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Common Roof Emergency Causes
- Delayed maintenance
- Natural wear due to weather and UV radiation
- Fallen tree limbs
- High winds tear off shingles and/or roof decking
- Ice dams and ice buildup in valleys
- Improper installation practices
- Flashing failures at roof penetrations, including around chimneys, vent stacks and dormers
#1: Delayed Maintenance
One of the most common causes of roofing emergencies can be traced back to delayed maintenance. Neglecting your roof when it’s time for regular inspections and repairs can cause small, seemingly insignificant problems to grow into much larger, more expensive ones.
Regular roof inspections by a professional roofer can help you identify and address problems before they cause significant damage to your home or business. The best part is that you can prevent irreparable damage by keeping a regular maintenance schedule and having your roof inspected by an expert at least once a year.
We offer complimentary roof inspections and always provide photo or video evidence if we find any damage so you have nothing to lose by scheduling an annual inspection.
#2: Natural Wear and Tear
Over time, your roof will naturally wear down due to weather and UV radiation. High winds can cause shingles to tear off, while hailstorms can dent metal roofing or knock off shingle granules. Heavy rains can lead to water infiltration in places you may not have even noticed before, like around flashing or in areas where there are gaps between the roof decking.
#3: Fallen Tree Limbs
Another common cause of roofing emergencies is fallen tree limbs. If a large limb falls on your roof, it can cause significant damage that needs to be addressed immediately. Not only can the tree limb itself cause damage, but the resulting impact can also loosen shingles or other materials and cause further damage.
#4: High Winds
High winds can also be problematic for roofs, causing shingles or other materials to become loose or even blow off entirely. It’s important to have a professional check your roof after any major storm event to make sure the integrity of your roof is still intact. Wind damage to roofs can be incredibly serious.
#5: Ice Dams and Ice Buildup
Ice dams, which are caused by heat escaping from the inside of your home, can form in your roof’s valleys. These large mounds of ice can cause significant damage to the roof decking if they’re not removed promptly. In addition, excess ice buildup in valleys can also be a cause of roofing emergencies.
#6: Improper Installation Practices
Unfortunately, we’ve seen many improper installation practices leading to roofing emergencies. In some cases, contractors may not follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation or use low-quality or damaged materials that aren’t up to code. It’s important to make sure the contractor you hire is qualified and experienced in roofing installation, as this can help prevent costly mistakes that could lead to roofing emergencies down the road.
#7: Flashing Failures
Roof penetrations such as around chimneys, vent stacks and dormers are some of the most vulnerable areas of your roof. They require metal flashing to ensure water doesn’t leak through the seams. Flashing failures can be caused by improper installation or damage. These are especially tricky because water can often find its way through the tiniest of cracks, so it’s important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly to ensure that all flashing is securely installed.
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How to Prevent Roofing Emergencies
By getting familiar with these common roofing emergencies and having your roof inspected regularly, you can help prevent small problems from turning into bigger, costlier ones down the road.
And if you do find yourself in a roofing emergency, take action right away and call a professional for help.
Some roofing emergencies are preventable, but others are simply out of the homeowner’s control.
Homeowners should always take care to have proper roof maintenance and practice preventative strategies like snow removal to prevent ice damming. Still, even in those cases, a roofing emergency is a possibility.
Non-Emergency Roof Damage
While not every issue with your roof may constitute an emergency, neglecting non-emergency roof damage can lead to significant problems over time. This can include anything from missing shingles and minor leaks to cracked or aging flashing. Although these issues may not require immediate action, they should not be ignored. Over time, water infiltration can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and damage to the interior of your home.
By addressing non-emergency roof damage promptly, you can extend the life of your roof and avoid the higher costs associated with more serious roofing emergencies. It’s recommended to schedule regular roof inspections to identify and repair these minor issues before they escalate. Remember, maintaining the integrity of your roof is essential in protecting your home from the elements and ensuring the safety and comfort of your family.
Do You Need Help With Emergency Roof Repairs?
You can trust that Dynamic Roofing’s team of experienced professionals will do our best to provide you with an effective and efficient solution for your roofing emergency. Don’t let a roof emergency throw your plans off track. Call our office now to get in touch with an expert who can help.