Sometimes, being a homeowner can feel like a complicated task, right? There’s always something that needs your attention. Be it plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, security, you name it. Still, even as you run around to keep things in order, you can’t afford to overlook one significant aspect in your home: the roof. The roof is a sensitive component of your home that’s easy to neglect. Yet, it could host hidden dangers that could threaten not only your loved ones and home’s safety but also your wallet. To avoid such hassles, here are six potential roof dangers to watch out for:

1.   Moss and algae

People are different. Some like the way moss appears whereas others see it as an eyesore. Regardless of how you view the fuzzy green plant, it’s crucial to understand that moss holds moisture which can not only cause leaks but also cracks and eventually roof damage. If left untreated, it will also affect your roof’s drainage system by blocking drainage paths over time. To help keep your Mississauga flat roof moss free, have your roof inspected regularly by an expert. Alternatively, you could go for metal roofing materials like Zinc and Copper, which don’t allow the growth of moss or algae. Since they don’t require a lot of cleaning, these materials can also help you save on time and money.

Water-On-Flat-Roofs

2.   Ponding                      

To say the truth, ponding water shouldn’t immediately worry you. Typically, it should take your flat roof two days to drain off the water. On the contrary, if water remains on your roofing system for more than forty-eight hours, it’s advisable to have it checked out ASAP. Usually, this water ends up soaking into your roof, leading to the growth of algae. This alga causes a real threat to your roof’s structural integrity. In fact, if you continue neglecting such a roof for a long period, you could end up with no other choice but to replace the entire roofing system. To prevent this from occurring, always ensure to keep the roof free from debris before any water can collect.

3.   Trees

Besides ponding, perhaps one of the other most obvious roof threats is falling trees and limbs. As you can imagine, a fallen tree or limb will puncture, crack or make a hole in your roof. Often this leaves many homeowners with no other solution but to hire roof replacement services. That’s not all.

The tree’s debris, which includes sticks, leaves and pine needles, are other risk factors to look out for. If you let them accumulate on the roof for too long, you allow them to turn into a kind of mulch. This mulch usually has moisture which can promote mold and rot development as well as lead to roof deterioration. If you live in an area surrounded by tall trees, an easy way you can combat such problems is to ensure that all overhanging trees get trimmed back. Having your trees trimmed back will not only minimize the risks of tree limbs falling during stormy weather but it’ll also help keep debris off your roof.

4.   Animals

While raccoons, squirrels, woodpeckers, insects and nesting birds may not seem like harmful animals, they’re probably the main reason you need that roof repair or replacement. Nesting birds, for instance, leave highly acidic droppings that stain and erode your roofing. Their nests can also block vents and gutters as well as attract bugs and moisture. Woodpeckers, on the other hand, tend to peck holes in the roofing system, while raccoons and squirrels, use their paws to rip and pry through the roof.

All these animals can cause serious damage to your roof in the name of searching for food or shelter. To deal with them, you can call an animal removal company to drive them off your roof. It’s also advisable that you reduce the number of trees close to the house to help keep rodents like squirrels away.

On the roof, have your contractor seal all open cracks with weather-resistant caulking. Also, ensure that all vent caps and grates have been properly secured and don’t appear like ideal posing spots for small animals.

5.   Insufficient ventilation

Did you know that nine out of ten roofs in America lack proper ventilation? Wondering how that affects them? Well, as temperatures change over time during different seasons, the roof may start experiencing premature aging. It’s also possible to spot buckling shingles. Sometimes, insufficient ventilation can make your roof’s insulation faulty, causing your home to lose out on energy efficiency.

Snow-On-Flat-Roofs

6.   Snow and ice

Having snow or ice build-up on your roof isn’t dangerous, but it can be if there’s the formation of ice dams. For ice dams to form, heat from the house rises and melts the snow on your roof. As the melted snow drains off the roof, it refreezes at the edges even before reaching the ground, causing icicles to hang from gutters or eaves. The freeze and thaw are actually what causes your shingles to lift, allowing moisture to get below and into the roof. You can prevent this problem by clearing all build-up on your roof with a special roof rake. For homeowners with flat roofs, it’s crucial that remove ice from the entire roof and not just around the edges to help keep the roofing dry.

7.   UV rays/sun

If you live in regions where there’s mostly sun, another type of threat you should watch out for is heat and UV damage. Roofs exposed to constant heat or UV rays normally start cracking, drying or falling out. If your roof has a weak roofing material, this extreme exposure to heat and sun can eventually lower its lifespan. To prevent this, have your roof regularly inspected by professionals so that it can be easy for you to know when the roof needs repair.

Keep your home’s roof protected

As you strive to keep your home and loved ones from harm, remember to also have your eyes on the roof. Make sure to call in roofing professionals to inspect as well as to conduct maintenance on your roof. Also, make sure to inquire when you feel that you don’t understand something about your roof. By doing this, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your roof is functioning as it should.

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    Our customers say...

