Roofs fail for many reasons. As a homeowner, you are not expected to fix your own roof, but understanding why it happens can help you prevent or mitigate its effects. In this blog, local residential roofing company Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC takes a look at the common causes of roofing failure.
Causes of Roofing Failure
Roofing failure can be caused by one or more of the following:
- Poor installation. Installation errors are the most common cause of premature roofing failure. For example, incorrect nailing patterns can make the roof vulnerable to wind damage. This underlines the importance of workmanship or installation warranties — no matter the quality of the roofing materials, they are more likely to fail if not installed properly.
- Extreme weather. While it’s impossible to stop high winds, heavy rains or airborne debris from causing damage to your roof, it is possible to choose a roofing system that’s rated for such conditions.
- Age. Roofs approaching the end of their life spans are not as strong as when they were new, and are therefore more susceptible to failure.
- Lack of maintenance. Like all things exposed to wear, roofs require maintenance. Neglected roofs are more likely to fail prematurely.
The Importance of Roofing Maintenance
Out of all the causes described above, the lack of roofing maintenance is the one that’s entirely preventable — all you need to do is make sure that you keep up with your regular roof maintenance appointments.
Roofing maintenance involves a thorough inspection conducted by your roofer. The objective is to find signs that indicate potential roofing failure, and fix them before they become bigger problems. Roofing wear is not something that happens overnight, and it’s easy to overlook small signs like trapped moisture or small tears on shingles that can get worse sight unseen. Also, installation errors can be spotted and fixed during the same inspections. Ultimately, these small repairs can result in savings over time, considering the alternative — major roof repairs or even a premature replacement.
Another benefit of keeping up with roofing maintenance appointments is you get to keep an active roofing warranty. Roofing manufacturers consider lack of maintenance as neglect. If a homeowner files a warranty claim and could not present proof of maintenance, their claim can either get denied or their coverage can get voided.
Fortunately, roofers like Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC provide guidance, as well as services such as roof repair and maintenance, that can help you make sure that you get the most out of your roof. Call us today at (541) 688-7663 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Eugene, OR and surrounding communities in Oregon.