7 Common Roof Issues in Minnesota
Minnesota has some of the most beautiful countryside in the U.S. But we can also get some of the most intense weather, especially during the winter and spring months. And all of that wild weather can be extremely rough on your home and roof. To ensure your roof is ready for all that rain, snow, ice, hail, and wind, it’s important to keep your shingles in good condition.
At Budget Exteriors, we provide a complete range of residential roofing services for Minnesota homes. In this post, we’re looking into some of the most common roof issues in Minnesota. To schedule your roof maintenance services, give us a call today.
1. Ice Dams
Ice dams form on your roof during the winter months and are commonly caused by inadequate attic insulation or roof ventilation. As the heat from inside a home leaks through its roof, the snow on top melts, refreezing at the roof’s edge. When water can’t run off through the gutters, it runs back onto your roof, where it can end up underneath your shingles. A professional roofing contractor can help you assess the condition of your gutters and attic insulation to prevent ice dams from forming.
2. Popped-Up Shingles
When water gets underneath your shingles, it can end up freezing. Once it does, it will push against your shingles, causing them to pop up or even come off altogether. Missing shingles represent a serious vulnerability in your roof and could easily lead to underlayment and structural problems as well as leaks inside your home.
3. Missing Granules
Strong winds can knock the protective granules off of your roof, leaving your roof vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. If you notice missing granules, it’s time to invest in roof repair services right away.
4. Roof Leaks
A leaky roof can be caused by problems with your flashing, shingles, or underlayment. No matter what the cause, it can end up creating costly problems if it’s allowed to continue. Once that water seeps into your home, it can damage your insulation, ceiling, walls, and more. And moisture inside your home can also lead to mold growth that can be harmful to your family.
Leaks can be spotted by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. The first thing to look for is any roof penetrations. Items that penetrate the roof are by far the most common source of leaks.
What if you don’t know if you have a roof leak? If you can't see any real telltale water leak marks or stains, look at the underside of the roof for so-called 'shiners’ which are nails that missed the framing member, in this case when the carpenter nailed the roof sheathing to the rafters.
During cold temperatures, moisture that escapes into the cold attic from the rooms below often condenses on cold nails and appear white with frost. You might be able to spot this if you climb up into your attic on a cold night. The solution is to simply clip the nail with side-cutting pliers.
5. Improper Flashing
Flashing prevents leaks where shingles meet other surfaces, like walls and chimneys, therefore, it is very important that flashing is installed properly–by professional roofers willing to take the time to use proper leak-proof material like metal. If your flashing has cracks and seems to be causing leaks, that means it was probably slathered with roof cement instead, and will, within time, crack sooner than later. If you see leaks or heavy tar-looking patchwork, call a reputable roofer to seal it correctly.
In addition, flashing includes sections of step flashing that runs up the sides of the chimney and counterflashing–which fits into grooves cut into the chimney and covers the step flashing. Improperly flashed chimneys can cause roof sheathing to rot. Chimneys need to have step-flashing and counterflashing so that water can’t run down the face of the chimney and into the attic.
6. Missing Gutter Apron or Other Gutter Issues
If you notice water stains below the gutter on the fascia and soffit, you may not have a gutter apron. If this is ignored, the roof sheathing may eventually rot. When water flows off the edge of your roof, some of it clings to the underside of the shingles and dribbles toward the fascia. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water, it will wick behind the gutter.
Ideally, a gutter apron is installed when you’re getting new shingles, but it is possible to add it afterwards under existing shingles preferably by a professional roofer. Otherwise, you may have to remove gutter brackets and then refasten after the apron is installed which is something that you won’t want to take on. Installing gutter guards can prevent clogged gutters from creating additional roof problems.
7. Cracked Roof Vents
If your home has an attic, check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. Caulking the problem is not a viable long term solution. Ultimately, the damaged vents will need replacing.
Call a Minnesota Roof Repair Team Today
Don’t risk living with a damaged or leaky roof. Call Budget Exteriors to schedule your repair services today at 952.887.1613 or contact us online to connect with a residential roofer and get a free quote on roof repair services.