Living in Omaha means you experience all four seasons to the extreme. From hot, humid summers to cold winters, with spring thunderstorms and hail thrown in for good measure. The conditions often make for an exciting climate but can also wreak havoc on your home and roof.
Most homeowners in Omaha don’t think about their roofs until there’s a visible problem, such as a leak. Unfortunately, by then, you will usually have some internal damage and possibly even structural problems from moisture issues. Whether it was storm damage that caused the leak or simply old age–you were probably already overdue for a new roof.
The good news is that most roofing problems in Omaha can be prevented or resolved before they become big, expensive headaches. This blog examines the most common roofing issues in Omaha and how you can address them with help from a residential roofing company.
1. Leaky Roofs
A leaking roof is one of the most common and frustrating problems homeowners in Omaha face. From an unnoticed drip to a full-blown water invasion, leaks can damage your home’s structure, insulation, and electrical systems.
Leaks are often caused by cracked or missing shingles, deteriorated flashing, or clogged gutters that cause water to back up under the roof. It doesn’t take a large leak to lead to mold and rot, which will weaken the wood in your attic and ceilings over time.
One way to avoid leaks is regular roof inspections, particularly after storms. There are some signs that you can look for, like water stains on your ceiling, peeling paint, or dampness in your attic.
It’s always best not to wait if you notice these signs on your roof. Contact a reputable residential roofing company in Omaha to help you find the exact cause of the leak so it does not worsen and damage the entire roofing structure.
2. Storm Damage
Omaha weather can be unpredictable, and we all know severe storms can do a number on your roof. High winds can lift and remove shingles from your home, hail can cause dents and punctures, and heavy rains may wash away the weakened spots where leaks occur.
You may even have tree limbs or other debris on your roof after a storm, causing more damage. If you’ve experienced storm damage, don’t wait around. Just because you don’t have any visible damage doesn’t mean there isn’t any.
Missing shingles, granule loss, and small punctures in your roof decking below the shingle are common storm damages that you easily notice. They deteriorate the service life of your roofing system, protecting everything you own inside your home.
The best way to go about storm damage is to call in a professional inspection. Most roofing companies offer post-storm inspections where they assess any damages and recommend the best course of action.
3. Poor Roof Installations and Workmanship
Not all roofing contractors are adept at delivering quality work. If a roof is installed incorrectly, you may notice leaks or even sections of the roof that fail prematurely. A poorly installed roof is also one of the home-buying warning signs you should never ignore.
Some easily recognizable signs of poor workmanship include shingles that are inconsistently spaced or nailed down improperly, flashing that’s loose or missing altogether, or inadequate sealing around vents and chimneys.
Unfortunately, for many homeowners, it takes a leaky roof before they realize their roof was poorly installed in the first place.
A well-constructed and maintained roof should last for years—sometimes decades—so it really is worth the cost to do it right when you install a new roof. Always ensure you hire an experienced, professional roofing contractor and confirm if they use high-quality materials.
4. Lack of Maintenance
Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and without regular upkeep, small issues can quickly turn into major problems. Debris, dirt, and algae can build up over time, breaking down shingles and creating potential leaks.
You can prevent unnecessary costs from big repairs by simply taking care of your roof. Cleaning out gutters, removing any debris or dirt, and periodically checking for any missing or damaged shingles will keep your roof in great shape.
It’s best to check it at least once in the spring and then again in the fall. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so yourself, hire a local contractor for routine roof inspections.
5. Ventilation Issues
Roof health depends on good ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build-up in an attic area and can cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose effectiveness.
Besides, moisture that escapes living spaces below will condense on the underside of cold roofs – especially metal ones, inviting mold, mildew, or rot.
Omaha, with its hot summers and freezing winters, requires a well-ventilated roof. During the summer, an attic without enough ventilation can absorb heat that will radiate into your home, causing discomfort and making your AC work harder.
Neglecting ventilation in the winter means ice dams are more likely to form (when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge along the gutters), causing water damage.
If you notice unusually high energy bills, excess moisture problems, or inconsistent temperatures throughout your house, it might be worth contacting a professional to assess whether or not you need to improve your current roofing system.
6. Aging Roof
No roof lasts forever. As time goes on, the sun, wind, and rain will wear out roofing materials. If your home is sealed with asphalt shingles, as is the case with most homes in Omaha, you can expect it to last between 20-30 years before being in need of a replacement.
Signs of an aging roof include missing or curling shingles, dark patches where granules have worn away, and frequent leaks. Even if you haven’t noticed major problems yet, an old roof may not be providing the level of protection your home needs.
If your roof is aging, have a professional assess its condition. In some cases, a few repairs may extend its lifespan, but if damage is extensive, replacing the roof may be the best option. Investing in a new roof guarantees your home stays protected for decades to come.
Final Thoughts
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, but unless a problem arises, it’s often out of sight and out of mind. Ignoring your roof until you see water spots on the ceiling or missing shingles can cause costly damage to other areas of your home.
Luckily, there are some common roofing issues you can prevent if you know how to identify and respond to them.
If you suspect your roof may be experiencing any problems, it’s important not to wait until it’s too late. By having a professional roofing inspection, you can identify issues before they turn into major expenses, all while staying worry-free and keeping your home protected.