Hello World! Welcome Friends! One of the most important and yet overlooked parts of our homes is the roofs over our heads. They protect us from the elements, namely wind, sun, and rain if you live in South Carolina, and they ensure our belongings are not destroyed in that same weather. That is why having them repaired when there is an issue is so critical.
What unfortunate circumstances can befall upon our homes though, that make these services required? And when we do need them, to whom do we turn? These are just some of the questions that I will try to answer in this article, so stay tuned if you want to know!
What can Damage our Roofs?
As I am sure you can imagine, there are a lot of things that could happen. Depending on where you live, it might be different. For the southerners in the United States, snow damage generally is not something to worry about. As you can see on this page, the larger concerns are the sun and any rain or storms.
Rain
When hurricane season comes around, it is always a worry, even if they do not often hit the shores of the beaches in the Carolinas. Even for those of us far inland, the rain can be a serious problem. That is because of how drainage systems work.
For a system that is working properly, the rainwater should roll right off the shingles and into the gutters, ending up on the ground instead. However, when something goes awry, that is where problems arise. If you have leaves or other debris in them, the water can get stuck.
That is part of why cleaning the gutters is so important, of course. If you do not do it regularly, you might end up with worse things to contend with. Eventually, the water might end up eroding the materials of your roof. That could be the shingles or the adhesive, as just some examples.
Wind
During a storm, there might also be some extreme winds. This can easily result in damage that is almost entirely unpreventable. Shingles getting blown off is hardly a rarity in these situations.
If you do live in an area that experiences inclement weather like this, though, there are options you can take. You might ask an organization such as Roofers LLC in Greenville about reinforced strips and adhesives. It might not always work, but it can be a safety net if you are worried.
Algae
For those of us living in the warm and humid parts of the country, algae are another concern. It is not something we think of often, of course, but it can make for some problems. In recent years, infections of algae have increased around the United States and Canada in roof systems. They can grow in moist areas.
UV Rays
In a bit of a different vein, sun damage is also something with which we must contend. Most of us know how damaging it can be for our skin, but did you know it can also be bad for our shingles? Now, keep in mind that this is generally a slow process. Over long periods of time, the ultraviolet rays can end up degrading the materials of our roof, but if you have asphalt, it tends to last longer.
Wildlife
For the sake of brevity, I will discuss both plants and animals in this section. If you have trees in your yard, you likely already have some idea of what I am going to mention here. Branches, leaves, and twigs can be a real nuisance in terms of maintenance and are a large culprit behind that need to clean the gutters.
However, animals can also cause trouble. Insects, of course, are a bit inevitable. They live everywhere, so of course, some will make a home there. However, the creatures that want to eat them, like birds or rodents, might cause some issues. Be on the lookout for them, as there are ways to steer them elsewhere.
For example, you could set out birdhouses or bird feeders to entice them away from the roof. That tends to attract the squirrels as well! There are plenty of ways to do it without harming any animals.
Contractors – Are They Worth It?
You might be thinking to yourself, hey, this cannot be that hard – I can probably repair my roof myself! Well, unfortunately, that is a bit of a misconception. A lot of the maintenance and repairs that need to be done should be left to the professionals. You can read more about that here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm.
One of the reasons is simple: safety. If you are not acclimated to working on a ladder or walking across a roof, it can be extremely dangerous. A fall, if serious, can even lead to paralysis. So, it is best to let someone trained and experienced handle it.
Additionally, there are a lot of things about roofing that many people are not aware of. The system is quite intricate when you begin to examine it in earnest. All the parts need to work together for it to blend seamlessly. One of the biggest threats to the integrity of a roof is a poor repair or maintenance job.
That might seem like an exaggeration, but it really is not. With one slip-up, you could end up with a worse issue than you started with. A leak might turn into a hole, or worse, algae or mold growth that spreads to the inside of your home as well.
That is why I generally turn to a contractor with years of experience and the proper licensing. There are some other things to look out for too. For example, positive reviews. This might be in the form of online ones, testimonies from past customers as references, or from your friends and family members!
Overall, finding a good one is quite a big deal. I wish you a lot of luck in your search!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
How to Successfully Remodel Your Home On a Budget
When Does Homeowner’s Insurance Stop Covering Damage?
Make Your Home Eco-Friendly With These Amazing And Simple Improvements
Why It’s Important to Properly Maintain Your Roof
Top Tips for Moving House in Adelaide
Consider Obtaining Credit Cards
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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