8 Roofing Problems Indiana Homeowners Run Into

States in the Midwest experience all the highs and lows of having four seasons. We get the flowery emergence of spring, hot and sunny summer days, colorful fall leaves, and a snowy holiday season. This can be nice in our day to day lives, but all that rain, heat, snow, and those falling leaves can cause a lot of different types of issues for our roofs. Let’s take a look at the most common problems homeowners in Indiana (and other midwestern states) are likely to run into–and what to do about them.

Most Common Roof Problems in Indiana

Storm Damage

While storms can occur at any time of the year, the months of the greatest storm activity in the Midwest are May through July. Storm damage can come in many forms. High winds can blow off shingles and knock down tree branches onto a roof. Heavy rain can pool and cause leaks. Hail can cause damage to shingles, flashing, and dent metal roofs. In rare cases, lightning can even strike your home and cause extensive burning.

You can’t prevent a storm from happening, but there are a few things you can do to minimize roof problems caused by storms. Keeping up with regular roof maintenance, like cleaning gutters, can prevent leaks from occurring after storms. It’s also important to check for damage after each storm. Look for signs of water damage, pooling of water, fallen branches, or damaged shingles. 

Getting these fixed right away will prevent worsening damage over time. In the case of a severe leak, you can tarp your roof until a professional can get to it.

Leaks

You don’t need to experience heavy storms to have a roof leak. Leaks are a very common roof problem. They might occur after a bad roofing installation or extensive rain, but they can also be caused by normal wear and tear over time or past damage that wasn’t fixed on time. Your roof might have a leak if you notice:

• Rotting wood in the attic 
• Water stains on walls or ceilings
• A mildew or moldy smell
• Dripping sounds
• Sagging areas on the roof
• Curling shingles

Leaks should be fixed as soon as possible since they can end up causing a later roof emergency, like wet wiring or structural damage. If the leak is caused by damaged shingles or loose flashing, you might be able to secure these on your own. Any more extensive damage should be handled by a professional.

Ice Dams

Indiana winters can come with the occasional heavy snow. Fluctuating temperatures throughout the day and night can sometimes lead to ice dams when melted snow refreezes under the shingles. Damage can occur from water entering the attic and seeping into the ceiling, walls, and other structures. When the ice dams go unnoticed for an extended period of time, they can do significant damage to the roof.

It is difficult to completely prevent ice dams from happening, but the likelihood of damage can be reduced by a few simple preventative measures. For example, try to make sure that gutters and downspouts are clean, to promote drainage. Proper insulation and ventilation can also help minimize the risk of ice dams by preventing or minimizing the freeze-thaw cycle of the roof.

Damage from Pests

Indiana is home to many kinds of pests that can cause damage to your roof. Squirrels and raccoons can easily access your roof from nearby trees or shrubbery and can chew through decking to get into your attic and wreak havoc. Birds sometimes mistake the granules on shingles for food and pick them off or make nests around your roof that clog up gutters and downspouts. Humid conditions can also attract termites into poorly ventilated attics, which can cause extensive damage to structural components.

To mitigate the risk of pest damage, it is best to keep nearby branches trimmed to limit access to your roof. You can also regularly check for nests and knock them down before the animals get settled. Keeping your attic ventilated can reduce conditions that attract pests like termites. However, if you suspect your roof already has pest damage, it is best to get a roof inspection to check for hidden damage and contact pest control if there is an infestation.

Damaged Shingles 

We’ve discussed how shingles can be damaged in storms, blown off by strong winds, or damaged by pests, but they are also prone to damage by temperature extremes. Indiana often experiences below freezing temperatures in the winter and hot and humid days in the summer. Both of these temperature extremes can result in the cracking, buckling, or blistering of shingles. Eventually, these problems can lead to leaks in the roof if they are not taken care of. Check your roof regularly to prevent leaks caused by damaged or missing shingles. 

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a kind of seal that protects edges around your roof from water damage or leaks. It’s installed on areas around chimneys, skylights, vents, or heating and cooling systems that are located on the roof. Flashing may become damaged after storms or heavy winds, but it can also suffer from normal wear and tear. When checking shingles for damage, you should also look for loose or missing flashing.

Mold Growth and Rot

Indiana can sometimes suffer from periods of frequent rain, followed by hot and humid days. This can lead to an increased chance of mold development. After a while, this increased moisture and mold growth can lead to a rotting roof deck. 

The best way to prevent this is to make sure your attic is properly ventilated, your gutters and downspouts remain free of clogs, and to check for signs of standing water or moisture regularly. Standing or pooled water is especially common on flat roofs. Make sure to check your roof for moss or algae growth, which can indicate that there is too much moisture. 

Clogged Gutters

While the changing colors of autumn leaves can be nice to look at, these leaves can also quickly clog up your roof’s drainage system. When gutters are backed up, you can end up with anything from ice dams in the winter to a rotting deck caused by too much moisture. 

Keeping up with gutter maintenance is well worth the effort. If your gutters are not functioning properly when clean, they should be inspected by a professional. Another option to help protect your gutters is to install gutter guards to help prevent the accumulation of debris.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Roof in Indiana?

The life expectancy of a roof depends on the type of roof and whether it is well maintained or not. Most homes in Indiana have asphalt roofs, which are known to last around 15-30 years. Of course, if the roof is well maintained and small problems, like loose shingles are taken care of promptly, the lifetime should be closer to 30 years. 

Although a little less common, metal roofs can last 30-50 years. The longest lasting roofs are those made of slate tiles, which can last up to 100 years!

When to Call a Roofer

Many of the most common roofing problems can require the services of a professional roofer. If your roof is sagging, appears to have a lot of water damage, or has an obvious leak, it is best to call a roofer for a repair. If you are uncertain, but suspect an issue, a good roofer can inspect your roof to put your mind at ease or fix the problem. 

The professionals at Honest Abe Roofing have been installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs in Indiana and the surrounding area since 2007. We’ve seen it all and we’re here to help. Contact us today for an inspection.