Your roof is durable enough to withstand the elements, but over time, the elements can get the best of your roof. Therefore, maintenance and monitoring are so important for roofs. If you would like to learn more, check out these three common types of water damage that can affect your roof.

1. Standing Water

Standing water is always problematic, regardless of its location. First, standing water provides a wonderful breeding ground for disease. Naturally, you and your family don't spend much time on the roof, but that diseased standing water can reach you in two other ways. First, over time, the standing water breaks through the roofing materials, leading to a leak.

Even if the water is relatively clean at this point, leaks can lead to mold, which can trigger allergies, make your home smell musty, and make your home look dirty. However, even if the water doesn't leak through your roof, it will attract pests. These pests may become infected with a disease from the water and spread them inside the home. Besides any disease from standing water, these pests can bring many other illnesses like the Zika virus.

2. Moss

If you live in an area with lots of rainfall, you probably have seen moss growing on your roof before. Moss is more common on asphalt shingles and wooden roofs, so if you choose metal or slate tile, you should be fine. If moss does start to grow, however, it causes many problems.

One problem with moss is that it becomes a barrier for water. The moss prevents the water from sliding down to the gutters, leaving that dangerous standing water behind. Plus, rather than slowly evaporating, the water is absorbed by the moss. Like a sponge, this moss holds the water for a long period of time. Even when the rest of the roof is dried, this area may be moist, increasing the risk of decay and rot.

3. Ice Dams

Ice dams occur in places with snowfall, and they pose a similar problem to moss because they block water. Ice dams form when clogged gutters freeze. Luckily, this means you can easily avoid this problem by keeping your gutters clean.

After the gutters freeze, snow continues to fall, creating a thick layer of snow and ice on the gutters. When the snow starts to melt, the snow on the roof melts first. The melted water tries to reach the gutters, but the still frozen ice dam prevents the water from escaping. This is especially problematic because not only does it mean there is standing water, but the dam may also push the water under the shingles to destroy the roof quickly.

Your roof needs regular maintenance and care to keep it in good condition. If you've neglected your roof, it may be time for a few repairs. For more information, contact a roofing repair contractor in your area today.