South Florida homeowners know that their roofs may require maintenance from time to time. This is due to damage, deterioration, or just old age. We can help you identify and fix the 10 most common roof problems in Miami, from small leaks to major cracking.
1. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are the most frequent problem reported by All Star Roof Repair professionals. Roof cracks and braking can be caused by severe weather and prolonged exposure to the sun. Roof leaks are also caused by lack of maintenance, poor installation/workmanship, or roof materials that have exceeded their service life.
Tip For Prevention: Regular roof maintenance is the best way to avoid roof leaks. Preventive maintenance plans should be implemented. This plan will include cleaning drains, changing sealants, and fixing leaks as soon as possible. It is important to inspect the roof before and after any work has been done. This will ensure that there is no damage.
Tip for Roof Repair: It is crucial to evaluate the source of the roof leak. An effective repair solution can then be applied once the source is determined.
2. Punctures
Roof traffic can cause punctures on single-ply roofing membranes. The potential for damage can be caused by sharp tools like nails and screws being dropped, or holes created when HVAC panels are removed. Your roofing material can also be damaged by weather, animals, or falling branches. If a tear or puncture is not repaired, it can cause roof leaks and wet roofing membrane.
Tip: Use a sign-in sheet to identify contractors who are working on the roof.
Repair Tip: An early detection of a problem is better than a late repair. This allows for faster and more efficient repairs.
3. Cracked Sealant
Leakage can occur when the sealant around roof flashings or skylights has exceeded its maximum service life. Cracked sealants can also be caused by improper sealant application, poor surface preparation, or early or excessive joint movement.
Repair Tip/Prevention: Determine the reason for roof sealant failure. It is crucial to choose the right replacement sealant when replacing a roof sealant that has failed. This will help avoid future problems.
4. Flashing
The flashing on a roof protects the crease between fixtures such as chimneys and venting pipes. Asphalt roofing materials and especially asphalt roofs begin to deteriorate over time. As temperatures change, the expansion and contraction of roofing materials can cause them to crack and become brittle. The tar can also be melted by the sun’s harsh rays, which can expose some of your flashings. It can cause leaks and damage to your South Florida home and roof if the flashing is worn, cracked, or loose. Roof flashing problems can also be caused by improper installation.
Tip for Prevention: Get a licensed roofing contractor who will follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding flashing installation. To detect flashing problems, it is important to perform routine roof maintenance.
Repair Tip Remove damaged flashing immediately to prevent further damage.
5. Improper Repairs
Incorrectly repairing a roof can cause rust and leaks. Roof repairs that are not done correctly can lead to costly roof repairs. Incompatible materials or inexperienced technicians are often the culprits.
Tip for Prevention/Repair: Use a licensed contractor who has been approved to work on your roof by the manufacturer.
6. Clogged Drains And Gutters
Many problems can occur when drainage paths are blocked. Clogged gutters, drains, and downspouts can lead to algae growth, increase roof weight, accelerate roof membrane deterioration, and cause roof leaks. Water can seep into the foundation from gutters that have large amounts of leaves, dirt, or other debris. Leaf debris can cause downspouts to become clogged and split, which could lead to leakage against the foundation and building walls.
Tip for Prevention: Maintain routine maintenance to keep drainage paths open. To reduce the chance of leaves blocking drains, gutters, and downspouts, trim nearby trees.
Tip: Speak with a Miami professional roofing company to inspect your roof and remove any debris.
7. Vegetation and Debris
All roof types should have the debris removed. Leaves from trees that are overhanging should also be swept off the roof. This is especially important in areas with high rainfall such as Miami where debris can cause problems due to blocked drainage areas. The roof membrane can be damaged if debris and vegetation block critical areas. Overhanging tree branches can cause excessive shade, which can lead to shingles curling and buckling on shingle roofs. Roof maintenance is essential to avoid unwanted vegetation and debris.
Prevention Tip Keep trees trimmed and clean your roof after each storm. This will help prevent unwanted vegetation from growing and other environmental debris.
Tip: Hire an experienced roofing contractor in Miami to clean your roof. They are equipped with the right equipment and trained to inspect your roof for potential damage.
8. Pitch Pockets
Pitch pans or pockets are used to seal roof penetrations. They require regular inspection and maintenance. A pitch pocket seal can be damaged for many reasons. The sealer may dry out, shrink, or be affected by structural movement. Poor installation or poor maintenance could also be the problem. Leakage is a common problem in pitch pockets. However, it’s possible to cause a lot more damage than what appears.
Tip for Prevention: Routine roof maintenance and inspections with the sealer are recommended.
Repair Tip If the pitch pocket metal has corroded, a All Star Roof Repair contractor can replace it with new metal, mix a two-part epoxy and then install the new pitch pockets.
9. Alligatoring
Alligatoring, a problem that is common in Miami’s roofing systems, is an indication that your roof is getting old. When the bituminous layer of built-up or smooth-surface roofing begins to shrink, alligatoring can occur. This causes deep cracks that resemble an alligator hide. The roof coating can crack due to the damage caused by the harsh UV rays of South Florida.
Prevention Tip Use a reflective or UV-protective roof coating to prolong the life of your roof and protect it from damage. Regular inspections can help detect potential leaks early and prevent them from becoming major problems.
Tip: A All Star Roof Repair contractor can examine the problem and recommend the best solution. Small areas can be repaired if the problem is detected early. If the problem is serious, it is possible to repair or replace the roof.
10. Shrinkage
Shrinkage is most common in South Florida EPDM and modified bitumen roofs. It is usually caused by poor installation, UV exposure, and aging. Shrinkage in roof membranes can cause cracks in the upper layers, which allow moisture to seep through, eventually leading to leaks, wood decay, and mold growth.
This post was written by a roofing specialist At All-Star Roofing. We offer the best roofing in Tampa. We are a family-owned and operated roofing business, and we strive to be the best in our industry. Our family has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 60 years, and our objective has always been to provide roofing services at a fast, reliable, and competitive rate. All-Star has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.