Homeowners know that they cannot afford to ignore obvious roof problems, such as damaged or missing shingles. Some roof issues, however, are not as obvious, even though they can still cause serious harm to your roof. This article takes a look at three roof issues that homeowners must never ignore.
Fire
Fire is probably not the first thing you think about when considering potential roof problems. Unfortunately, if you ignore the danger and the roof catches fire, you could easily lose your entire house. Although you cannot guarantee that your roof will never catch fire, you should take steps to minimize the possibility, particularly if you live in an area that's prone to wildfires.
A key step is making certain that your roof is fire-resistant. The four official fire ratings for roofs are Class A, Class B, Class C, and unrated. Class A has the most fire resistance, while unrated has the least. You want to have a roof that meets the Class A standard, especially if you live in an area where fires are frequent.
Roofing materials that meet the Class A requirements include asphalt/fiberglass composition shingles, as well as concrete or clay tiles. On the other end of the spectrum, untreated wood shingle or wood shake roofs would be classified as unrated. If you are unsure of your roof's fire-resistance rating, contact a roofing contractor for assistance and advice on whether you need an upgrade.
Debris
The issue of debris is closely related to the problem of a roof catching fire. If you leave debris on the roof or in the gutters, a spark could ignite the flammable debris and cause the roof to be engulfed in flames. Another problem with ignoring debris, such as leaves or branches, is that water can pool behind it. Standing water damages shingles and lead to leaks. Remove all debris from your roof and gutters on a regular basis.
Organic growth
Organic growth on your roofs, such as algae, lichen, and moss, should not be ignored. Most asphalt roofs contain limestone and algae feed on the limestone causing the shingles to weaken and deteriorate. If lichen and moss gain a foothold on the roof, they will also cause damage. If you do not take action to remove them, your roof could be severely harmed. In some cases, you might need a new roof to resolve the issue.
To make certain that any of these three potential dangers to your roof are kept in check, talk with a roofer near you.
Reach out to a local roofing company to learn more.
