What Are the 5 Factors That Contribute Toward Damaging Your Roof?
Roofs protect our homes from the brunt of the elements. But have you considered how much damage these inflict on the structural integrity of the roof? As one of the best roofers in Oklahoma City, we took it upon ourselves to teach you more about 5 factors that cause damage to our roofs.
#1 Heavy Rains, Snow, and Ice
Moisture and roofing systems never go well together. Usually, rain is the biggest nuisance but melting snow and ice dams are not so far behind. When moisture seeps into your roof, it can cause rot, mildew, and sometimes even damaged attic insulation.
When ice dams block the drainage in the gutters, the standing water backs up against the roof. This water then enters the shingles via cracks. The more water that enters the cracks, the wider are the gaps forced apart.
#2 Intense Windstorms
Oklahoma gets really bad windstorms every tornado season. Wind is known to cause catastrophic damage to roofing shingles. It rips off the shingles and lays bare the underlayment. Once the underlayment has been exposed it becomes very easy for water to intrude the interior layers of the roofing system.
The majority of the wind damage can be found around the edges of the roof but it is safe to undertake an inspection of the entire roof after heavy wind action.
#3 Extended Exposure to Sun
UV rays and the general glare of the sun are significant contributors to your shingles breaking down over time. The shingles tend to become extremely brittle under the sun and crack open upon the slightest impact. Over time, the continuous heat fades the protective layer of the shingle to the point, that they are no longer strong enough to constitute a roofing system.
#4 Moss and Lichen Growth
Moss on roofs is actually pretty to look at, but the best roofers wouldn’t be fooled by the deceptive beauty. Moss is a tiny, nonvascular plant that grows on roofs like a green carpet of sorts. Moss damages the roofing shingles by causing wood rot.
Lichen is another of these miniscule plants that can grow on roofs. Lichen growth can be identified as a crusty-looking alga. Both moss and lichen are responsible for structurally damaging roofing systems.
#5 Surrounding Flora and Fauna
It is always a good idea to trim tree limbs whenever they branch near your roof. Even if it doesn’t crash on your roof, overhanging branches often cause serious damage. The constant friction from the branch rubbing against the shingle can tear open a hole. Even if a hole were not to form, the friction is sure to knock loose the granules on the shingles.
When a branch is in close vicinity to the roof, it can also clog the gutter with leaves and twigs.
Apart from trees, animals breaking in for shelter can bring about damage to the shingles too. Repeated clawing and biting can weaken shingles as well.
Talk to the Best Roofers in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma is home to frequent, powerful storms. Don’t let the elements wear down your roof, avail a roofing inspection in OKC before it's too late. Call A&S Services at 405-205-9993 to schedule professional repair and replacement services.