Common Roofing Problems
Professional Roofing & Exterior Services
WE CAN QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY FIX ANY ROOF PROBLEM, BIG OR SMALL
Do you have a roofing problem? Sometimes roofing problems are obvious, like when shingles are blown off the roof during a storm. Other times, a closer look is required to identify an issue that deserves attention. Some roofing problems are easy to detect, while others require an expert eye.
The good news is that all the problems explained below can be detected and corrected when you work with an experienced, full-service roofing contractor like Champion Roofing. No matter how big or small your roofing damage may be, we have the solutions and expertise to be able to fix the issue quickly and effectively. We provide reliable roofing repair services, as well as emergency roofing services, for any of the common roofing problems that might be affecting the integrity of your roof. Give us a call today!
We are your Colorado expert roofing contractors, based in Greeley, providing our comprehensive roofing services to property owners in Arvada, Littleton, Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and many of the surrounding areas.
Whether you have a leaky roof, damaged shingles, or major structural damage, contact the experts at Champion Roofing to schedule a free estimate on any of our roofing services! Make note that many of the problems described here apply to all kinds of roofing materials, not just wood and asphalt shingles.
DAMAGE CONTROL. IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE YOUR ROOF INSPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS AND FIX MINOR ISSUES BEFORE THEY BECOME MAJOR PROBLEMS
COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS IN NORTHERN COLORADO
- Blow-off damage
- Major structural damage
- Damaged shingles
- Roof leaks
- Damaged or missing roof flashing
- Damaged skylights
- Roof ventilation issues
- Rotted wood
- Too many layers of roofing
BLOW-OFF DAMAGE
One way that high winds damage roofing materials is by blowing the finished roofing entirely off the roof. Blow-off damage typically occurs in just a section of the roof or on an entire side of the roof that was exposed to the highest wind speeds and gusts. Roofing felt and roof sheathing can also be blown away by severe winds. This can leave your home exposed, but you can typically easily visually identify blow-off damage.
HOW TO FIX IT:
If sections of the roof have been blown off by high winds, we will install new roofing in those sections and ensure that your home is properly protected against future storms.
MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Storms and high winds damage roofing indirectly by causing tree limbs and even entire trees to fall on the roof. Structural damage from impacts can range from small punctures in the roofing and roof sheathing to the complete collapse of the roof or roof section.
HOW TO FIX IT:
Depending on the damage, we will decide if the damage is worth fixing or if a roof replacement will provide better results. As a general exterior contractor we can address structural damage when we address your roofing.
DAMAGED SHINGLES
Roof shingles (asphalt and wood) can show signs of damage simply because they’re wearing out. In other cases, damage occurs due to other factors. Missing, broken, and torn shingles can be caused by wind, impact, or foot traffic. Old shingles often cup, curl, and become brittle; these are all signs that your roofing should be replaced.
“Bald” shingles that have lost their protective granules detract from the roof’s appearance and will age prematurely if they’re exposed to direct sunlight. During a roof inspection, it’s also important to look for “nail pops” – roofing nails that have been pushed up through roof shingles and can cause roof leaks.
HOW TO FIX IT:
Sometimes shingles can be repaired and sometimes the roofing will need to be replaced. Our expert roofers will inspect your roof and choose the best course of action depending on the extent of the damage.
ROOF LEAKS
Unless a large tree branch has punched a hole in your roof, roof leaks can be difficult to detect. Water can leak past the roofing materials through a hole made by a popped nail. It can also leak into your house around damaged flashing or because of water backed up behind an ice dam. The point where the leak found its way to your living space may or may not be close to the leak location at all.
HOW TO FIX IT:
It’s smart to call in an experienced roofing professional if you find water leaking into your house from above. Sorensen Roofing & Exteriors will inspect the chimney and vents for cracks in the flashing, check the eaves for damage from ice dams, look for damaged shingles, and check the attic for leaks in the deck.
DAMAGED OR MISSING ROOF FLASHING
The main purpose of flashing is to keep water away from building materials or building assemblies that can be damaged by moisture. Flashing can be replaced or reused during re-roofing and roof repair. It can also be omitted or incorrectly installed very easily, allowing moisture through these vulnerable areas.
HOW TO FIX IT:
A roofing inspection should always include the inspection of roof flashing to identify damaged or missing flashing problems that require correction.
DAMAGED SKYLIGHTS
Impact from hail and windblown objects will sometimes crack the glass in roof-mounted skylights.
HOW TO FIX IT:
In some cases the damaged glass panel can be replaced, but most often a new skylight unit must be installed.
ROOF VENTILATION ISSUES
Sometimes roof vents, like a gable-end vent, for example, allow insects and animals into the attic because they aren’t properly screened. In other cases, there may not be sufficient ventilation, necessitating the installation of additional vents. Ventilation problems can also result when vent openings are blocked.
HOW TO FIX IT:
A skilled, full-service roofing contractor will be able to diagnose and fix these problems and either repair a damaged roof vent or install new vents if necessary.
ROTTED WOOD
When wood gets wet and can’t dry out completely, wood rot is likely to occur. Even a small leak can result in rotted roof sheathing and rafters, which will seriously weaken the roof structure. Other areas vulnerable to wood rot include the fascia board and soffit.
HOW TO FIX IT:
If sections of the roof have been blown off by high winds, we will install new roofing in those sections and ensure that your home is properly protected against future storms.
TOO MANY LAYERS OF ROOFING
When a new asphalt shingle roof is installed on an existing house, the old asphalt shingle roof can be removed or left in place. Most building codes say that you can’t install more than two layers of asphalt roofing, but this rule is sometimes ignored. There are two main problems with three layers of roofing. First off, the uppermost roofing shingles are likely to be uneven and inadequately anchored to the roof sheathing. Secondly, the combined weight of the roofing material can exceed the strength of the roof framing.
HOW TO FIX IT:
The solution is to remove all three layers of roofing and start fresh, directly on the roof sheathing.
THE NITTY-GRITTY OF COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS
Things break down — that's just a fact of life. From your car and your refrigerator to your body and your roof, repairs and care are important in order to maintain functionality. Here at Champion Roofing, our local Northern Colorado roofers take great care when a common roofing problem occurs at your home.
If you suspect you have a roofing problem such as one of the ones discussed above or a different one, give us a call. We'll perform a comprehensive roof inspection in order to find the root cause of your problem. Then we'll give you a written estimate for roof repairs, or if it's extensive, a roof replacement estimate. Rest assured that we recommend the best scenario for your particular needs; we'll never replace a roof just for the sake of it.
If you are in need of residential roof repairs, replacement, or installation services, give our local roofing company a call for a free estimate today!
WE ARE GREATER GREELEY’S EXPERTS FOR QUALITY ROOF SERVICES
After inspecting your roof, our certified professionals will know exactly what needs to be done to repair your roof. Some damage will only need minor repairs, while other roofing damage will require a complete roof replacement. We will help you choose the right solution to ensure the you get the most out of your investment.
We are dedicated to providing quality services and products at affordable prices. We also provide emergency services when you need them.
Call us at (970) 579-1967 or get a free estimate online for roof repair, replacement, or any of our other roofing services, available in Denver, Colorado Springs, Littleton, Aurora, Arvada, Broomfield, Fort Collins, Englewood, Boulder, Longmont and many parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
