A
roof
system's performance is affected by numerous factors.
Knowing about the following will help you make informed
roof system buying decisions:
Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing
materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can
occur faster on the sides facing west or south.
Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes
or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the
roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra
moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house,
including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical
systems.
Wind: High winds can lift shingles' edges (or other
roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath
them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.
Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a
roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an
ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter.
Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing
materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early
melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to
fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn
off a house or building.
Condensation: Condensation can result from the
buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture
in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood
sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof
structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by
installing larger or additional vents and will help
alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will
be closer to the outside air temperature.
Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood
shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more
moisture to a roof system's surface, causing rot. In
addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood
deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas
on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating
a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing
rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed
away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded
areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good
drainage.
Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof
will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches
are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging
trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other
roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system's surface
retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters
block drainage.
Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof
system's effectiveness is complete protection. When
shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and
home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage
and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles
also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn
shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.
Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and
worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing
effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off,
torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural
rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only
gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks
really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings
around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions,
water can enter a home or building and cause damage to
walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.
Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof
inspection and gutter cleaning.
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