The average American spends about $3,000 annually on home maintenance, and your roof can take a large part of that budget if you need repairs. 

Your roof protects your home from the elements, so it’s vital that you stay ahead of small problems before they become big problems. What roof problems should you look for?

Keep reading to find out about common roof issues and how you can fix them.

1. Broken or Missing Shingles

Your shingles can break and loosen or even come off completely if the sealant wears off. Nature, wear and tear, or rodents can damage this sealant. If your roof is older, shingles may also start coming off which is normal.

You can fix this problem by replacing the missing shingles. You can buy single shingles, but you will have to match them up with your current roof. If you are handy, you can replace yourself or you may want to call a professional to ensure there are no other issues.

2. Roof Leaks

Unfortunately, a leaky roof is one of the most common problems homeowners face. The leak could be the result of many issues including broken shingles.

Most of the time, you will find leaks around gutters, near the chimney, close to pipes or vents, or at the flashing points. The best way to track a leak is to go to the attic. Take a flashlight and look for any signs of water damage like mold, black marks, or water stains.

If you can’t get to the attic, you will have to look on the roof. The best way to fix a leaky roof is to have a professional roofing company, like https://www.falconroofingco.com/, take care of it to fix the root problem of the leak and determine if you need to consider replacing a roof.

3. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the sheet metal or plastic that protects the creases on fixtures like chimneys or skylights. Flashing also preserves the venting pipes underneath the roofing materials. If flashing material gets loose or cracks, water and moisture can leak in.

If any flashing is cracked or loose, replace it with a new one. You should also replace any of the surrounding materials like shingles that may be damaged. 

4. Freezing Damages

If your roof is regularly exposed to snow and ice, it can reduce its life expectancy. Many roof issues happen during the winter months.

As ice water melts, it doesn’t run off quickly since it melts at a slow rate. This causes water pooling that can penetrate below the roof and cause problems.

With the cold weather, the water can also freeze underneath your roof as temperatures drop. When the water freezes, it pushes against the shingles as it expands, leaving more room for water to get in. 

You can’t avoid the weather, but you need to check your roof regularly for issues. 

5. Stagnant or Pooling Water

If your gutters get clogged and your roof starts to catch water, the moisture collects and can create pooling water, which can damage your roof.

Standing water can quickly form mildew or mold that eats away at your roof.

If your roof is flat, you should regularly check for stagnant or pooled water. You can call a professional contractor to check your roof regularly to avoid long-term issues by making roof repairs as needed.

Inspect for Roof Problems

As a homeowner, it’s important that you regularly look for these roof problems before you face a major problem. For repairing a roof, you may want to call professionals to ensure your repairs are done properly.

Keep exploring our site for more great home improvement articles to keep your home looking great.