There are many reasons people forgo regular maintenance from financial difficulties to simply forgetting about it. After all, if their aren’t any obvious problems what could possibly go wrong? Well as the years go on, even the best materials can break down, tiny punctures from poor installation or from storms can grow slowly in to major problems if a roof isn’t regularly inspected and maintained.
These problems from neglect include (but aren’t necessarily limited to):
1) Cracks in the Foundation
If you’ve ever had to have your foundation repaired (or know someone who has), you know this is a very costly, invasive repair. Clogged gutters and water flow interruptions caused by damage compound this problem by allowing water to pool around the foundation. Your roof is designed to route water away from areas where this can be a problem, it may not be apparent to a layman but a professional can tell if this is an issue.
2) Roof damage and leaks
You know the signs, discoloration of the ceiling or the appearance of a bulge as though it’s going to burst any time. Congested gutters can result in pooled water freezing up and standing for days or even weeks, hampering the flow of liquid water eventually leading to weakening shingles and wood, causing leaks into the attic and home. Even without freezing water adding to the problem, small amounts of pooled water weaken your roof if left standing. If gutters were clogged, just for a little few days, damage may have occurred that only a professional would notice. Regular inspections will catch this and prevent further damage.
3) Rotting Wood
Any wood fascia that is on your home can start rotting due to clogged gutters and/or damage to the roof preventing proper water routing. If left standing, even for a few hours, pooled water will begin breaking down and decomposing the wood in these areas. This causes serious problems and could mean replacing all the wood fascia on your home costing thousands of dollars. If left alone and water gets into your home, this can spread to the frame itself!
Pooled water from roof damage or clogged gutters can cause damage to even outside areas such as driveways and sidewalks, even landscaping can become damaged from improper water flow.
While keeping your gutters clean and your roof free from debris can go a long ways in preventing these problems, it doesn’t replace a full yearly inspection by a roof professional.
Don’t neglect your roof! Call Atlanta Roofing Specialists today at 770-419-2222 for a free estimate and rest assured your roof is doing the job is was designed for!
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