Roofing problems can get worse if they’re not repaired in time. Even the most minor roofing leaks can cause considerable damage to the structure of the building – it ruins the insulation, the ceilings, and the interior of your home. That’s why it’s important to get your roof inspected regularly by a roofing contractor to check for minor issues, so they can be repaired and prevent future damage.

Here are the top seven roofing problems that your roof specialist checks for.

Problem #1: Overhanging Tree Limbs
Overhanging tree limbs cause considerable damage as they rub on the roof, wearing away the surface of the shingles. Falling branches and tree limbs can cause serious damage to the roof as well. That’s why it is important to trim overhanging tree limbs on a regular basis. If a tree is too close to your home, it could be a threat to your safety and has to be uprooted.

Problem #2: Snow and Ice
Natural factors such as heavy snow and ice can take a toll on your roof during the winter. Water from the ice and snow penetrates through the shingles and flashing and refreezes later, which lifts the shingles and the flashings, causing more water to enter later. This can be a serious issue in areas that get a lot of snow in the winter.

Problem #3: Wind
Wind can lift shingles off the roof or even tear them off. In areas that are known to get strong gusts on a regular basis, this can be a problem. Roof specialists look for obvious signs of wind damage such as pieces of shingles lying on the ground.

Problem #4: UV Rays
UV rays from the sun deteriorate a roof over time, causing considerable damage to the shingles – especially those made from asphalt. UV rays have a strong effect on asphalt shingles, causing them to dry, blister, and eventually crack and come loose from the surface, or even fall off the roof completely.

Problem #5: Birds and Small Animals
Birds such as woodpeckers can do a lot of damage to your roof. They make holes along the eaves in an attempt to find insects. The holes made by woodpeckers get bigger over time, which leaves the wood underneath completely exposed to natural elements, eventually resulting in rotting and deterioration. Small animals such as raccoons cause damage to the roof as well, as they pull up the shingles and flashings to make their way to the inside of the house.

Problem #6: Insects
Insects such as termites and carpenter ants form tunnels through the eaves and fascia boards around the roof. They attract birds and small animals (that feed on insects) to the roof, which causes a lot of damage, as explained earlier. The best way to prevent damage from birds and small animals is to get rid of insects from inside the roof.

Problem #7: Clogged or Broken Gutters
A roofing contractor checks to see if the gutters and downspouts are clogged or broken. If they are, this can cause the water to back up and seep into the eaves, leading to widespread rotting throughout the roof. That’s why the gutters have to be cleaned on a regular basis and covered on top with a protective layer to keep out leaves and other debris.

Regular inspection and maintenance of the roof by a roofing specialist can extend its life and save you a lot of money. For your roofing requirements, trust the #1 roof specialists in Beaverton, Oregon: America’s Best Contractors, Inc.

At America’s Best Contractors, Inc., we are proud to be a local, family-owned and operated business. We have decades of experience in the roofing industry and are known for our work ethic and commitment to excellence. Call us today at 503-259-0538 for a free estimate.