Roof damage is one of the most difficult maintenance issues to fix once it happens. Roofing is responsible for so much of your building’s function – insulation, ventilation, protection from the elements, and aesthetic appeal. Once your roof has become damaged, it can take days or weeks to repair depending on how extensive the damage is.
Roof damage often happens slowly over time, which is why it’s important to regularly inspect your roof and look out for early signs of damage. Below are the five most common culprits of roof damage, and what you can do to prevent them from ruining your roof:
Wind
Wind is the number one culprit of roof damage in Florida and along the Gulf Coast during hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds can easily take off shingles and tear down trees landing on the roof. While you can’t stop the wind itself, you can invest in durable roofing material such as concrete or high-quality shingles to prevent wind from taking off the roof by itself.
Rats
Rats often live on rooftops to escape predators and nest in a warm, comfortable place. While you may think it’s preferable to have rats on the roof than to have rats inside, they can quickly cause damage to your flashing and cause leaks that damage your interior. Plus, roof rats eventually become indoor rats. If you want to protect your roof from damage, ensure you check for rats during regular extermination inspections.
Sun
In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, businesses take a hard hit from UV rays during the summer. This most often affects roofing, causing shingles to become brittle and fade over time. If you want to ensure your roofing still looks good and stays structurally sound through several summers, be sure to invest in proper UV protection.
Debris
Neglecting to clean the rooftop and gutters will allow mold and mildew to grow on your roofing over time. Gutter debris can also put undue pressure on your roofing, causing it to sag and shingles to become damaged over time. Luckily, this is an easy fix if you’re vigilant about your roof cleaning.
Improper maintenance
Failing to repair flashing, clean between shingles, or neglect waterproof membrane maintenance will allow your roof to deteriorate much faster than its intended service life. THis is one of the most common causes of roofing damage we see, which is why we recommend customers implement a simple roof cleaning and maintenance routine for their building. With an annual inspection and basic repairs, you can ensure you don’t have to treat or replace your roofing prematurely.
MaintenX specializes in roofing repair, maintenance, and installation for commercial buildings. If you are looking for a roof remodeling or some simple fixes to bring it back to life, give your local MaintenX a call today!
