Southern California is known for its harsh summer sunlight, which can degrade roofing materials, especially asphalt and wood shingles. Though rainfall here is moderate, winter and spring bring heavier rains that can damage roofs. Our experts at Rescue Roofer share the most common roofing problems encountered by Mission Viejo residents, including the ones mentioned, and how to solve them.
The Most Common Roofing Problems in Mission Viejo and Solutions
Sun-Induced Roof Damage
Abundant sunshine is a given in California. Although residents enjoy the pleasant, warm, and sunny climate, excessive sunlight can damage roofing materials. Even the most durable and popular roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, and rubber roofing (EPDM), are vulnerable to sun damage. This damage can lead to fading, discoloration, and curls and cracks. Wood shingles can also dry out sooner.
Solutions:
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Tell-tale signs of wear, such as curling, cracking, or blistering, may happen sooner in sunny climates, especially on south-facing slopes. If significant damage is detected, consider replacing the affected shingles. For rubber roofing, repair damaged areas with compatible rubber roofing patches or replace the entire roof altogether.
Sealant Application: Generally applicable to all, using high-quality roofing cement to seal cracks and gaps will help prevent water filtration.
Regular Staining and Sealing for Wood Shingles and Shakes: Applying high-quality wood preservatives on wood shingles and shakes can protect them against UV rays, moisture, and decay.
Applying Cool Roof Coatings on Asphalt Shingles: A reflective coating will reduce heat absorption and prolong the life of the shingles.
Apply Reflective Coating if You Have Rubber Roofing: Reflective coating can reduce heat absorption and protect the rubber membrane from excessive heat damage.
Consider Other Roofing Options: Metal roofing is more durable and resistant to sun damage than asphalt and wood shingles, shake roofs, or rubber roofing. Traditional roofing materials, such as tile roofing, are also good options.
Thermal Shock
Another roofing issue quite specific to Orange County homes, specifically among homes with asphalt shingles and metal and membrane roofs, is thermal shock. This occurs when your roof goes through rapid and significant fluctuations, such as hot daylight temperatures and cool nights. This rapid expansion and contraction manifests in the form of bulging, curling, and membrane tears at the joints and seams. This is especially true for asphalt shingle roofs, but thermal shock makes all roof types susceptible to cracks, leaks, and other forms of damage, such as loose fasteners on metal roofs.
Solutions:
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regular roof inspections can catch early signs of thermal shock damage. Professional roofers can recommend or apply appropriate repairs or replacements of damaged sections.
Consider Reflective Coatings: Reflective coatings can minimize the effect of harsh sunlight and reduce the temperature difference, minimizing the effects of thermal shock on your roof.
Adequate Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation can regulate the temperature under the roof, reducing the stress brought about by daily temperature differences.
Proper Installation: Proper roof installation means having adequate flashing, sealing, ventilation, and roofs secured to their framework.
Foot Traffic
Homeowners doing DIY roof repairs, solar roof panel installers, and cable or satellite installers can all create damage by working on the roof. Walking on a roof may cause punctures, cracks, or displacement of roofing materials. Frequent foot traffic will accelerate the natural aging process of roofing materials, especially for shingles and shakes that might be dislodged. Moreover, walking on a roof can cause damage to waterproofing and underlayment. Older roofs have a higher risk of damage from foot traffic than newer ones do.
Solutions:
Limit Access: Minimizing access to the roof for essential maintenance and repairs is critical in reducing foot traffic.
Wear Soft-Soled Shoes: Hard-soled shoes can puncture roofing materials, especially softer materials such as asphalt shingles.
Use Roof Boards: Roof boards distribute weight evenly when roof repairs are essential.
Assign Roof Repairs to Professionals: Professional roofers are more cautious when walking on your roof. They are conscious of the damage that they might cause.
Vegetation Damage
Many communities in Mission Viejo are blessed with lush vegetation. However, falling branches and impact damage caused by falling nuts, fruits, and other debris can damage shingles or tiles. Indirect damage might also be caused by shade made by overhanging branches, which promotes moss and algae growth. Moreover, fallen nuts, fruits, and twigs can clog gutters and downspouts and attract animals, such as squirrels and birds, which can damage roofs and insulation.
Solutions:
Regular Tree Trimming: Trimming branches can reduce the risk of falling debris and excessive shade.
Gutter Cleaning: Regular gutter cleaning can prevent clogs and water damage.
Regular Roof Inspections: Regular inspections can identify threats and address any damage caused by vegetation.
Remove Moss and Algae: Removing these organisms can prevent further damage, especially in the roofing structure.
Consider a Metal Roof: Metal roofs are less susceptible to damage from falling debris and are less prone to moss and algae growth.
Blistering
Another consequence of abundant sunshine is blistering. This is a condition where bubbles or blisters form on the roof surface because of trapped moisture or heat. Blistering can also be caused by poor ventilation because of the inability to avoid heat buildup. Moreover, moisture that makes its way between layers of the roofing material may expand when heated and form blisters.
Solutions:
Regular Roof Inspections: Tell-tale signs of blistering may not be visible from the ground level. Regular inspections can detect signs of blistering and other damage.
Repair Damaged Areas Immediately: Repairing damaged or blistering areas of the roof will prevent the damage from spreading.
Consider Reflective Roof Coating: Reflective coating can help reduce heat absorption of asphalt shingles.
Proper Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation can reduce heat buildup and moisture.
Final Thoughts
The unique challenges confronting roofs in Mission Viejo can’t be ignored. Homeowners should be on the lookout for these specific threats to ensure they maximize the lifetime of their roofs. By understanding these threats, homeowners can take proactive steps to minimize their effects.
Trust Rescue Roofer to ensure that homeowners in Mission Viejo have the best roof protection. Rescue Roofer has served this community for over thirty years and has established a strong reputation for professionalism and quality. You can trust Rescue Roofer to do a thorough job on essential items such as regular roof inspections, gutter cleaning, roof section replacements, and even emergency repairs. Contact Rescue Roofer now to minimize the specific threats to your Mission Viejo roof.