Roofing materials should protect your home against different environmental and weather elements. While this is often the case, roofs can sometimes experience damage from harsh weather conditions. You should perform prompt repairs to prevent roof leaks and home damage when this happens. This guide shares the key things that may threaten your roof's effectiveness.

1. Trees

Trees play a major role in beautifying your property but also pose a great risk to your roof. When the leaves and branches from the tree fall on your roof, they'll clog your roof gutter, causing water to clog and leak inside your home. Additionally, if you don't clean the roof of debris, it'll retain moisture that causes mold growth which can compromise the longevity of your roof. Overhanging branches can also break off and damage your roofing materials.

2. Wind

When residing in an area that experiences harsh winds, ensure that you perform an inspection after such weather conditions. Strong winds can lift and push roofing shingles, exposing the underlayment. An exposed underlayment can cause roof leaks. In most cases, the damage on the roofing material usually begins at your roof's edge, but it can also occur anywhere on your roof. Some of the damage you should look for include damaged, curling, and missing shingles. In cases where you don't notice any damage, it is still important to schedule a professional inspection. They can quickly identify and fix minor problems like loose shingles that may cause damage in the future.

3. Ultraviolet Rays

Your roof will become brittle after years of exposure to ultraviolet rays. This causes your roof to become easily damaged when you experience bad weather, like a severe hail storm or strong winds. If you do not address this issue promptly, water may leak inside your home, resulting in mold growth and health complications for you and your family.

4. Moss and Lichen

Moss grows in sections of your roof that receive little sunlight, particularly areas covered by tree shade for a long time. Contact a licensed roofer for removal on the first sign of a lichen or moss problem on your roof. If the moss problem is left unattended for a long time, it can cause your roofing material to deteriorate, leading to water leaks. Moss growth can also cause the roofing material to discolor, ruining your home's curb appeal.

Proper maintenance can significantly increase your roof's longevity. However, the roof is still prone to damage from the above things. So, seek timely professional roof repairs on the first sign of damage. For more information, contact a roofing contractor near you.