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The Three Most Common Roofing Problems and Solutions

As a homeowner, your roof is one of those things you tend not to think about until something goes wrong — and hopefully, you’re able to go years without giving it a second thought. Eventually though, something will go wrong. Roofing is your home’s most important defense against the wind, rain and elements. As such, it takes more abuse than any other part of your home’s construction.

If you live in a State like New Jersey, where winters can be cold and summers hot, the fluctuating temperatures and bouts of precipitation will put added stress on your home’s roof over time. Depending on how well your home was actually constructed, there will soon come a day when it’s necessary to repair or even possibly replace this very important feature of your home.

Being prepared for the future is useful when it comes to things like this. If we have a good idea of what can happen, and what can go wrong, we have a better chance of managing our roofing problems with a minimum of stress and inconvenience.

Here are six common problems with America’s roofs, and what can be done to solve them:

1. Leaking

Leaks are a common roofing problem — and they’re even more common when you live in areas with changing weather conditions throughout the year (e.g. New Jersey). Melting snow, heavy rains, and even hail can cause leaks by gradually weakening the integrity of the roof.

Solution: Leaks are prevented by top quality roofing materials, professional installation, and routine inspections/maintenance. If you already have a leak, turn to a respected roofing company for a proper repair.

2. Standing water

This is another common “water-related” problem, and can be related to leaking. Accumulated debris or faulty gutters could be contributing factors, as could problems with your HVAC systems. If you notice standing water on your roof, it’s important to take action.

Solution: If the cause of the standing water is obvious and easily rectified (such as blocked gutters), you may be able to address the problem safely without professional help. In most cases, it’s better to call a professional and make sure underlying issues are addressed.

3. Blow offs

In roofing, a “blow off” is when shingles or other roofing materials detach in the wind. This happens either because the wind was especially strong (as in a severe storm) or because there were structural weaknesses in the roof.

Solution: It may be that your roof was improperly installed, or that poor quality materials were used. A reputable roofing professional will also pay particular attention to the flashing on your roof, or the “seals” around various vents and chimneys

Finding a roofer you can count on

As mentioned earlier, the rate at which our roofs break down and stand in need repair depends on location, weather, and local climate. But an even bigger deciding factor is who installed the roof, what kind of materials they used, and whether they completed the job with a high degree of expertise and professionalism. Being highly selective about who you call to repair or replace your home’s roof is something which, if you (or the previous owner of the home) did not do in years past, should be done now to keep your roof strong and functional for years to come.