When it comes to residential roofing, it can be difficult to figure out the source of leaks or other failures. The good news is that most roof failures are traced back to one of a few common issues. Understanding the most common issues that can cause roof failure can help you to narrow down the source of the problem before you call a residential roofing contractor. Here are a couple of the most common reasons why you might be having trouble with your roof.
Installation Issues
One of the most common sources of problems with residential roofing starts with the installation. Even the best roofing materials can be vulnerable to issues when those things aren't installed properly. It's important that you work with a roofing contractor to have your roof professionally installed. That way, you can eliminate installation issues as a potential cause for future roofing problems.
Material Selection
The material you choose for your roof is a vital decision. With roofing installation costs, one way that many homeowners try to save money is by choosing low-cost roofing materials. Unfortunately, cutting corners on the roofing materials can leave you facing increased repair costs later. You'll want to balance your roofing replacement budget to allow for investing in quality roofing materials as part of the project.
Ventilation Problems
Roofing ventilation is essential to protecting your home. Roofing ventilation in your home's attic allows for heat and humidity to vent out of the house during the summer months, keeping your attic cooler and preventing the expansion of the roofing materials. Since that expansion can lead to structural damage and leaks, you'll want to pay careful attention to that ventilation. Make sure that the air vents are clear and sufficient for your home's attic space.
Flashing Failure
Flashing is an important component of your roof. Flashing is the trim that's used to cover open spaces, such as those created for chimneys and vent pipes. You'll want to be selective about the flashing that you choose. Metal flashing is the best option to ensure that the roof is adequately sealed. It's tempting to take a shortcut and just seal the flashing with silicone or something of the sort, but those materials are vulnerable to deterioration, which will eventually lead to roofing leaks that can be costly to repair.
These are some of the most common causes of issues with your home's roof. Reach out to a roofing contractor near you today to address problems like these or any other issues you might be having.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.