Owning an older home in beautiful Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, comes with a unique sense of charm, character, and history. The tree-lined streets, established neighborhoods, and classic architectural styles are part of what makes this area so desirable. However, with the passage of time comes the inevitable wear and tear on even the most robust structures, and roofing problems, your home’s primary shield against the unpredictable South Jersey weather, is often the first place to show its age.
For owners of historic or older properties in Mt. Laurel, understanding the common roofing problems that can arise is crucial for preserving your home’s integrity, value, and comfort. Unlike newer constructions, older homes often feature materials and building techniques that require specialized knowledge and care. Ignoring minor issues can quickly lead to significant, costly damage.
At Nailed It Roofing, we have extensive experience working with the unique roofing needs of older homes throughout Mt. Laurel and the surrounding Burlington County area. We understand the charm and challenges these properties present and are dedicated to providing solutions that protect your investment while respecting its historical character.
Here are some of the most common roofing problems we encounter in older Mt. Laurel homes and how professional intervention can help:
1. Age-Related Roofing Problems:
The most obvious issue with an older roof is simply its age. Roofing materials, most commonly asphalt shingles in homes built from the mid-20th century onwards, have a finite lifespan, typically ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on the quality of the material and installation, as well as exposure to the elements.
- Problems: As asphalt shingles age, they begin to show signs of deterioration like cracking, curling (either cupping upwards or clawing downwards), blistering, and significant granule loss. Granules are the gritty surface of asphalt shingles that protect the asphalt layer from UV rays. Once they wear away, the shingle becomes vulnerable and deteriorates rapidly. Older roofs may also have missing shingles due to weakening seals or wind damage.
- Solutions: A thorough roof inspection is the first step. If the age and overall condition indicate the roof is nearing or past its lifespan, a full roof replacement is often the most cost-effective long-term solution. Spot repairs might offer a temporary fix for minor issues, but they won’t stop the aging process of the rest of the roof. For homes with older materials like slate or wood shake, repairs require specialized knowledge to match existing materials and techniques.
2. Deteriorated or Damaged Flashing roofing problems:
Flashing is a critical component of any roof system. These are thin pieces of material, usually metal, installed in areas where the roof meets a vertical surface, such as around chimneys, vents, skylights, and in valleys where two roof sections meet. Flashing is designed to create a watertight seal, directing water away from vulnerable areas.
- Problems: In older homes, flashing can be made from various materials that may have corroded, cracked, or come loose over time. Settling of the house structure can also cause flashing to pull away. Damaged flashing is a very common source of roof leaks, often leading to water stains on ceilings and walls inside the home, particularly near chimneys or in attic spaces.
- Solutions: Professional roofers can repair or replace damaged flashing. This often involves carefully removing the old flashing, inspecting the underlying structure for rot or damage, and installing new, properly sealed flashing materials. For historic homes, matching the appearance of original flashing might be a consideration.
3. Underlayment Issues:
Beneath the visible roofing material lies the underlayment, an additional layer of protection installed directly onto the roof deck. In older homes, the underlayment might be felt paper or an early form of asphalt-saturated material, which can become brittle, torn, or deteriorated over decades.
- Problems: A compromised underlayment offers little defense if water penetrates the outer roofing layer through missing shingles or faulty flashing. This can lead directly to rot in the roof deck, structural damage, and leaks into the home.
- Solutions: Underlayment issues are typically discovered during a roof inspection or when the outer roofing material is removed for repair or replacement. Addressing this requires replacing the old underlayment with modern, durable materials designed to provide a robust secondary barrier against moisture.
4. Inadequate Ventilation:
Proper attic ventilation is essential for the longevity of any roof, but it’s a particularly common issue in older homes that may not have been built with modern ventilation standards in mind.
- Problems: Poor ventilation traps heat and moisture in the attic. In winter, this can lead to ice damming, where melting snow refreezes at the eaves, forcing water under shingles. In summer, excessive heat can bake the shingles from beneath, accelerating their deterioration. Moisture can also lead to mold growth and rot in the roof deck and rafters.
- Solutions: A roofing professional can assess your attic’s ventilation and recommend improvements. This might involve installing or improving soffit vents, ridge vents, or other types of exhaust vents to create proper airflow, keeping the attic cooler in summer and reducing moisture buildup in winter.
5. Structural Concerns:
While less common, the underlying roof structure in older homes can sometimes present problems, especially if it has been subjected to repeated moisture damage or wasn’t originally designed to handle modern roofing materials.
- Problems: Sagging sections of the roof ridge or slopes can indicate weakened rafters or decking. This is a serious issue that compromises the structural integrity of the entire roof system. Past repairs that weren’t done correctly can also lead to ongoing structural stress.
- Solutions: Addressing structural issues requires the expertise of a qualified roofing contractor who can assess the damage, reinforce or replace compromised sections of the roof deck or rafters, and ensure the structure is sound before installing new roofing materials.
Addressing Problems Early is Key when dealing with roofing problems
For homeowners in Mt. Laurel with older properties, proactive roof maintenance is the best defense against major problems. Regular professional inspections can identify potential issues early on, allowing for targeted repairs that can extend the life of your roof and prevent more extensive damage down the line.
Ignoring signs of wear and tear or small leaks in an older roof is a gamble that rarely pays off. Water damage can spread quickly, affecting not just the roof but also insulation, interior walls, and even the structural components of your home.
If you own an older home in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and have concerns about your roof’s condition, or if you’ve noticed any of the problems mentioned above, don’t wait. Contact Nailed It Roofing today for a comprehensive roof inspection. Our experienced team understands the nuances of working on older homes and can provide expert assessments and reliable solutions to ensure your roof remains a strong, protective shield for your cherished property for years to come.
