The 5 Top Roofing Issues for Midwest Homeowners
Attention, Midwest homeowners! Are you tired of battling the extreme weather conditions that seem to have a personal vendetta against your roof? Do you find yourself constantly dealing with leaks, missing shingles, and unexpected repairs? Well, fret no more, because we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will delve into the common roofing issues that plague homeowners in the Midwest and provide you with valuable insights on how to overcome them. Whether it’s wind that threatens to tear your shingles off or hail that wreaks havoc on your roof, we’ve got the solutions that will help you safeguard your home and your peace of mind.
If you’re experiencing roofing issues in Northeast, KS, and need repair, reach out to the experts at Mesler Roofing, Siding, and Windows! We provide roofing, roofing repair, siding, windows, doors and so much more!
#1 Wind Damage
Wind is a common occurrence in the Midwest and it can cause serious damage to residential roofs. Strong winds can cause tears or cracks in shingles, and leave them curled up or missing entirely, thus exposing the roof to harsh weather conditions. Kansas, in particular, has earned a reputation for its location in the Tornado Alley, with its frequent and powerful tornado outbreaks. They can leave a trail of destruction in their wake, with residential roofs often bearing the brunt of their fury.
What You Can Do
You can prevent wind damage by investing in roofing material with a higher wind rating. Proper installation of the roofing material is also important as improper installation can cause even the highest quality material to fall apart from wind damage. As always, make sure you and your family are safe before focusing on your home. For information on safety during tornados, read these tips from the Storm Prediction Center. A roof can be restored, but a life cannot!
#2 Hail Damage
Hail is a common weather occurrence in the Midwest and on occasion can be accompanied by a tornado. This can quickly expose your roof to harmful weather. Hail damage often destroys part of the granule layer on your shingles, thus leaving your roof exposed to UV rays and water. Most hail-damaged roofs only require small repairs. However, if your roof has more than eight damage spots per 100 square feet, your roofing contractor will usually recommend a full replacement.
What You Can Do
To minimize the potential for hail damage to your roof, consider the following preventive measures. Invest in impact-resistant roofing materials. For example, there are specific types of asphalt shingles that are specially designed to be more resistant to hail damage. You should also consider metal roofing as this material is known for its durability, including its ability to withstand hailstorms. These types of roofs can also qualify you for a large discount from your insurance provider. Finally, regular inspections by a licensed roofing contractor can help identify any potential weak spots or areas of concern. If you need a roof inspection, contact Mesler Roofing, Siding, and Windows!
#3 Water Damage
Your roof should protect you from rain and other types of precipitation. However, over time, water can erode small spots of damage and destroy underlying materials. Signs of water damage are usually evident and include drips from the ceiling, dark spots on the ceiling, or dips in your shingles.
What You Can Do
You can prevent leaks from water damage by proactively repairing damaged shingles. If your roof is already leaking, a roofing contractor can usually just repair the damaged area. However, if the leak continues for too long, you may need to replace the entire roof decking, underlayment, and shingles.
#4 Ice Damming
The Midwest is notorious for its frigid winter temperatures, and with winter comes the inevitable buildup of ice on roofs. Ice dams are a common problem during winter when melted ice refreezes on the roof’s edges, creating an overhang of ice. This ice buildup can cause significant damage to your roof, leading to water back up under shingles, roofs, and walls, ultimately leading to structural damage.
What You Can Do
Here’s what you need to do to prevent ice damming: Make sure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic can help regulate the temperature of your roof, preventing ice dams from forming. Another way to prevent ice dams from leaking into your home is to install your new roof using ice and water shield on all valleys and eaves. Make sure your gutters are installed properly and clean so they can channel water off the roof. Lastly, if possible, remove snow from the roof using a roof rake or by hiring a professional roofing contractor.
#5 Poor Installation
One of the most common reasons why many roofs fail prematurely is poor installation. Poorly installed roofs can be costly, stressful, and dangerous. Water can seep through a poorly installed roof, causing insulation and structural damage, as well as leading to mold growth. In more severe cases, you may even have the roof collapse, leading to injury and significant damage to your property.
What You Can Do
Don’t let yourself or your roofing contractor cut corners! If you keep up with your roof maintenance and you may be able to detect issues from poor installation. To prevent falling prey to poor installation, verify the contractor’s credentials, licenses, and insurance before hiring them to work on your roof. Using a local company that’s been around for many years can give you some assurance that they’ll be there should you need warranty assistance. Also, ensure that they have experience working with the specific type of roofing material your home requires. Before the work begins, inspect the roofing material to ensure it’s of high quality, and always get a warranty for your roofing system.
Ensure Your Roof’s Longevity with Preventative Measures
Midwest homeowners must be well-prepared to tackle roofing issues that come their way. From wind damage to hail damage, water damage to ice damming, and poor installation, these issues can wreak havoc on your roof and cause significant damage to your property. However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to protect your roof and ensure its longevity.
Don’t wait until your roof is in critical condition. Take action now to protect your home and your peace of mind. Contact Mesler Roofing, Siding, and Windows for all your roofing needs in Northeast, KS. With our expertise in roofing, siding, door, and window repair, we can provide you with the solutions and support you need.