Exposure: Long-term exposure to the elements (sun, water, freeze-thaw) or shorter-term exposure to damaging air pollutants and chemicals.
Structural Movement: Building settlement or expansion/contraction not accommodated by the roofing system.
Biological Growth: Decaying matter caught on the roof or algae growing in pooling areas on the roof.
Forgetting About Maintenance: This is perhaps the single biggest cause of premature roof failure. Regular maintenance will help prevent problems from arising and can catch minor issues before they become a bigger, more costly problem
Not Fixing Problems Promptly: Finding a problem area is a start, but they must be fixed promptly. A small problem left without repair may turn into a huge problem in the future, lessening the life of your roof.
What can cause immediate problems with a roof?
Extreme Weather: Hail, high winds, lightning, and extreme rain.
Equipment Additions: Improperly installing or attaching items to the roof like satellite dishes, skylights, and vents.
Unintended Abuse: Accidental damage…such as installing holiday decorations on the roof improperly or breaking shingles while walking on the roof.