An asphalt roof properly installed by a professional and maintained with a good level of care can last around 20 years. However, over those 20 years, your roof and shingles are going to get put through a lot. Years of enduring rain, wind, sun, and trees are naturally bound to put some wear and tear on your roof’s shingles. Other instances may involve other features that can indicate roof damage.
Signs to Look for on Your Roof
What’s the difference between normal wear and significant damage to roof shingles? Knowing what to look for can help homeowners decide if their roof still has some life in it or if it needs to be replaced or repaired.
Normal Roof Wear and Tear
If you notice these signs of possible deterioration, it’s not an emergency to get your roof fixed. However, they are warnings that should be monitored for more serious issues.
1. Fading Color
Asphalt shingles will start to lose some of their color over time, especially if they are a darker shade. This can be caused by heavy exposure to direct sunlight.
While faded shingles may appear weaker, they are more of a visual concern than a protective one. You should still keep a close eye on them because it is likely that they are approaching the end of their lifespan.
2. Dark Spots
Roof granules are those tiny rocks on shingles that add an extra layer of protection to your roof. They tend to fall off naturally when they are handled during installation, and by wind and rain. As the granules fall off over time, darker spots will form on shingles where the granules once were.
3. High Winds
High winds are one of the leading causes of roofing wear and tear. It can lift the edges of roofing shingles, expose the underlying layers to water damage, and cause stress cracks. If you live in an area that’s in the path of high winds or frequent storms, invest in reinforced shingles or starter strips that prevent wind tear-offs.
4. Exposure to Sunlight
Sunlight or UV rays cause your roof to age faster. This is why west- and south-facing roofs appear to age faster, as they’re exposed to peak amounts of sun. Roofs with reflective properties reflect sunlight to reduce heat absorption and are also less prone to premature aging from sunlight.
5. Surrounding Trees
Trees that have not been trimmed can touch the roof surface. Sharp branches can poke the shingles and scratch the granules off it. Trees can even put holes in the roof. The same branches can also give squirrels and other animals easy access to your roof.
Damaged Roof
These signs indicate issues that should be further investigated by a professional roofer to avoid further damages to your home.
1. Missing or Damaged Flashing
If you have any flashing installed around the trim, chimneys, valleys, skylights, rakes, or walls of your home, separation can be a potential problem and a good sign that your roof needs replacing. If the flashing opens and closes due to contractions or expansions, the bottom part of the flange will lift and cause water to enter your home. This means there can be leaks that can lead to more damage.
2. Damaged Vents
The housings on your plastic or metal roof vents might be cracked. If this is the case, a roofing professional should be called for repairs. A quick fix is fine for an emergency solution but will not last long. If not addressed, it will lead to bigger problems.
3. Ice Damage
Your roof may have suffered damage from prior snowstorms. An ice dam is created when the snow that has collected on your roof finally melts. The water from the melting snow flows down to the eaves and then will refreeze. If this happens often enough, ice will make its way underneath the shingles of your roof. Once it has frozen yet again, the cycle it follows means that it will eventually melt, leaving you with leaks in your home to deal with.
4. A Sagging Roof
A sagging roof could mean it is deteriorating, was installed improperly, or might be supporting too much weight. If your roof is sagging, it is a clear sign that your roof needs to be replaced. If you don’t act soon, it could collapse.
5. Hail Damage
Large-sized hail can cause serious damage to your roof. One of the signs to spot are dents in the flashing that surrounds the border of your roof. Insurance adjusters will mark hail damage on a roof to show the damage.
Trust the Professional Roofers to Protect Your Home
If your roof is showing signs that it is damaged, Brian Dawson Roofing can come out to inspect it. We can also provide you with roof repairs, replacement, or new installation. Our roofing professionals work with all types of roofs, but we specialize in asphalt shingles.