The roof is one of the biggest reasons you and your family can live comfortably inside your home. However, just because this part of your house is located above your heads doesn’t mean you should forget about it—the roof isn’t designed to set and forget!

If you want your roof to continue to protect you and keep your home safe from various external elements, watch out for these common roof system problems:

Rotting Sheathing 

Roof sheathing, or roof decking, refers to the layer of wood boards fixed to the roof’s joists and trusses. These wood boards are designed to further strengthen your roof by providing a sturdy support system to build the rest of it on. Although the sheathing is supposed to serve as support, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t prone to rotting or damage.

The rotting sheathing is often caused by water damage and moisture that it has been exposed to due to cracks, holes, and rot in the soffit. Your roof’s soffit is crucial in ventilating the attic and preventing rot in the sheathing and rafters, but it won’t do so if there is damage.

Make sure to have your soffits and sheathing checked regularly and to have them replaced by a different type of soffit if necessary.

Roof Leaks

The roof should protect the inside of your house from various environmental elements, so, naturally, it would be exposed to heat, snow, and rain. However, sometimes, a part of your roof system could weaken and become unable to keep water from leaking into your home.

Leaks are perhaps the most common roof system issue homeowners across Canada have; water running down the walls due to a leaking roof isn’t something that has never happened before. 

Roof leaks could be because of cracked flashing, but broken shingles most often cause them. This part of the roof is supposed to provide protection, but they are prone to discoloration and curling, making them an open invitation for water seepage.

If you notice any signs of a leak, such as discoloured ceilings or damp walls, contact a roofing expert for an inspection immediately.

Punctures and Holes

Punctures in this part of the house are never good, as they defeat the purpose of having a roof in the first place! A roof puncture refers to the hole in the roofing material that punches through the roof. 

All roofing damage is troublesome, but this one, in particular, is especially dangerous because they are easier to miss and punctures often pierce through the protective felt and membranes, allowing moisture to leak into the roof’s most vulnerable parts.

A myriad of things can cause roof punctures—everything from falling debris, tree branches to local wildlife can leave scrapes or holes in any roof. However, the number one cause of roof punctures is most often people. 

Careless behaviour can also lead to severe roof damage! For example, roofers can accidentally cause punctures with their tools or steps, and repair professionals working on other parts of your house who walk out on the roof could also puncture your roof, especially if they’re carrying heavy objects.

Conclusion

A happy home is all about comfort and security, but that dream will become unattainable when you have a damaged roof! Living in a happy home takes a lot of regular roof inspection, maintenance and repair. So when it comes to your roof, make sure to stay vigilant and call for exterior home renovations if necessary. As long as you have a functioning roof, you’re sure to have a happy home life!

Are you looking to replace some areas of your roof or do exterior home renovations in Edmonton? Then, leave the job to our skilled team at MCM Home! You can trust our qualified installers to offer excellent service with quality materials from reputable manufacturers. Connect with us to learn more!