Home Improvement

4 Common Hazards to Roofs

Roofs are necessary for the safety and stability of homes and commercial buildings. However, they can be very expensive to repair or replace when something goes wrong. Here are four common hazards to roofs.

1. Tree Branches

Trees are heavy, and branches that fall from a significant height down onto a roof can cause a lot of damage. It is a good idea to check the trees surrounding a roof for signs of damage, disease, or weakness, and cut away any limbs that look like they could easily fall.

2. Snow and Ice

The accumulation of ice, and the process of freezing and thawing over and over again on the roof, can wreak havoc on shingles. Particularly heavy loads of snow and ice can even contribute to the collapse of a roof, particularly if the house below is older or has poor construction. In areas that receive a lot of snow and ice, a roof snow load measurement may be used to keep track of how much snow is accumulating on the house.

3. Heavy Rain

Regions of the country that do not get a lot of wintery weather are still not out of the woods when it comes to weather and roof damage. Heavy rains and hail can also damage the shingles along with their protective coating. There is not much that can be done about the weather, so your best bet is to ensure that the materials used in construction are strong and durable. 

4. Animals

Animals that build nests and forage for food on your roof and surrounding areas, such as bats, mice, birds, and squirrels, may chew on materials and cause damage to the structure. A pest control service can be helpful with this issue. 

Being aware of some of the things that can damage roofs can help you extend the life of your roof. 

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