Listed below are factors that will damage your roof and what they can do to your property. These include hail, foot traffic, and algae. Read more to learn how to protect your property and will help you in building health monitoring system. Listed below are the most common causes of roof damage. These can also be avoided. Make sure you take action immediately before problems develop. To prevent damage, follow these simple steps. Then, your roof will remain in good shape for years.
Algae
It’s easy to tell if your roof has algae, especially blue-green ones. Algae is a group of aquatic organisms that feed on dust and other forms of organic material. They can live almost anywhere, even on your roof. Algae will form dark stains on your roof, ranging from black to blue-green. You can expect algae on your roof for several months, depending on the species.
The black streaks on your roof are airborne algae. These organisms are responsible for reducing the life of your roof. This kind of buildup can be a sign of moss or lichen. The growth of these organisms will reduce the overall life of your roof, and you’ll need to get rid of the algae and moss to protect your home’s insurance.
Termites
Termites can wreak havoc on a roof. Once inside, these creatures will chew through wood and create tunnels away from the central nest. Then, you’ll notice mud tubes and sagging floors. You might even smell their stench if the swarming termites are living inside. In addition to this, you may see buckling ceilings and walls. Your roof may even be leaking.
Drywood termites, on the other hand, live in the wood and leave behind light-brown fecal pellets. They also leave behind frass with ridges. Drywood termites cause cracks in the ceiling and push out frass through holes in the roof. Termites’ swarmers usually live in or near the foundation of the building. If you find any of these signs on your roof, you should call a pest control company immediately to prevent further damage.
Hail
While identifying if your roof has been damaged by hail is relatively simple, determining the extent of the damage is not as easy. The worst part is that hail damage can be difficult to see from the ground. Therefore, you should repair the damage as soon as possible to prevent water damage and structural decay. The best way to do this is to inspect your roof closely before the damage becomes obvious. Fortunately, you can hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect and repair the roof for you.
Wear soft-soled shoes or roofing boots if you think you have to go up on the roof. Your ladder should be in good shape, too. You should also bring a camera and chalk to document the damage to your roof. If you’re feeling tech-savvy, you can even hire a drone to inspect the damage. The first step is to find the location of the damage on the roof and determine how much work is needed.
Foot traffic
One factor that can damage your roof is foot traffic. While it may be safe to walk on the roof, excessive foot traffic will result in damage to the granulation and UV protection of the roof. Moreover, excessive foot traffic can lead to scraping nail holes and shingles. It is therefore important to minimize the amount of walking on the roof to avoid premature damage to the roof. Here are some ways to protect your roof from foot traffic.
One way to protect your roof from damage caused by foot traffic is to have rooftop walkways installed. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides an opportunity to avoid accidental damage to the roof. This option can be installed with guardrails. By constructing rooftop walkways, you can minimize the foot traffic on the roof and extend the roofing system’s life. Further, you can install a roof walk that is secured with guardrails.
Hailstone size
Hailstones vary greatly in size, shape, and density. However, experts agree that hailstones that are at least 3 centimeters in diameter will cause the most damage to roofs. Those larger than this may even puncture already worn-down roofs that need replacement. More giant hailstones that have rough edges and are accelerated by high winds are also more dangerous. If a hailstorm damages your roof, contact a local roofing company or insurance agent.
The most common method of minimizing hail damage is to build a roof with a steeper slope. A more vertical roof reduces the angle of the hailstones, which makes them bounce off with minimal damage. Unfortunately, most houses cannot be re-engineered with a steeper roof. A steeper slope will depend on the style and type of home you live in; if you live in an area with common hailstones, check your roof and siding for damage.
Age of the roof
Regardless of how old your roof is, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a licensed roofer. An experienced roofer can easily determine your roof’s age by examining the roof boards. Look for missing nails, other vulnerable points, and wood rot. If unsure, schedule a professional inspection before your roof ages beyond ten years.
Insurance companies use age as a predictor of future roof claims. By predicting future claims, they can increase the premiums for these policies. They also build up a reserve for such claims. They may also send you a notice to replace your roof or find another insurer if you don’t pay your premiums. This is one of the many reasons that it is essential to have a professional inspection of your roof.
