The size of a golf ball might seem insignificant when compared to the size of a house, but they can cause major damage to your home. While many people who live against a golf course are worried about broken windows, one stray ball can cause significant damage to the roof as well.
Roof Damage Caused by Golf Balls
Standard golf balls have a 1.68 inch diameter and weigh approximately 1.62 ounces. This might not sound like much to worry about, but golf balls can have a big impact because of the fast speeds they travel at. A well hit ball will go about 120 miles per hour – nearly twice as fast as you drive your car on the highway. When one of these off-target golf balls strikes your roof, the impact can easily break or move the roofing tiles or shingles.
Small Damage = Big Problems
You might be able to see some minor signs of damage from the ground, however, golf balls often cause much more damage than homeowners realize. Roof tiles serve as a layer of protection between your house and the outside.
When a roof tile is broken or shifted out of position, these cracks and gaps allow water to enter. Roof leaks can cause major damage if they are not detected and repaired promptly, such as mold and ceiling damage.
These gaps made by golf balls may also provide an entry point for pests, particularly rats. Because your family is unlikely to notice the rat infestation before the population grows to large numbers, they have plenty of time to cause damage to your attic by chewing on wood and plastic. They also carry diseases that can make your family very sick.
Proactive Treatment is Necessary
Like most problems, proactive treatment is necessary to reduce the long-term effects of the damage caused by golf balls on your roof. You should have a Las Vegas roofer come inspect your roof every 6 to 12 months as a precautionary measure. They will evaluate the roof to search for damage caused by golf balls, wear and tear, storms, and other hazards. During their inspection, they will check for loose or missing shingles, cracked seals and pipe flashings, blocked gutters, and more. They will also ensure the attic is receiving proper ventilation and has no signs of moisture or dry rot.
If your Las Vegas roofer finds signs of damage during this inspection, these problems can be addressed immediately before they have time to deteriorate further, requiring more extensive and costly repairs in the future. By simply maintaining a regular inspection schedule, you can help prolong the life of your roof.
Contact a Las Vegas roofer at First Quality Roofing & Insulation to schedule your 17 point inspection at 702.262.7847.
