Why Did My Roof Fail?

After a major roofing catastrophe, it's important to take a look at what caused the roof to fail. Knowing this will help you avoid similar issues in the future. The following are common reasons for a major roof collapse or slide.

Low Quality Products

A big cause of early roof wear and tear is choosing cheaper roofing products. The tiles themselves are subject to a lot of force from winds and erosion from rainwater. When the asphalt in shingles and tiles is eroded quickly, it's probably because the manufacturer used low quality materials. That's why you should always look at reviews and/or get a professional roofing contractor's opinion when choosing these products. Choose a higher quality product, like shake shingle metal roofing provided by companies like Click Lock Roofing, to be almost guaranteed a longer-lasting and efficient roofing installation.

But other products can fail, too. The sealant of the roof is especially vulnerable to failure if the adhesive is not strong enough. Without the appropriate protective weatherproof coatings on these materials, it's no reason they deteriorate quickly and then break off in a high wind.

Roofing That Was Installed Incorrectly

A couple of factors go into roofing quality. The first is the neatness of the work. Improperly laid shingles leave gaps in the roofing that make it vulnerable to leaks. If the work is uneven, it may create discrepancies in ventilation or temperature, causing parts to bubble. Your previous roofing contractor might have missed some spots when sealing the roof shingles to the surface. These details are especially important at roof intersections, the places where the roof changes slope.

Be careful when contractors substitute time and cost for quality. You might find a roofing contractor who wants to give you a great price, but they do so at the expense of longevity; that's why you must always discuss the materials and methods included in the cost estimate. One obvious example of this is when caulk is put in place to seal roofing. This is generally not a best practice, and it will show when the roof breaks down prematurely. If you have noticed any signs of poor work quality in the past, it will be even more important to vet your contractor this time around and pay for high quality.

Poor Maintenance

The last factor is how often the roof was maintained. Proper cleaning, inspection, routine patching and replacement of broken shingles, and inspection work are all part of what it takes to keep a roof healthy. Without all of these components in place, a roofing issue is just waiting to happen.


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