Every season has its potential hazards. From storms and water to pests and sun, there’s no end to the list of things that could cause your home to break down. Even the strongest of roofing materials are capable of becoming damaged under the right conditions. In fact, there are more ways that this harm can present itself than most homeowners tend to think. These are the different types of roofing damage your home could sustain and how to address them before they evolve into a larger problem.
Flashing Damage
One of the most common forms of roof destruction to be aware of is flashing damage. A roof’s flashing is the layer of material that sits directly below the outermost shingles. This component is often comprised of thin metal and is designed to keep water from leaking into your attic. Unfortunately, the joints that keep the flashing in place can break with general weathering, and the seal they create can corrode over time. This results in a few leaks that should be repaired quickly.
Rust or Corrosion Damage
Some roofs are also prone to rust or corrosion after several years of fighting off the elements. Metal roofs are particularly susceptible to this damage, as metal has an oxidizing reaction when put into unprotected contact with moisture. Because of this, homeowners with these roofing materials must know how to repair the afflicted areas. This way, they can prevent future damage, and the plating will last a lot longer.
Impact Damage
Impact blemishes are another type of roof damage that appears following heavy storms or hail. When hard items make contact with the surface of shingles, it’s common for the concrete to dent or crack. This can harm more than just the outer surface of the roof. In severe cases, hail has even been known to fracture the flashing. While there’s no way to prevent these bruises from occurring if you live in a hail-prone area, you can dampen the impact by choosing the right roofing materials.
Wind Damage
Wind damage is very common as well due to how easily large gusts can grab hold of loose components. Whether it be shingles or metal panels, all it takes is a strong breeze to break them away from their fixed position. This can lead to a series of other problems with leaks, cracking, and general decay. Loose roofing materials have even been known to hit other areas of the home and cause additional damage that puts your security at risk. So, make sure you’re frequently inspecting your roof and resecuring any potentially problematic parts.
