Shingled Roof? Use This Guide To Recognize Critical Signs of Wear or Damage

As a homeowner, you know that the integrity of your shingled roof is necessary to protect your family and property from the outside elements. Learning to recognize common signs of shingle wear or damage will allow you to be proactive about making necessary repairs or roof replacement plans before water damage or other serious consequences can occur. 

Common Repair Issues To Recognize

While roof replacement can be necessary when the amount of damage is severe, many common repair issues may only require repairs to the affected area. Some common minor roof repair issues include shingles that become cracked, broken, or go missing during a severe storm due to high wind or the roof being impacted by a heavy tree branch or other debris.

Making it a point to check the condition of the roof's surface once the storm has passed can help homeowners verify potential damage and schedule necessary repairs more easily.

Shingles that begin to buckle or curl can also be a relatively minor repair issue if the problem is occurring in a small area. Curling or buckled shingles are no longer doing a good job of keeping water from seeping beneath their surfaces.

When curling or buckling occurs in a small area, such as an area that gets more exposure to sun or wind than the rest of the roof, homeowners may only need to replace the shingles in the affected area. If a larger area is affected, replacement of the shingles over the entire roof may be necessary to ensure the home is protected. 

The growth of moss or algae on a shingled roof can also require maintenance or limited-scope repairs if the affected area covers a small percentage of the shingled surface. Moss and algae growth can both result in the build-up of organic materials on the surface of the roof.

Rising heat from this build-up of materials soon softens the surface of the shingles underneath, allowing them to tear more easily or allow damaging moisture to penetrate through to the sheathing or into the interior of the home. 

Serious Issues To Consider

Granule loss is a more serious roof repair issue that homeowners will want to learn to recognize. Granules are the sand-like particles that coat the outer surface of roofing shingles. These granules help to provide protection from ultraviolet rays, as well as make the shingle more fire-resistant.

Rain, wind, sun, and temperature changes can all lead to the loss of granules, but age can be the most detrimental. Homeowners can watch for granule loss more easily by comparing annual close-up photos of their roof's surface or by watching for loose granules to appear near downspouts or inside gutters. Significant granule loss, over large or small areas, should always be discussed with a qualified roofing professional. 

In addition to granule loss, shingle roofs that have begun to sag should always be taken seriously by homeowners. Any type of sag or change in the way the roof looks can indicate that the support system for the heavy shingled roof is failing and repairs must be made immediately due to the danger of collapse.

Age, along with snow and ice accumulation or damage from a fallen tree or heavy limb are typical reasons for this type of problem to occur. 

Shingle damage of any kind can allow leaks to form that result in significant damage to the interior of the home. Attic insulation that becomes wet from a roof leak will lose its ability to insulate against heat or cold. Moisture that reaches the interior of the home can quickly damage drywall and put the occupants at risk for mold-related health issues. 

DeShazo and Son Roofing stands ready to answer all of your roofing questions and is your go-to roofing company in the area for all types of roof repair and replacement projects. Contact us today for a free estimate.