    Mark, Wes, and the entire Coverall team did an excellent job on our complex roof. They had to work flat roofs, steep angles, skylights, and shaped windows and did very high quality work at a very competitive price. The entire coverall crew was polite, professional and they did a great job cleaning up the job site. I have already recommended them to our friends.
    Mark Maybank
    Mark Maybank
    Not only do I not have any complaints, I have nothing but praise. Coverall did my house and three of my neighbors at the same time. The work was professional, the crew worked well together, they worked safely and were friendly. The price was lower than other quotes received. They took care to protect all figures on the property, and the site was kept clean at the end of each day. Literally not a single nail was found on the ground after the fact. Of, by the way, the roofs look great!
    Bob Lopinski
    Bob Lopinski
    Flat roof update in prep for solar panels. Mark and crew did a great job. Timely, professional and worked with my Solar contractor to make solution even better. Have already recommended them to two friends.
    Jane Fitzwilliam
    Jane Fitzwilliam
    Great job! The coverall team worked quickly and efficiently. The job, a complete re-roofing, while substantial, took them only 2 days, and was done to a very high degree of quality. The clean-up on both days was really well done, conscientious and meticulous.
    peter elligner
    peter elligner
    Great service! A day after I left a request for a roof inspection on their website, I got a call from Mark who came out within the hour. He took a look and explained his observations and plan for future follow-up. I was left feeling satisfied and reassured that my roof was going to keep my family dry and comfortable for years to come. Highly recommended!
    Ivan
    Ivan
    Mark and his team were well organized and did a great job on our roof. They showed up on time and on budget. They left the property clean each day after working. Would highly recommend these guys!
    Nicholas Badder
    Nicholas Badder
    Very impressed with George and his company. High quality work at a fair price. It was easy to arrange for a quote and George was happy to answer all of the questions I had from comparing quotes (with no pressure). His plan and answers made a lot of sense and so we went ahead and it looks great.
    John Rubinstein
    John Rubinstein
    Mark was a pleasure to deal with, in advance he clearly explained the work that would be completed and was honest with his assessment. The price was very reasonable given the scope of the work for both sections of roof, peaked with shingles, and the flat roof at the back. The crew did a fantastic job, they were very quick and professional, and their work was stellar. Afterwards they cleaned everything up, and my neighbours were very impressed. I would highly recommend Coverall roofing to anyone, my roof looks great and they were a pleasure to deal with.
    Caleb Krahn
    Caleb Krahn
    I normally don't give reviews unless its a 5 star service. Mark and his team totally met all my expectations. I look forward in working with such a detailed team.
    Carlos Fuerte
    Carlos Fuerte
    Mark, Wes, and team did an amazing job. The work looks top notch and the guys were super professional. Job completed on schedule and clear communications from Mark along the way. Definitely recommend and would use them again (although I’ll bet the waterproofing job they did will last forever, so not sure when I’ll need to do this again :-)
    Joel So
    Joel So
    Mark showed up within 24 hours to do an assessment. The crew completed the job in a little over a day. The work was great and they left the job site tidier than they found it. We were very pleased with their work
    Matt Schmidt
    Matt Schmidt
    Coverall has now re-done a roof on our old house and helped us with issues with the new house we moved into this summer. They're straight-forward, helpful and honest and do great work. Would recommend them to anyone.
    Michael Jones
    Michael Jones
    I contacted Coverall Roofing for help with a very small leak in a fairly new roof installed by the previous owner of our house. Mark came by quickly and got up on the roof to investigate. He determined the problem was likely due one of two possibilities: one was a small issue around a vent pipe and the other was a possible issue with the design of the venting. Mark fixed the first thing on the spot and let me know what to look for in case it was the latter and the issue recurred. Mark seemed very knowledgeable about rooves and provided good service. Recommended.
    Neil Padgett
    Neil Padgett
    We moved into an older home in Riverside and needed to have our flat roof replaced. I called Mark at Coverall Roofing and he got back to me with a quote that was lower than his competitors. I needed to schedule for a specific date and Mark accommodated me. Which was amazing! Mark's crew arrived on time and completed the job in 1 and a half days. They did an excellent clean up and we could barely tell they had been here...except we have a new roof. I would highly recommend Mark and his brother Joe, they even fixed some extras without charging me. Kind, courteous and clean, they were awesome!
    Karen Avery
    Karen Avery
    What: Flat roof Soprema, Railing Remove and Re-install, Metal CappingPrice: GREATQuality: TECHNICAL INSTALLATIONCoverall was highly recommended by a friend who saw my flat roof terrace and commented how terrible it was. He said that he had had a leak and had a terrific company and guy to recommend. When I called Mark he got back super quick and came by to take a look in 2-3 days. He was honest saying that if my roof wasn't leaking then I might just wait as it could last 2years or even 6 years.I still asked him for a quote anyway which he provided about 2 days later. It was for a good price and my wife said to do it for peace of mind. When the day came, his workers were fantastic. So many roofers don't follow procedures for installation of a waterproofing system.They stripped the flat roof bare to the plywood noting that the old membrane had been melted right on to the plywood - wrong.1) They removed the aluminium railing and metal capping 2)They installed protection board nailed down3) Torch down Soprema base layer up and over the parapet wall and 12" up the side of the house (siding and J channel removed)4) Torched down top layer Soprema system. Can see seems perfectly melted and joined5) Matching Gray metal parapet capping custom made and installed6) Fence re-installed perfectly with caulking put in all openings.
