The Midwest is known for many things, including its friendly vibe, great sports, and extreme weather. While the first two make Indianapolis one of the many exciting places to be in the region, it is the extreme cold and heat that can really wreak havoc on even the best installed rooftops.
What is a Midwesterner to do when common roofing issues in Indianapolis start to rear their heads, often at the worst possible times? Take a look at some of the issues below and learn how to address and resolve them directly with a quality roofing contractor in Indianapolis
Roofing Challenges in Indianapolis
Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Roofing projects involve a number of things, beyond the actual installation of a roof. Contractors and clients alike need to choose not only the most aesthetically pleasing materials, but ones that can withstand extreme heat, wind, rain, and snow storms, as well as those that will not require annual repairs.
Because of the damage the weather can cause, metal roofing is often recommended because of its durability and non porousness. In fact contractors often recommend the use of metal roofs for these reasons. Additionally, metal is easily recycled and has lasting quality and sustainability. And because metal does not have to replaced very often, it proves to be highly cost effective for clients.
Storm Damage
Storms are no fun, especially when you can hear them pounding on your roof, seemingly upending the shingles you knew you should have replaced earlier. Storm damage is no laughing matter however, as it can take the form of snow and ice buildup that weighs down parts of the roof, leads to corrosion and disintegration of roofing materials, or results in the buildup of debris from trees and assorted airborne items.
Flashing
The materials that are used to prevent seepage or leaking of water into attics and attendant insulation is known as flashing. If left unchecked, untreated, and in disarray, water can get in and under the flashing, loosen shingles and other roofing materials, and ultimately allow for increasing amounts of damage. It is important to keep in mind that without the protection of intact flashing, you run the risk of mold, mildew, and ultimately, an entryway for birds, bats, and other animals looking for shelter from the storm.
Dented Fascia, Soffits, Gutters, and Downspouts
Hail can cause particularly dangerous dents and holes in the materials that are meant to protect your home’s exterior. If left unchecked, water, ice, and wind damage can seep into your home, forcing you to pursue necessary repairs both within and without. Significant water damage can turn homes in need of mild repairs into money pits, requiring construction that far exceeds your roof care budget. Though there are indeed agencies that can provide financial support in extreme circumstances to homeowners should this occur, situations like these can prove nightmarish from and beyond the get go.
Broken Tree Limbs
Whether the trees nearby are old and withered, or the wind has caused them to sway and lean in ways they never did before, loose and hanging tree branches often pose a risk of crashing into roofs. While trees are expected to sway in the breeze, it is when such swaying is intense and recurrent, that the greatest risk is at hand. It is in your best interest to trim branches that are simply too close to your roof prior to storms, in order to prevent cracked shingles or holes in your roofing.
Timely Roof Maintenance
The best intervention is in fact, prevention. It is in your financial and safety interests to have a qualified roofing inspector or contractor assess your roof’s viability and durability as often as is required, so that you do not fall victim to potential damage that is foreseeable, but left ignored.
Know your environment
Indianapolis is a lovely city that enjoys both moderate weather and extreme temperatures. It is the latter that seems to be the most dangerous to the health of your roof and must be considered when considering the best ways to bolster and protect your roofing materials