Your residential roofing system is one of the most important parts of your home. After all, it’s your first line of defense against extreme weather conditions and debris. However, many things can damage your roof and shorten its service life. Read on as DePalma Roofing & Construction shares four things that can damage your roof and how you can deal with them.
1. Ice Dams
During winter, you may think that snow will eventually melt off your roof without a problem. However, that’s not what always happens. Once the snow melts, it can freeze again, resulting in ice dams appearing on the edges of your roof. Ice dams are typically caused by poor attic ventilation. Melted snow may soon back up and find its way underneath the shingles where it freezes, causing further damage.
You can install an ice and water protector to prevent water from entering your attic, but this will not stop ice dams from forming. The best way to avoid them altogether is to ensure proper roof ventilation and insulation. If you think the ice dam has already created an issue, you may need to replace the roofing material underneath the ice.
2. Strong Winds
Strong winds can lift your shingles, exposing other areas of your roof. While you can prevent this by investing in top-quality shingles with strong adhesives, hurricanes and snowstorms can still be a concern. Wind-driven rain leads to moisture damage even after the storm has passed.
If you notice a few shingles are missing from your old roof, you need to schedule a professional inspection right away. A roofing expert can conduct an inspection and, if necessary, perform roof repair. Depending on their assessment, they may recommend a replacement, especially if the roofing system is nearing the end of its lifespan.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
Apart from causing furniture and other interior fixtures to fade, ultraviolet or UV rays can also degrade your shingles, which leads to premature aging. Asphalt shingles are much more resistant to UV light than fabrics, but all shingles will eventually crack through continuous sun exposure. Over time, your shingles can dry out.
At this point, there’s nothing left you can do. Your shingles have reached the end of their lifespan, and you need to have them replaced. If you live in areas with less intense UV sun and shorter days, your asphalt shingles may have a slightly longer lifespan.
4. Tree Leaves and Branches
Trees can be beautiful and increase the value of your home, but falling leaves and branches can be risky for your roof. Leaves can clog your gutters as well as retain moisture and harm your roof. Overgrown branches, meanwhile, can scrape your shingles due to strong winds. Furthermore, certain tree species release sap and resin, which can cause your shingles to blister.
To protect your roof from tree damage, you need to trim nearby trees regularly. You should also get leaf removal and health inspections from a professional arborist.
Are you looking for a professional residential or commercial roofing company? Turn to DePalma Roofing & Construction. Our team of experts provides top-quality roofing services. Call us today at (717) 638-1131 or fill out our online contact form to set an appointment.
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