A new roof can be quite the investment and the last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is it failing prematurely. Depending on the material used on your roof, it can last anywhere from 20 to 40 plus years, especially with proper maintenance and timely repairs. However, there are factors that can shorten the life of your roof or cause it to fail a few short months after installation.
Premature roof failure can be extremely frustrating and often requires a whole new roof to be installed. But what causes failure so quickly? Below are a few common reasons a roof can fail along with how you can avoid it from happening.
Little or No Care
Just like everything else in your house, the roof needs to be cared for in order for it to last as long as it is designed to. Professional maintenance and repair is essential and without it, your roof will likely fail prematurely. Some homeowners neglect their roof and do not pay attention to the signs that something is wrong.
For example, if a leak has developed and left untouched, a very large issue will form. Even the smallest leak can develop into a much bigger leak and cause a domino effect for further damage to your house. If you let your roof go years without maintenance or push necessary repairs to the side, the roof will fail prematurely.
Improper Installation
A roof that has not been properly installed will fail sooner than later. There are a few items that can happen during installation that will cause it to fail. One, utilizing low quality materials or those that are not standard roofing elements for installation is not a good idea. Additionally, hiring a contractor that is not qualified to install your roof, or choosing to do it yourself, will certainly cause it to fail sooner than it should.
A reputable roofing contractor will offer and use quality materials along with having a professionally trained staff. Be sure to do your research before hiring a roofer for your new roof. As always, you can ask potential roofers for a copy of their licenses and insurance before you hire them. This is a good indication of their professionalism and abilities.
Poor Ventilation
An essential aspect of a quality roof is proper attic ventilation. Many homeowners do not consider ventilation as a part of the roof, but it helps the roof from failing, from the inside out. Without ventilation, heat and moisture can build in the attic of your home. This is a perfect recipe for disaster and premature roof failure. While having a new roof installed, ask your contractor what the best ventilation options are to ensure your roof lasts as long as it should.
Constant Traffic
Sometimes, it is necessary to walk on your roof. When traffic is constantly making its way across the roof and the roof is not designed for it, the roof will eventually fail. Walking on the roof requires proper shoes to be worn, weight distribution, and shifting to ensure the roof does not give with each step. Failing to consider your roof when walking across it can cause cracking of the materials and indents. Over time, this abuse will cause your roof to prematurely fail. If you walk on your roof a lot, consider having it inspected by a professional roofer and make necessary repairs.
Failing to take care of your roof will cause it to prematurely fail.
The most important thing you can do to ensure the roof lasts as long as it should is to professionally care for it. Take care of repairs and perform routine maintenance for a long lifespan. Also, make sure your roof isn’t set up to fail before it is even installed by hiring a reputable roofer who knows what they are doing. Proper attic ventilation will further prolong the lifespan of your roof along with limiting traffic and abuse on the roof.
If you are located in the East Valley and have questions regarding your roof, contact Craven Construction today. We offer professional roofing services from new roof installation to quality repairs and maintenance. Our team is experienced with roofing materials of every kind and roofs of all sizes. We are licensed and insured for an added peace of mind. Call our office or fill out the form below to discuss your roofing needs and schedule your FREE estimate!
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About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.