Although roofing issues are bound to arise no matter where you live, there are some roofing issues that arise more commonly in Georgia. The temperature and weather in the state are responsible for certain roof problems that need to be dealt with before they become more expensive repairs. While some issues like roof leaks can be easy to repair, others like structural damage can be more complicated and costlier. If you're wondering what causes roof damage, here are seven common roofing issues that you might encounter if you live in the state.
1. Damaged Shingles Due to Heat
The temperatures in Georgia can get extremely high during the summer, making it one of the hottest states in the US. Since your attic will naturally become hotter than the outdoor temperature due to the insulation, it can cause your roof to reach intense temperatures. When the roof becomes too warm, the shingles can start to buckle and curl out. Unfortunately, this can loosen them up or make them vulnerable to cracking. Damaged shingles are one of the leading causes of water leaks, so getting them fixed should be a top priority.
2. Roof Shrinkage Due to Heat
Warped shingles aren't the only roofing issue caused by the warm weather. Although Northern Georgia doesn't tend to be as warm as the south, roof shrinkage is still a prevalent issue in the area. Roof shrinkage refers to the shrinking of your roof membrane which is responsible for coating the roof and protecting it against harsh weather and temperatures. Shrinkage is very common in rubber roofs, also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or modified bitumen roofing systems. It's not too uncommon to find shrinking issues when doing roof inspections in Georgia.
3. Structural Damage From Storms
The strong winds in the state can cause structural damage to roofs from fallen branches and trees. All types of damage can be caused by this, ranging from a sagging ridge line and even a collapsed roof. When the state of the roof doesn't seem safe, then it's a good idea to contact a professional to figure out whether you need to replace the entire roof or whether the damage can be repaired. Structural damage shouldn't be taken lightly as it can pose a danger to the inhabitants of the home.
4. Other Kinds of Storm Damage
Roof damage from storms might be one of the most common roof problems and the reason someone might need Georgia roofing and repair services. Due to the number of storms that occur in Georgia, they can cause all types of damage to your roof ranging from dents in your gutters to missing shingles. Inspecting a roof after a harsh storm is a good idea as most of the roof problems will appear right after a storm happens. Hailstorms, sharp winds and rainstorms can all have a significant impact on a roof.
5. Roof Leaks and Mold Growth
One of the most common roof repairs is fixing roof leaks. You might run into this issue if your roof has any missing shingles, or damaged flashing. Some common signs you might start to see around your home are stains on the ceilings, strong musty odors and even mold growth. Roof leaks can be caused by a wide range of issues, and figuring out where a roof leak is coming from isn't always straightforward. With the heavy rain that occurs in the state, roof leaks can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don't fix what is causing it. Also, Georgia's high humidity can turn a leak into a full-blown mold growth issue very fast.
6. Damaged Gutters Due to Tree Detritus
Having working gutters is crucial to the integrity of your roof as they help efficiently move water away from your home foundation and roof. Due to the high number of trees in the state, especially in Atlanta, GA, which has the nickname of "City In A Forest", clogged gutters are quite common due to all the leaves and pine needles that make their way into them. When this occurs, it allows water to accumulate and makes its way back onto your roof or into your home foundation. The water that goes back up to your roof can cause granule loss on shingles, making them vulnerable to sunlight and possibly cracking. If your shingles or flashing has openings, then water can seep in through.
7. Damaged Flashing From Unusual Weather
Despite being made of strong material like aluminum or steel, damaged flashing is still a usual occurrence to see during Georgia roof inspections. This is often due to the warm weather, sun and abundance of storms in the state. Deteriorated flashing is often one of the most common reasons for mold growth and roof leaks since its responsible for keeping water out of a home. You will want to get it fixed as soon as possible otherwise you might be looking at expensive water damage and mold remediation repairs in the near future.
