Knowing the Signs
Roof failure can occur for a variety of reasons, and being aware of the common issues can help homeowners identify potential problems before significant damage occurs. Common signs of roof failure include sagging areas, noticeable leaks, or water stains on interior ceilings or walls. Additionally, if you can see that your shingles are damaged or badly worn, it's a telltale sign that your roof may be at its breaking point.
Here are three of the most frequent causes of roof failures and leaking:
- Poor Installation
- Age
- Lack of Maintenance
By watching for these common causes of roof failure, homeowners can address issues quickly, potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs.
Impact of Poor Installation on Roofs
Poor installation is a primary culprit when it comes to roof failures. This is because substandard quality can greatly compromise the roof's integrity and functionality, leading to many problems. One of the issues that may arise from poor installation is the reduced overall lifespan of the roof. Ideally, a well-installed, high-quality roof should last for 20 years. However, if the installation is done incorrectly, the roof might fail far sooner than anticipated.
Signs your roof may have been improperly or poorly installed:
- Mismatched shingles
- Uneven roof surface
- Improper shingle alignment
- Exposed nails or nail heads
- Missing flashing
If you see signs of a leak or suspect your roof was not correctly installed, reach out to Lyons Roofing to schedule an inspection.
What Happens as Your Roof Ages
Typically, an asphalt shingle roof has an average lifespan of around 20 to 25 years. However, this can decrease based on environmental factors, such as extreme weather conditions or the quality of materials used. Over the years, roofing materials can become brittle, leading to cracks and breakages. Shingles may begin to warp or curl, losing their ability to effectively protect your home from the elements.
Furthermore, long-term exposure to the sun can cause granule loss, leading to bald spots and reducing the shingles' functionality. The underlayment and flashing, essential components for preventing water penetration, can also degrade with age.
If your roof is approaching the 20-year mark, we recommend you start planning for a replacement.
The Consequences of Neglecting Roof Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial as it helps to identify and rectify minor damages before they worsen. Without this, minor leaks can turn into significant water damage, loose shingles can lead to exposed areas, and clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage the roof structure.
During a typical roof maintenance visit, professionals will:
- Conduct a thorough inspection of your roof, identifying potential problems and areas of concern.
- Check for and replace damaged or missing shingles.
- Inspect the flashing around chimneys and roof vents, sealing any gaps or cracks.
- Look for signs of mold, algae, or funguses that can cause degradation of roofing materials.
Maintenance frequency can vary based on the age of the roof, the local climate, and the type of roofing materials used. However, as a general rule of thumb, Arizona homeowners should schedule professional roof inspections and maintenance at least once a year, preferably before the rainy season.
Neglecting maintenance puts your home at risk. Don't wait until it's too late - schedule a professional roof inspection and maintenance visit with Lyons today.
