Common Roofing Issues Found in Older Michigan Homes

Throughout the great state of Michigan, there are plenty of beautiful older homes, from those in established neighborhoods to farmhouses and cottages that have stood for decades upon decades. With that, there comes a whole lot of charm and comfort. However, there are also going to be inherent problems to consider with an older home, particularly with the roof of the home. Given their age and the years of exposure that these roofs have been through, you’ll want to be aware of the common roofing issues found in older Michigan homes. After all, years of facing heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, the summer sun, and strong winds can take their toll. So, what should you be on the lookout for?

Lifetime Roofing has seen and worked on roofs of older Michigan homes time and again, so we’re plenty familiar with what our region’s climate puts these roofing systems through over the years. Knowing the common roofing issues found with these older homes can help you identify problems early on, avoid costly damage in the long run, and help you extend the lifespan of your roof. Here are some of the issues to be aware of:

Aging Roofing Materials

This is the most obvious problem with older homes, as older homes tend to have older roofs. And older roofing materials naturally deteriorate over time. As they age, they become less effective in terms of preventing moisture damage and avoiding damage from storms, plus they generally become more vulnerable to all types of issues the elements may bring. Visible signs of wear may indicate that it’s time for intensive repairs, a full replacement, or at the very least, a thorough inspection.

Roof Leaks & Water Damage

The years of weather exposure can weaken the roof itself, as well as flashing, sealing, and other roof components. This leads to an increased risk of water intrusion. And the unfortunate part is that roof leaks can lead to far more extensive damage if left unnoticed or unaddressed, as the moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, rot your roof’s decking, damage your insulation and interior drywall, and even result in the complete deterioration of your roof’s structure.

Deteriorating Flashing

On older homes, flashing can rust, crack, loosen, or separate from surrounding roofing materials. This can allow water to penetrate the roof and create the potential for moisture damage. These issues with flashing can be hard to see from the ground, which is why routine roof inspections are so important.

Poor Attic Ventilation

A lot of older homes in Michigan were built before modern attic ventilation solutions, which can mean a high chance that your home has inadequate ventilation within its attic. Trapped heat during the summer can put stress on your roofing materials, plus it can drive up your energy costs as your HVAC works harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. During the winter months, that warm attic air can contribute to the uneven melting of ice and snow, which can lead to more problems.

Ice Dam Damage

Ice dams are a common roofing problem for all homes in Michigan, but the risks are even higher with older homes. When melted snow refreezes, it can create a barrier that keeps additional snow or rainwater from draining. And as that water backs up, it can seep beneath your roof and cause problems like interior water leaks, damaged insulation, wood rot, stains on your ceilings, and gutter damage.

Storm & Wind Damage

Older roofs are bound to be more vulnerable to severe storms. High wind speeds can lift or remove shingles, hail can crack or bruise your roof’s surface, and falling branches from major storms can badly damage your roof or gutters.

Sagging or Structural Problems

Some older homes may have roofs where portions of it sag, and this can be a result of prolonged exposure to moisture or general aging of the roof’s structural components. Whatever the case may be, a sagging or structurally compromised roof should never be ignored, as there’s a direct risk of safety for you and anyone inside your home whenever your system has reached a certain point of deterioration.

Turn to the Pros for a Roofing Project in the Greater Lansing Area Today

If you’re looking for an answer to any of these problems you’re having with the roof of your older Michigan home, Lifetime Roofing is here to help. Between the roof repair and maintenance services we offer and our expert roof replacement projects with steel or shingles, we’re sure to have a solution for you. Contact us today to get started with a free estimate.