Mainly three factors are responsible for Roof damage. They are age, neglect and natural calamities. We are not in a position to prevent the age factor as ageing is the law of Nature. Negligence is something which we can avoid by being systematic. But we human beings take things for granted, though we tend to pay the price enormously later. The result of neglect would be seepages, moisture attack, mildew etc. The vagaries of nature are another factor in front of which we are helpless. Billions of dollars are lost annually due to this.
Proper roof maintenance can prevent roof damage to a great extent. Being the most prominent physical part of your home, it is exposed to sleet, winds, heat etc constantly. The proverb ‘one stitch in time can save nine’ is completely true in the case of roofs. If you overlook a dimpled shingle, a defaced tile or a clogged vent, the damage may spread to the entire superstructure resulting in untold miseries to you. So it is always better to keep a constant watch on how your roof is responding to forces of nature or ageing process.
Hailstorms are the biggest threats to every roof. Sometimes the damages may not be easily visible, resulting in them getting overlooked. Even nearby trees can cause roof damage with their falling branches puncturing the roofing material. Leaves and other debris from the tree can clog the vents, thereby preventing proper ventilation.
Mildew and moisture also can slowly deteriorate the roofing without getting noticed. Even a flock of pigeons can cause minimal damages to your roof.
Roofs made of asphalt usually last for fifteen years, if maintained properly. But those made of clay, tiles, slate etc can last even longer if properly kept. It all depends on the attitude of the owner. If he is not keen to inspect his roof regularly for potential damages, the roof would deteriorate, thereby resulting in frequent replacements. It is also possible to entail a roofer to inspect your roof periodically and report damages. If he is a trustworthy one, you can rest peacefully with the assurance that your roof and the future of your building is in safe hands.
