Why Do Roofs Fail?

Weather Damage

High winds. Hard rain. Hail. The average homeowner can’t do much about these weather events. If a hurricane blows through, roofs will sustain damage, some enough to fail outright. In short, weather happens. If your home is damaged during a storm, contact Vanguard; we specialize in repairing storm-damaged roofs.

While weather-related failures are unavoidable, some of the others causes of roof failure are.

Low-Quality Materials

The lower the quality of roofing materials used, the higher the chance of a premature roof failure. Given that a structure’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements, investing in higher quality materials when installing a roof will pay off in the long run. Higher quality materials will also last longer in most circumstances, meaning that the roof can go longer before needing to be replaced for normal wear.

Bad Installation

Even the highest quality materials won’t prevent roof failure if they are not installed properly. When repairing or replacing your home’s roof, always work with a company that knows what they’re doing and can install your roof with care and attention to meaningful details. Here at Vanguard, we take great pride in our workmanship.

Poorly Chosen Flashing

Falling somewhere between the previous two factors, poorly chosen flashing can mean disaster for a roof. Joints that require flashing are already spots that need special attention. The best shingles in the business laid down with the utmost care won’t matter much if the flashing around the fireplace fails.

Weak Ventilation

When a roof lacks adequate ventilation, heat and moisture build up in the attic space. That combination of warm and wet can cause the roof components to expand and then contract with cooler temperatures. Over time, that flux can lead to a weakening of the roof and ultimately to failure. Also, the trapped heat and moisture can quickly lead to rot.

No Maintenance

Let’s say a homeowner chooses the best roofing materials on the market, has that material installed by the best company in the business (like Vanguard), makes the right choices about flashing and ventilation, and then completely ignores the top of the house for years. What will happen? Without proper regular maintenance, a lot. Clogged gutters will lead to overflow that damages the roof and foundation. Debris will compromise shingle integrity. Weather damage goes unnoticed. Staying on top of regular roof maintenance is key for homeowners.

Contact Us

If you want the best materials for your roof installed by excellent professionals, contact us at Vanguard.

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