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What Are the Most Common Roofing Problems in MN?

What are some common roofing problems (especially in places like MN where we see extreme weather)?

While living in Minnesota offers residents the beauty of experiencing four seasons, a common challenge to living in a state that has such a varied climate are the roofing problems that the elements can cause to homes throughout the Twin Cities.

Leaks are a frequently cited issue and concern, and are often caused by harsh weather conditions that cause the makeup of your roof to malfunction. Roofs are designed to keep moisture out of the home, where it belongs. Every roof has flashing, which is made of metal and used at the seams of roofs wherever the roof could be suspect to water leaking into the home, such as around chimneys, skylights and decks on the upper levels of homes. Severe damage to your home could be caused by moisture leaking into your house by failed flashing.

Extreme winds can also bring a tremendous amount of problems to roofs in the Twin Cities. Gusts from storms can be so powerful that they can actually remove shingles and portions of your roof very quickly. While new roofs can typically withstand these elements, time causes shingles to loosen as the sun, rain and snow deteriorate the condition of your roof.

If your roof has become damaged due to the weather elements, or doesn’t have proper insulation, snow can build up on the roof and then when it begins to melt, it can cause water dams to occur. Water dams happen when ice melts and refreezes repeatedly, causing damage to the roof shingles as well as the underlaying portions of it. Water can pool in certain locations and over time, slowly soak the roof, causing damage inside the home as well.

While leaks and moisture are the most common forms of roofing problems associated with roofs, there are additional areas to look out for which can cause problems on your rooftop.

If your roof has been damaged and not properly repaired, those faulty fixes can cause long-term damage and even more expensive fixes down the road. You’ll want to use a certified and licensed roofing professional to avoid this type of problem.

Maintaining your roof is probably the most effective way to assure minimal investment in the roof of your home, as it allows a professional to assess the state of your roof and make minor repairs that can help you avoid massive or emergency repairs in the future, which are typically very costly.

The external elements can not only cause broken shingles and materials on your roof, it can also open up small areas where animals like squirrels, bats and rodents can gain access to the inside of your home, wreaking havoc in your attic and sometimes to your electrical wiring as well, as they frequently chew or gnaw on it.

Always make sure that your roof is free of tree limbs hanging above it or near it, as high winds can easily cause those heavy limbs to break off and land on your roof. The best case scenario for a situation like that is causing scratches or small holes in shingles, but heavy limbs can easily crash through your roof as well.

For optimal maintenance and return on your investment in your roof, you should be sure to utilize roofing professionals within the Twin Cities to avoid these common roofing problems.

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