Roofs are an integral part of your home since they protect you from the elements by standing in their way. However, roofs are not unfazed by the might of mother nature but instead, they have a limited ability to bear the continued attack before eventually they give in and start having problems. To be sure most roofs have an expected life span of over 20 to 30 years, but these numbers given by the manufacturers and contractors do not align with the real-world data. This is often due to the factors around the house most likely being the weather. Rain and other strong weather conditions can knock off half the expected lifetime of a roof. Therefore, it is imperative that house owners keep an eye on the health of their roofs regularly. This allows them a head start on the problem and the problem can easily be fixed without changing large parts of the roofs since the problems have only started. Even in the extreme case that you have to make significant changes in your roof, you can be assured that the damage was caught quickly before it had the chance to spread to the foundation and supports of the house or the drywall that is often used in the construction of homes around the country.
There are a lot of different things that can end up harming the integrity of your roof. This can include rain, snow, wind, trees, and small animals. Accumulation of water and snow can lead to leaks as water works its way through the roof. Similarly, low branches of trees can gouge out pieces of the shingle of your roof and small animals can create holes in your roofs which allows water an express pathway to your attic and the drywalls.
Roof damage is a serious affair and at any point, if you feel as if your roof has taken extensive damage, contact a professional that can ascertain the situation of your roof and suggest options if any damage is done. Contact roofers in Austin, Tx so that you can book your expert inspection or hire contractors to repair the damage done to your roof.
As mentioned before one of the main factors that can damage the integrity of your roof is water or accumulation of water. Rainwater if quickly drained away does little to harm the roof but if it is allowed to stay it can have serious effects. This is often the case when the drainpipes for the roof are blocked by leaves and other plant matter. If you see a drainpipe that was blocked during a rainstorm be sure to check inside for any new wet patches or leaks. Not having enough incline or having none in the case of flat roofs means that water is discarded more and more slowly which means more chances of leaks.
Wind can cause significant damage to a roof, especially in tornado areas. Here the winds can really pick up and unless you have the specially made tented hipped roofs there is a very good chance that normal roofs get ripped off your heads. Make sure that your roof is able to sustain the damage it is expected to face so that your roof has a long life.
Checking inside the attic can also be a good step since after the roof it is probably the best place to see signs of damage. This can include signs of the dampness of the presence of mold which both attest to the presence of a leak.
Climbing up onto the roof can also help you assess the damage from trees and small animals, but it can be dangerous to you due to the height of the roof and your weight can also further damage the roof.