A Roof Shouldn’t Have To Be on Fire To Get Your Attention
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As I’m sitting here singing the classic song “The Roof Is on Fire” by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three (which I very nearly misattributed to George Clinton btw *embarrassed face*), I have to say that while classic funk and hip hop tunes are great to riff off of when crafting catchy headlines, that’s not so much the case when it comes to home maintenance advice.
If the roof is on fire, you should actually get some water and not let it burn. That being said, plenty of less dramatic things can happen to your roof, and since it’s up there where people hate to go (climbing ladders = scary and hard), many of these roof maintenance issues go unnoticed by homeowners. Here are a few we’ve found in the field recently:
The Foundation Can Damage Your Roof Too
Most people are aware of foundation movement indicators like cracks in the interior walls, unlevel floors, or doors that won’t close properly. But wrinkles in the roof might be a new one for many. This happens when two sides of a property have risen, pinching the area in between.
Trees Too Close to the Home
Trees growing too close to a home can cause a lot of damage to the roof, especially during a storm when the branches can bang or scrape against the shingles, even tearing them off and damaging the structure underneath. Crape myrtles like those in the video above are notorious for being planted too close to a structure. They are definitely ones to watch out for. It’s important to get these trees regularly trimmed back to prevent damage.
Shingles in Contact With Siding
What happens when there isn’t the recommended two-inch gap between shingle and siding is that moisture can build up between them and soak into the wood or other material, causing damage or mold growth. This can cause breakage and decrease the life of both the shingles and the siding.
Your roof is one of the most important (and costly) systems your home has, so it pays to protect it. Most roofing companies offer a free consultation to check the condition of your roof anytime. Be careful though because they’ll almost always want to sell you a new roof. But if you’re concerned about possible damage, this is a great way to assess the situation. Make sure you have any warranties ready when you call so you have any relevant information in hand.
