Roofing Nightmares In Westlake, Ohio:
The Most Common Problems

Your roof protects your family and all your treasured possessions. It’s no secret that roofing problems are one of the most common home repairs. And if you live in Westlake, Ohio, you’re probably all too familiar with roofing nightmares! The good news is that most roofing problems can be prevented by following some simple maintenance tips. Let’s discuss the most common roofing problems in Westlake and how to prevent them.

why choose us?

We want you to know that building trust with our customers is a number one priority here at The Third Estimate. We make sure to explain our processes thoroughly and take pride in walking our customers step-by-step the entire time they’re working with us.

We are happy to report that we’ve been in business for over 26 years with over 31,500 happy customers! We want you to be confident in your choice to work with us, and we’ve found that our non-pressure approach from beginning to end has made us different from our competitors. Our team has maintained an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau for many years now and have many other accreditations under our belt from our time specializing in the industry. We invite you to visit our website and our social media pages for photos of past projects and reviews from real homeowners that we’ve worked with!

damage shingles with roofing contractor in Westlake, OH
missing shingles /Damaged shingles

Another common roofing problem in Westlake, Ohio is damaged or missing shingles. This can be caused by a number of factors, including high winds, severe weather, and age. Shingles are the top layer of your home and the most exposed to the elements. Damaged shingles and missing shingles can also be caused by improper installation or maintenance. To prevent this problem, it’s important to inspect your roof annually and have it repaired as soon as any damage is detected.

gutters

The third roofing problem on our list is gutters. Gutters are an important part of your roofing system because they help to prevent water damage. However, if they’re not properly attached or maintained properly, they can become clogged gutters with leaves and debris, which can cause water to back up and damage your roof. To prevent this problem, it’s important to have your gutters cleaned out at least once a year to prevent clogged gutters.

Cracked Flashing / Damaged Flashing

Another roofing problem on our list is cracked flashing. Cracked flashing is a common problem because it’s made of materials that can expand and contract with changes in temperature. This can cause the seals to break and allow water to enter your home. To prevent flashing problems be sure your roof is regularly inspected and repaired as soon as any damage is detected.

While cracked flashing roofing problems are common, they can be prevented with some simple maintenance tips. If you live in Westlake, Ohio and have any concerns regarding damaged flashing, be sure to contact us at The Third Estimate today. We will be able to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs.

snow and ice

If you live in Florida, you can skip this section. But if you live in Westlake, Ohio, you know that snow and ice damage are some of the most common roofing problems during the winter months. When temperatures drop, snow and ice can create ice dams and affect your roof by creating cracks and leaks. You must be constantly vigilant to prevent this problem. Inspections are imperative and repair is required as soon as any damage is detected.

Improper Attic Ventilation

Another roofing problem that’s common in Westlake, Ohio is improper attic ventilation. This can be a significant problem because it can cause your attic to overheat, which can damage your roof.
And not only can poor ventilation and improper cause severe problems, it can overtax your heating or cooling systems which can prematurely wear your HVAC units and affect your home’s internal temperature.
To prevent this problem, it’s important to inspect your roof annually and have it repaired as soon as any damage is detected.

Structural Problems / Structural Damage

The next item on our list of roof problems is structural problems. Structural problems can be caused by a number of factors, including poor installation, severe weather, and age.
Structural damage can begin with seemingly insignificant issues stemming from poor maintenance, poor ventilation, small roof leaks, broken shingles, or ice dams.
In addition, pests such as squirrels, mice, rats, bees, and other rodents and insects can cause major structural damage over time.
Remember that leak prevention is much more desirable than leak repair… especially if the repair is intricate and involved.
To prevent the serious danger of structural damage, it’s imperative to have a comprehensive inspection performed on your roof annually, and to perform proper maintenance as soon as any damage is detected. A properly maintained roof today will save you from costly repairs later.

