Three Reasons A New Roof Might Need Emergency Repairs

Ideally, a new roof won't need any major work for at least a few years, but there are some situations in which sudden damage or improper installation can cause problems. Here are three possible causes for damage that might necessitate emergency repairs.

Pest Damage

Pests can cause all sorts of damage to your roof no matter how new it is. If creatures like rodents have easy access to your roof, which can commonly happen if you have trees or bushes touching the side of your house, they can subsequently access your house via your roof. They can sometimes get in through attic or plumbing ventilation, or by gnawing holes or gaps.

Insects, like termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring creatures, can also cause serious damage. While your new roof might be weatherproof, it won't be safe from a new or existing infestation of creatures that can damage your roof from the inside. Insect damage can be tough to spot if you aren't looking for it, so if you suspect that your roof might be suffering from pest damage, take a closer look and call your roofing specialist to double-check. Any pest damage should be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent everything from structural weakness to leaks.

Poor Drainage

There are a few different ways your new roof might suffer from drainage issues. The first is if something about your roof wasn't done right in the first place. One example is an inadequate slope, which can cause water to pool instead of draining off your roof. Other problems can build up quickly over time as a result of lack of maintenance, such as clogged gutters and downspouts that hold moisture against your roof rather than letting it drain safely away.

If you're concerned that your roof might not drain properly, you can test it a few different ways. First, use a level on shallow-sloped areas of your roof, and check to see if it meets the minimum slope. Second, use a hose to pour water over your roof and watch for any places water might be pooling or starting to collect, whether on the roof itself or in gutters.

Severe Weather Damage

Severe weather can end up damaging your roof in a way that leaves it vulnerable to more serious damage if left unrepaired. The most common way this happens is from some kind of physical collision, such as a tree branch colliding with your roof, or sometimes with hail. It can also happen under very windy conditions; high winds can damage and sometimes completely remove shingles and tiles.

Storm damage tends to be more immediately noticeable, so after every storm, take a look at both the inside and outside of your roof. An inspection of the underside of your roof can reveal potential weak points in flashing and insulation. Any weather damage you find should be repaired as soon as possible to make sure your roof is in good shape to handle any more inclement weather. 

For more info, contact a local company like Dana Logsdon Roofing.


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