The 10 Most Common Roofing Problems
Every homeowner in Los Angeles, CA understands their roof may need occasional maintenance and potential replacement due to damage, deterioration, and just plain old age. From small leaks to major cracking, we’ll help you identify and address the ten most common roofing problems in Southern California.
1. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are the most common problem reported by roofing professionals in Southern California. Severe weather conditions and long exposure to the Los Angele sun is the main factor that can lead to roof cracks and breaks, resulting in leaks. Roof leaks are also caused by lack of maintenance, poor installation/workmanship, or roof materials that have exceeded their service life.
Prevention Tip: The best way to prevent roof leaks is with regular roof maintenance and annual roof inspections. It’s recommended to implement a preventive maintenance plan that involves cleaning drains, replacing sealants, and making repairs at the earliest detection. An inspection before and after any work is done on the roof is also beneficial in making sure there was no damage caused.
Repair Tip: A leak evaluation is important to determine the cause of the roof leak. Once the source of the problem is identified, an effective repair solution can be applied.
2. Punctures
Punctures are problematic on single-ply roofing membranes and can be caused by roof traffic. Sharp tools such as screws and nails being dropped or holes caused by removing HVAC panels are prime examples of the potential damage. Weather, falling branches, and animals can also create significant holes in your roofing material. When a puncture or tear is not addressed, it can lead to other issues resulting in wet roof membrane and roof leaks.
Prevention Tip: Track contractors working on the roof with a sign-in sheet.
Repair Tip: Early detection is the best solution because it allows for a quicker and easier repair process.
3. Cracked Sealant
If the sealant around your roof flashings and skylights has reached its maximum service life and has become dry, cracked, or brittle, it can lead to leaks. Incorrect sealant application, inadequate surface preparation, and early or excessive joint movement can also result in a cracked sealant.
Prevention: Schedule an annual roof inspection and roof maintenance services.
Repair Tip: Identify the cause of the roof sealant failure. Choosing the correct replacement sealant is critical when restoring a failed roof sealant in order to avoid recurring sealant issues.
4. Flashing
A roof’s flashing protects the crease between fixtures like chimneys or venting pipes under the roofing material. Roofing materials, especially asphalt, begin to degrade over time. Expansion and contraction with the change in temperatures cause aging roof protection to grow brittle and crack. Years of the harsh Southern California sun rays can also melt the tar, exposing portions of your flashing. If the flashing is loose, cracked, or worn — it can lead to leaks and cause damage to your roof and home in Los Angeles, CA. Improper installation can also contribute to issues with roof flashing.
Prevention Tip: Hire a licensed roofing contractor that will follow manufacturer recommendations regarding the proper installation of flashing. Schedule routine roof maintenance to detect any problems with flashing.
Repair Tip: The recommended repair solution is to remove damaged or faulty flashing and replace it immediately before the problem grows worse.
5. Improper Repairs
When a roof is repaired incorrectly, it can lead to roof damage or leaks. Improper roof repairs are expensive because of the additional cost of undoing the faulty repair and increased labor. The problem is typically caused by an inexperienced technician or incompatible materials.
Prevention: Avoid having non-roofing technicians from working on the roof.
Repair Tip: Work with a licensed contractor that has been approved by the manufacturer of the roof system installed on your roof in South Florida.
6. Clogged Drains, Gutters, and Downspouts
When drainage paths become clogged, several problems occur. Clogged drains, gutters, and downspouts can increase the weight load on the roof, speed up the deterioration of the roof membrane, cause leaks, and leads to the growth of algae. Any gutters containing significant amounts of leaves, dirt, and other debris can cause water to flow over the side and seep into the foundation. Downspouts may be split and damaged from leaves, resulting in leaks against the building wall and foundation.
Prevention Tip: To keep drainage paths open, schedule routine roof maintenance.
Repair Tip: Hire a professional roofer in Los Angeles to perform roof maintenance services.
7. Vegetation and Debris
On all roof types, debris should be removed and all leaves from overhanging trees should be broom swept off of the roof. This is especially the case in areas with a high risk of wildfire, such as Los Angeles. Debris and vegetation can dry out and become a major fire hazard. Unwanted vegetation and debris are caused by a lack of roof maintenance.
Prevention Tip: The best way to prevent the buildup of unwanted vegetation and environmental debris is to keep trees trimmed and by scheduling roof maintenance annually or after a storm.
Repair Tip: Hire a roofing professional in Los Angeles to clean the roof. They have the equipment and training necessary to work on your roof and can identify any potential damage.
8. Pitch Pockets
A pitch pan or pocket is used to seal penetrations on the roof and require frequent inspection and maintenance. There are many reasons why a pitch pocket seal could be compromised. The sealer can dry out and shrink or be impacted by structural movement. Improper installation or lack of maintenance may also be the culprit. A problem with a pitch pocket always leads to leaks, and a lot of damage can occur before the leak around a pitch pocket is evident.
Prevention Tip: Routine roof maintenance and inspections of the sealer is recommended.
Repair Tip: If the pitch pocket metal is corroded, a Southern California roofing contractor will replace it with new metal and mix a two-part epoxy, and install the new pitch pocket.
9. Alligatoring
Alligatoring is a common problem among roofing systems in Los Angeles and is a sign that your roof is aging. Alligatoring occurs when there is a shrinkage cracking of the bituminous surface of built-up or smooth surface roofing, producing a pattern of deep cracks resembling an alligator hide. Southern California’s harsh UV rays can dry and damage the roof’s surface, contributing to cracks in the roof coating.
Prevention Tip: Apply a UV protectant or reflective roof coating to help your roof last longer and prevent damage. Regular inspections will lead to early detection and help prevent large leaks from occurring.
Repair Tip: A roofing contractor can investigate the cause of the cracks and determine the best solution for your roof. If the issue is caught early enough, small areas can be removed and patched. If the problem is severe, then the replacement of the roofing system is necessary.
10. Shrinkage
Shrinkage is most common on EPDM or modified bitumen roofs in Los Angeles, CA, and is often the result of poor installation, UV exposure, and aging. When the roof membrane shrinks, it leads to cracks in the upper layer which allows moisture to seep in – ultimately causing leaks, wood rot, and mold growth.
Prevention Tip: The best prevention is a proper installation from a qualified roofing professional and roof routine maintenance.
Repair Tip: Book roof repair or replacement with a trusted licensed roofing contractor.
As the premier roofing contractor in Los Angeles, Top Roofing Inc. focuses on uncovering the true needs of home and business owners, which is unparalleled by any other contractors in the area.
If you have any problems with your roof or you just want the peace-of-mind of hiring a professional roofer to perform an Annual Roof Maintenance check, contact Top Roofing Inc. today.
