Roofs are one of the most important protective features of your home. The simple idea of having a "roof over one's head" instills a sense of security and comfort. There are several issues that can jeopardize that security and comfort, though. It's important for homeowners to be on the lookout for roofing issues to catch them early and avoid further damage and costly repairs. This article will outline some of the most common roofing problems and how you can avoid them.

Storm Damage

This type of damage is one of the most common causes of roofing issues. Whether you have an asphalt roof, slate tile roof, or wood shake roof, torrential downpours can always sneak their way under shingles and get into your home. The ensuing water damage can ruin walls, ceilings, floors, and more! Metal roofs are much less vulnerable to leaks, but impact damage from large branches and debris can cause issues for any material.

To protect your home, make sure you inspect your roof before and after a large storm in your area. If there are any trees looming over your roof, call a landscaper to get rid of the hazard. Also, the installation makes a big difference in how your roof reacts to a heavy storm. Make sure you hire a quality roofing contractor to give your home the biggest advantage.

Ice Dams

While winter might seem far away, a good way to prevent issues is with preventative maintenance. Therefore, we have to talk about ice dams. During the winter months, snow will pile up onto your roof. Some of the snow will gradually melt away as the heat from your home warms the roof's insulation. If there's nowhere for the melted snow to go, your roof will not drain properly and the water will refreeze at the edges of the roof. As the process continues, more and more ice accumulates in your gutters and on the roof's edges. The extra pressure and weight being put on the roof can cause leaks and structural damage at the edges.

Make sure you keep your gutters in check, even during the summer months. If you see any pockets of pooling water during the summer, call a roofing contractor immediately. They'll be able to fix the issue and help prepare you for the winter ahead.

Clogged Gutters

Speaking of checking your gutters, make sure they aren't clogged in the summer, too. Branches, leaves, and even bird nests can clog your drains and prevent proper drainage. The layout of roofing tiles means that the edges of the roof are the most vulnerable, which is why it's so important to regularly inspect and clean your gutters.

If water backs up, it will leak from the edge into the ground surrounding your home. While this may not sound too bad, consider the fact that it's leaking directly into your concrete foundation or the surrounding soil. If you're wary of investing in roof repairs, consider the fact that foundation repairs are even more dangerous and expensive. Keep your gutters clean and direct your drainpipes to clear water from your property.

Invest in a gutter guard to make your regular cleaning a lot easier. Gutter guards look like long flat cheese graters that are installed on top of the gutter. The small holes let water flow right through and block branches, leaves, and pests from getting in.

Wear and Tear

According to Bob Vila, a roof over 10 years old needs to be inspected on a regular basis. Some roofing materials, like metal or slate tiles, can last for upwards of 50 years or more. On the other hand, asphalt roofs will last 15 to 20 years. Whichever material you have, after 10 years of exposure to the elements, it's not a bad idea to invest in inspections. Maybe you can do it less frequently with metal and slate roofs, but a great way to avoid roofing problems is through preventative maintenance.

Over the years your roof is exposed to harsh UV rays, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, and much more. Even temperature fluctuations between the seasons have an impact. The materials of the roof will expand and contract, and the movement can push things out of place. If your roof is getting older, invest in regular maintenance so you can avoid costly repairs. Eventually, everyone needs to get their roof replaced. Luckily, the return on investment for roof repairs and replacements is high.

When you need roof installation, maintenance, or repairs, contact the experts at Rembrandt Roofing and Restoration. We're the local roofing service that Ohio residents count on. Call today for more information.