Here are a few things you can easily check for before they become severe problems
  • Standing water (especially on flat roofs);
  • Water stains;
  • Falling granules;
  • Nail pops;
  • Tree damage;
  • Damaged shingles;
  • Sagging roof line or depressed areas;
Areas Of Particular Concern:

Pay particular attention to areas around

  • Sky lights;
  • Venting pipes;
  • Flashing points;
  • A vaulted ceiling

Basically anywhere the roof is penetrated or it meets an angle there is a greater opportunity to develop a leaking roof. Whether it’s flashing points, venting pipes for plumbing, the chimney, or sky lights in a vaulted ceiling, all of these breach the integrity of the roof. A hole must be made to install these things, and then there is opportunity for water to seep into your home. Your roof is only as good as the caulking job around these different items. So, if you have improper repairs by a sub-standard roofing contractor it can cause roof leaks galore!

Watch For Standing Water

Standing water is an indication that there is a depression in your roof and that it’s not channeling water properly. Water should be directed to a drainage system, not pooling on your roof.

Your Roof Is Only As Good As The Caulking

These awkward areas sealed with caulk must be constantly monitored as they can develop cracks which could lead to a small leak, which can eventually seep into walls or ceilings, and lead to expensive repairs.
Constant visual monitoring of your roofing systems and having a roof inspection by a trusted professional and routine maintenance will head off roof leaks before they become an issue.

time is not your friend

Also be aware of any changes in your roof over time. If you have questions or concerns about the condition of your roof, don’t hesitate to contact us at The Third Estimate. We would be happy to come out and take a look.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and it’s important to keep it in good condition. By following the tips in this blog post, you can avoid roofing problems and keep your roof healthy for years to come.
If you have any questions about roofing problems or how to prevent them, be sure to contact us at The Third Estimate today. We’re always happy to help!

Even A New Roof Is Not Exempt From Problems

Most homeowners think they’re exempt from roofing problems because they just purchased a brand new home, or recently installed a new roof. But there are many reasons to keep a close eye even on a new roof installation.
Even a perfectly installed roof wears, and several factors can contribute to a short life expectancy of your roof. Factors such as temperature extremes like blistering heat, sudden temperature drops, UV rays, ice dams, and a host of other common roof problems can plague even a new roof.
Add to that the possibility a previous roofing contractor or builder used sub-standard roofing materials or roof coverings. Did the roofer install the proper roofing system? Was it inspected by a competent inspector during and after construction? Or did a roofer make improper repairs?
All of these factors should be taken into consideration and cause you to be vigilant no matter the age of your home or roof because any of these can cause a roof leak and ultimately severe problems.

external elements

Outside of the workmanship and materials involved in the construction of your roof, there are also external factors to consider.

Tree damage

One of those external factors is damage caused by trees. In addition to putting your roof at risk for damage, large trees can cause safety issues. A large falling limb could crash through your roof and injure or even cause death to you or a family member. So it’s also important to be aware of the vegetation surrounding your roof. While having your roof and roofing material inspected be sure to inspect those trees as well and perhaps give some limbs a trim.

The Elements

Whether it’s blistering heat or snow and ice damage, extremes in temperatures or weather can really take their toll on your top layer. UV rays can also have an effect. All of these can cause roofing problems and roof leaks.

New Technology

You may not realize it, but technology affects the roofing industry in a huge way. You have access to an array of roofing products that were not available to roofers in the past. Metal roofing, for example, has come a long way and is now available in a variety of colors and styles.
There are also new roofing materials being developed all the time to try to make roofs more durable and longer lasting. So when you’re roof shopping, ask your roofing contractor about the latest roofing technology and what would work best on your roof.
Your roof is a big investment, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting a proper roofing system for your home. By following these tips, you can avoid roofing problems down the road.

Conclusion

Following these simple tips can help you avoid roof leaks and other common roofing problems in Westlake, Ohio. The most important thing you can do to prevent roofing problems is to have your roof inspected annually and repaired as soon as any damage is detected.
However, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent common roofing problems. One of the most critical things you can do is also the simplest: Be aware of your roof and make it a point to check your roof visually whenever you’re outside of your home.
You don’t need to do a three-hour inspection every Saturday (when you should be out playing golf). Just work a visual inspection into your regular activities around the house.

The Third Estimate Is Your Roofing Team In Westlake, Ohio

Is it time to get your roof inspected? The Third Estimate is a professional roofing company that specializes in roof repairs and replacements. We’ve been servicing Westlake, Ohio, and the surrounding area for over 25 years and have a team of experienced roofers who can help you with all of your roofing needs. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call on us. We’re always happy to help! Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with a free estimate. Thanks for reading! Stay dry and stay healthy!