Roof Repair - An Occasional Housing Need

A home built with integrity shouldn't need regular repairs. Instead, regular maintenance can help keep the structure of the home intact for quite some time. The foundation and roofing especially are crucial structural parts of the home that will need regular maintenance and the occasional repair. While a new roof is designed to last for at least 10 years, weather conditions can create the need for an occasional roof repair.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. It is so popular because it is both durable and affordable. With this type of roofing, most homeowners won't have to worry about replacing their roof for at least 30 years. However asphalt shingles can last much longer in cooler environments because extreme weather conditions can have an affect on the longevity of any type of material. Environments with dramatic temperature changes over a short period of time can promote cracking and the break down of the hydrocarbons that help create the protective nature of the shingles. Without the protection of the hydrocarbons, the shingles can shrink and breakup, which allows more moisture into the home. Although this breakdown of the roofing material is gradual, excess moisture in the home is one such indicator that there may be a void in the roof that needs repair.

Extremely cold temperatures can also have an affect on asphalt shingles, especially if heavy snow is allowed to accumulate on the roof. This type of roof damage is also gradual, but the effects can be much more devastating. If the roof has lost some integrity due to the loss of hydrocarbons, the snow accumulation can allow more moisture to seep into the home, especially as the snow melts. On the other hand, extremely heavy snow accumulation can also cause the roof to collapse. Therefore, roof repair can be as simple as a maintenance check to ensure that all of the shingles are in good condition. The roofing contractor can then replaced individual shingles as needed.

The roof is the first line of protection against damage to the inside of the home and there are many other types of roofing materials, including, metal, wood, and tile. Each type has its pros and cons, and most homeowners will make a decision based on the weather conditions in their area, as well as price. Although each material may be durable enough to withstand certain conditions, there will come a time when roof repair will be a priority.