    Bruce Chin
    Bruce Chin
    Great crew, excellent work and very clean! Very thorough quote, review and follow up with Mark from Coverall. 5 stars!!
    Grant Adam
    Grant Adam
    We had a great experience with Coverall Roofing. Mark answered my first call quickly, took the time to investigate the problem and proposed an affordable fix that we are very happy with. The team of roofers that worked on the house were respectful, pleasant and easy to communicate with. We couldn’t be happier and will definitely be coming back when more roofing work is needed.
    Andrea Wong
    Andrea Wong
    George and his bros. and the rest of Coverall’s crack crew did a fantastic job on our house and garage over a several day stretch last month. It was a comprehensive roof replacement project which included several pitches of shingles, several flat roofs, skylights, soffits, fascia and eaves troughs - the works! The finished product looks great - a quality piece of work all around. They were very responsive in all of our dealings before, during and afterwards, and kept their poise when facing the inevitable challenges encountered on the job. I highly recommend Coverall.
    Jaime Shapiro
    Jaime Shapiro
    We moved into an older home in Riverside and needed to have our flat roof replaced. I called Mark at Coverall Roofing and he got back to me with a quote that was lower than his competitors. I needed to schedule for a specific date and Mark accommodated me. Which was amazing! Mark's crew arrived on time and completed the job in 1 and a half days. They did an excellent clean up and we could barely tell they had been here...except we have a new roof. I would highly recommend Mark and his brother Joe, they even fixed some extras without charging me. Kind, courteous and clean, they were awesome!
    Karen Avery
    Karen Avery
    Our roof was damaged during the wind storms. After receiving a word-of-mouth referral, we reached out to Mark at Coverall Roofing. He responded quickly to our inquiry. The quote was competitive. The work was done on time and professionally. A few weeks before the crew was meant to do the job, we experienced a leak through the roof. With 24 hours notice, Coverall did a repair for us to prevent further leaking until it was time to do the scheduled roofing work. Check out the Homestar and Google reviews for Coverall. They are reliable and professional. Thanks for doing a great job.
    Mark Rosin
    Mark Rosin
    Fantastic service from beginning to end. Mark is super knowledgeable, follows through on his commitments and doesn’t try to up sell you. His crew showed up on time and worked super hard from dawn to dusk, completing 90% of the big job in one day. They came back early the next day to finish off and cleaned up everything - our yard was cleaner when they left than when they started! Reasonable prices too. Highly recommend them!!
    Craig Cameron
    Craig Cameron
    Mark and the Coverall Roofing team were amazing! Very courteous crew and they worked diligently to get the job done in a matter of days. And...they left our property cleaner than before they arrived. My family and I highly recommend Coverall Roofing!...Mike & Family.
    Michael Flux
    Michael Flux
    Nothing but great things to say about Mark and his team at Coverall. They replaced our roof a few years ago after a very balanced assessment of what needed doing and what could be held off on. Mark is very responsive and came back quickly to assess a minor problem that arose a few years after the fact, with a promise to remedy it ASAP. I’ve recommended Coverall to many others and will continue to do so.
    Meaghan Cunningham
    Meaghan Cunningham
    I come from a family of contractors (they're in the States) so when I find a contractor that I consider as good as my family, that I TRUST as much as family, that I consider as reliable as family that is a MONUMENTAL experience. I can truly say that of Mark and Coverall Roofing. They are beyond excellent roofers. They work constantly until the job is done and they are super skilled at the craft of roofing. Yes I said craft. We had four flat and two gabled roofs our job required skill and finesse. They nailed it. And any subsequent questions I had were answered immediately. Mark always returns calls promptly. It feels like once you're a customer you're a part of the Coverall family. I'd give them 100 stars if I could.
    Maggie Cassella
    Maggie Cassella
    I had to have the roof of my 3 bedroom home re-shingled. I got three quotes of which Coverall was the most transparent and comprehensive. George explained exactly what he and his crew were going to do (remove the old shingles, install ice & water membrane, a drip edge, a synthetic underlay, replace vents and add two more, install metal wall and chimney flashing and leave the property clean upon completion) and when they were going to do it. The best part was that they did exactly what they said they were going to do (a bit unusual these days...). They showed up exactly when they said they would and did exactly what they said they would do for exactly the price they quoted. I highly recommend Coverall to anyone who wants reliable and high quality service.
    Neil Spaulding
    Neil Spaulding
    Mark and his team provided great service. It was a 1.5 day job. Mark and his business partner came for inspection and a quote within a couple days of contacting them. He gave us their first available slot for the job. The team showed up about 8 am and worked until 9 pm, closing down when we requested them to respecting our noise constraints and those of our neighbours. When they finished the job the next day their clean up was complete and thorough. On time. On budget (a very reasonable price). And Mark and his team were pleasant throughout. We are happy to recommend them.
    David Phipps
    David Phipps
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