When you have a low-slope roof, it is exposed to the elements more than any other roof. This means that there are some unique risks with a low-slope roof; however, it also allows for more design freedom.
These roofs have declined in popularity in recent years – likely due to the fact that they are harder and more expensive to build – but they remain an excellent way to accentuate the structure of your home while staying within the confines of zoning regulations and ensuring that your home is protected from rain and other harsh weather conditions.
In this blog post, we will cover some of the most common issues with low-slope roofs as well as potential solutions for each of them. Keep reading to learn more!
Problems with Low-Slope Roofs
There are a few problems that are more common on low-slope roofs than on their steep counterparts. First, lower roofs are more susceptible to shingle blow-off during strong winds. This is because wind speeds are higher at lower heights, meaning that shingles placed on low roofs will be exposed to more force. This forces the shingles to lift off the roof, leaving your roof susceptible to water damage and other issues.
While you can use sturdier and heavier shingles on low roofs, this will greatly increase the cost of your roof and make maintenance and repairs more difficult. Similarly, high winds may also damage your roof by pushing the roof upwards, causing water to pool in the low areas of your roof.
If your roof is not properly flashed, this water can lead to rot and other issues. To prevent these problems, you can use stronger and thicker shingles on your low-slope roof. You can also use roofing felt to prevent water from pooling in low spots on your roof.
If you are having issues with your low slope roof, call the best Franklin Ga Roofing Company, Nutt Roofing & Siding.
Shifting and Slipping Shingles
Another common issue with low-slope roofs is shifting shingles. This occurs when the shingles slide down the roof and off the edge. This issue can be caused by a variety of issues, including the wrong shingle being used on the surface of the roof, high winds, or incorrect shingle installation.
When installing shingles, you should use a shingle with a granule angle that matches the angle of your roof. Using a shingle for a low-slope roof on a steep roof or vice versa will cause the shingles to slide down the roof. Shingles with a textured bottom can also help to prevent slipping.
Leaking Seams
Leaks in low-slope roof seams are common, but fortunately, they are easy to fix. The most common cause of leaks in roof seams is poor flashing. Flashing is the process of creating a barrier between the roof and another surface, such as a wall. To prevent leaks in your flashing, first, make sure you are using the right type of flashing.
The National Roofing Contractors Association has a roofing materials guide that will help you select the right flashing for your roof. Once you have the right flashing, make sure you are installing it correctly. Improper flashing will allow water to leak through the seam between your roof and another surface. To prevent this, make sure the flashing is properly sealed to prevent water from leaking through the joint.
Cracking and Rot
Cracking and rot are also common on low-slope roofs. These issues are often caused by poor flashing, but they can also be a result of using the wrong shingles on your roof. Cracking can occur when the roof is not properly flashed or the flashing is not installed correctly. It can also be caused by the roof being under too much stress due to the weight of the shingles.
Rot is a much more serious issue that can cause structural issues in your roof and even lead to collapses. It is caused by water pooling in the low areas of your roof and seeping into the wood of your roof. This water tends to be dark and gross, so you may not even be aware of it until there is significant damage.
Discoloration and Paint Failure
Discoloration and paint failure are also common issues with low-slope roofs. This is often due to the sun beating down on the roof and causing the paint or coating to break down and discolor. To prevent this, you should paint your roof with a high-quality coating. These coatings reflect the sun’s rays and protect your roof from discoloration and other damage.
You should also try to shade your roof from the sun whenever possible. Planting trees and shrubs around your house will help to shield the roof from harmful rays and reduce the amount of maintenance needed.
Depressed Areas on the Roof
Another issue that is much more common on low-slope roofs is depressed areas – or areas of the roof that are lower than the rest. Low-slope roofs are generally sloped too steeply and are not blended into the wall of the house. This can lead to low spots on the roof where water collects and may not be drained away. You can solve this problem by blending the roof into the wall and installing gutters that lead water away from the low spots.
Final Thoughts
Low-slope roofs are an excellent way to add style and interest to your home. They are also a great option for people who need to follow strict zoning regulations. You will likely need to pay more to have a low-slope roof installed, but the added style and functionality may be worth it.
Before you choose a low-slope roof, make sure you are aware of the potential issues and how to prevent and fix them. With a low-slope roof, there is a little more work involved, but you will be rewarded with a unique and stylish roof that is unlike anything else on the block!