the roof, address these issues immediately to prevent more extensive damage.

The Weather

Although you cannot control the weather, it’s important to know how it can damage your roof. Hail is a common cause of damaged roofs, so it’s essential to inspect your roof after any sort of hailstorm. Look for cracked, pitted, or missing shingles. High winds can partially dislodge or even completely remove shingles, leaving unprotected areas that can leak or provide an attractive entrance for pests. Significant snowfall places excess weight on your roof, while ice dams can deliver moisture under your eaves or cause gutter damage that translates into roof damage as well. Exposure to sunlight and dry conditions may cause some types of shingles to dry out, crack, or peel, leaving parts of your roof exposed.

Checking your roof for damage regularly and after severe weather has occurred will clue you in to the signs that repairs are needed. Visit us online for more tips on maintaining your roof and protecting your warranty or to contact a professional roofer for a next-day estimate. You can also find more information about our roofing, ventilation, and skylight services in Columbia, Alexandria, and Arlington on the web.