In his hierarchy of human needs, Abraham Maslow suggests physiological needs are the foundation. Among these are food, water, and shelter.

Because shelter is so important, it’s critical to ensure yours is in good shape. Specifically, you need to maintain the roof over your head.

Your roof is obviously very critical to your shelter, but how do you know what to look for? What are some issues to be aware of?

This guide will point out five of the most common roof problems to watch out for.

  1. Missing Shingles

If you live on the east coast, you are familiar with hurricane-force winds. These storms blow through with 100+ mile-per-hour winds wreaking havoc on your house. Many times, the winds can tear the shingles from your roof.

If you notice your roof missing any shingles, you have problems. These spots can lead to water damage to your home.

Fortunately, if the problem areas are small, they can be replaced. A roofing contractor can usually match the color for a full repair. Check out this site to see how the process works.

  1. Interior House Leaking

Beyond missing shingle spots, water can penetrate the roof in other ways. If you notice water leaking from the ceiling, your roof needs work.

When it’s raining, you may see water damage or dripping from the drywall on the ceiling. Poke your head into the attic to determine where the water is getting in. This will determine what part of the roof needs inspecting by a professional.

  1. Pooling Water

Keep an eye out for water pooling on your roof. This is a more common issue with flat roof setups. Again, after a rainstorm, take a look for large puddles forming. You may have a sagging roof.

If your roof has a low spot, much of the water will settle there instead of draining. If you ignore pooling, the weight of the water over time can damage the structure.

In many cases, a low spot can be remedied by a roofing contractor.

  1. Ice and Snow Damage

Much like hurricanes, another natural occurrence that can harm a roof is snowstorms. In winter, snow will repeatedly build up on a roof, melt, and then refreeze again.

This process puts quite a bit of wear and tear on your shingles. The ice built up under the shingles pushes on them. The added space will let more moisture into your home.

After a harsh winter, consider having your roof inspected.

  1. Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are a major issue for roofing. A build-up of leaves in the gutters will seep moisture into the eaves of your home. Constant moister will begin to rot the edges of your roof, leading to costly issues.

It’s a good habit to clean out your gutters about once a month.

Keep an Eye on These Common Roof Problems

Your roof is an important part of your home. Keep an eye on these potential roof problems to ensure quality conditions. Remember, shelter is the foundation of human needs. Protect your roof, and it will protect you.

If you liked this article, peruse the rest of the blog for other homeowner tips.