The Biggest Threats to Minnesota Roofs, Ranked
When you are buying a new home, you always inquire about the condition of the roof. If the roof of any building has leaks or structural issues, it can cause serious problems for the rest of the structure and interior. As the capstone for the building, a sturdy and high-quality roof is an absolute necessity – especially in Minnesota.
Over time, your roof battles the elements to protect your home. If it sustains damage or wear, you’ll need to consult a qualified roofing contractor to assess the situation and create a plan for full roof restoration. Here are the primary threats to the health of your roof, ranked from least to most dangerous.
7. Tree Limbs
If you live in a forested area, you have likely experienced picking up dozens of sticks around your yard after a storm. In the case of more violent storms, large branches could break away from trees and cause damage to your home.
In the grand scheme of things, the risk of this incident is relatively low, and the damage would likely be localized to a certain spot. While it could cause water to enter the interior, there are larger risks to be sure.
6. Wind & Storms
In violent weather, wind can whip through neighborhoods ripping up shingles in its path. Missing or damaged shingles can cause moisture to leak into unprotected areas. Most residential roofing jobs carried out by reputable roofing contractors are made to withstand storms for years, however.
5. Animal Invaders
Squirrels, bats, mice, raccoons, birds, and even burrowing insects have been known to wriggle their way into attics in the midwest in search of a warm, dry place. In their quest for safety, these animals can burrow through areas of your roof, causing serious damage and putting your home at risk for water damage. In some cases, entire shingles can be torn off.
4. Ice and Snow
As Minnesota residents, we are all too familiar with this one. Ice and snow can take hold to your roof, staying in place for months as temperatures hover below freezing. As this barrier of frozen moisture rests on your roof, it can wear away at the shingles and cause water damage. Furthermore, freezing and thawing can cause shingles to buckle and lift over time, creating vulnerable areas.
3. Improper Drainage
When it comes to the value of a roof, it’s all about repelling and directing water. If the gutter and spout system is not properly designed, or the flashing is not in good working condition, the process of water drainage can pass rainwater into empty nooks that degrade the inner layers of your roof system. On a separate note, improper drainage also presents a risk to your foundation.
2. Debris Buildup
Speaking of gutters: if leaves, sticks, and other debris build up in your gutters, this can create a safe place for moisture to fester. This can also happen along inward edges of your roof, creating a wet patch on an already vulnerable area.
In residential roofing, debris is one of the most underappreciated risks to the integrity of the roof system. Consult a roofing contractor to have your roof regularly swept and inspected to prevent buildup.
1. Age (General Wear)
The most insidious danger of them all is also the easiest to miss. When an ice storm causes noticeable damage, or a tree limb crashes through the roof, there is no choice but to replace and repair. However, if rain, wind, and erosion cause just unnoticeable differences in the roof over the course of many years, the damage is practically impossible to see.
When the above factors all add up in a slow but steady progression, causing the roof to age and wear, it is at serious risk. The only way to verify the efficacy of your roof is to work with a roofing contractor who can personally assess the damage – even if you can’t see it yourself.
MNRC – Your Local Minnesota Roofing Contractors
If your roof has been damaged in a storm, or has experienced wear, dark spots, or decay over time, the qualified team at MNRC stands ready to help. Whatever your project needs, from consultation to full roof restoration, we have the experience and product expertise to answer all your questions as your dedicated Minnesota roofing contractors.
We focus on developing long-term relationships with our customers so we can provide you with top-tier solutions for life. Over the years, we have received dozens of glowing reviews for our commitment to excellent service and support – and we want to help you, too. Contact a roofing contractor today to schedule an inspection.