A roof is built to last for a long time. But this doesn’t exempt your roof from taking on all kinds of treatment. From the harsh sun to hurricanes, your roof is bound to experience some wear and tear. But what distinguishes normal wear and tear from roof damage. How do you know if you need to get your roof inspected for damage or if it’s just part of the aging process? Here’s what’s considered normal wear and tear for your roof.
Normal Roof Wear And Tear
The following signs are perfectly normal in the roof aging process. So noticing these signs shouldn’t lead to any cause for concern. But they are good to be aware of in the future when they might need to be addressed.
Dark Spots
Shingles roofs are embedded with ceramic-coated granules. These granules protect your roof from harmful ultraviolet rays. Over time, these granules fall off, leaving darker spots where the granules once were. Heavy wind and rain tend to lead to accelerated granule loss. A few of these spots are nothing to worry about. But, if your entire roof is breaking out in dark spots, it’s best to have your roof inspected by a professional roofer.
Fading Roof Color
Asphalt shingles will start to lose their color over time. This is especially true if they are a darker shade, to begin with. This can be caused by constant exposure to sunlight. Color fading is mostly an aesthetic concern; however, it can indicate that your shingle roof is nearing the end of its life.
South Facing Roof
If you’ve noticed signs of aging on only your west and south-facing roof sides, don’t panic. This is because they’re exposed to the most amount of sunlight. We all enjoy south-facing homes as they provide the most sunlight, however it does mean that our roof will take on more sun damage on that side.
Debris On Your Roof
If you have a few trees close to your roof, you’ll be sure to get leaves and twigs falling on your roof. Tree debris on your roof is fairly harmless, but you should keep encroaching branches trimmed. If any sharp branches get too close to your roof, they can scratch your shingle roof tiles. This can lead to granule loss over time. Remember that branches also provide a means of transport for squirrels and small animals across your roof. No one wants a rat infestation in their attic, so rather take steps to prevent tree damage to your roof.
High Wind Conditions
Living in South Florida can come with its fair share of hurricanes. If you’re worried that your roof is taking a beating during the windy season, you may not need to be concerned. If you’ve used a reputable roofer, you can rest assured that your roof is built to withstand windy conditions. But, it’s good to get your roofer to do an annual roof inspection, particularly if you have a shingle roof. Wind can cause shingles to lift and compromise your roof’s waterproofing.
The Signs Of A Damaged Roof
The following signs indicate that it’s time to get a professional roofer in to do some damage control.
Damaged Vents
Roof vents are susceptible to damage. Extreme wind can lead to the cracking of your vent housing. A crack means that your vent won’t be functioning optimally. This can affect your indoor air quality and possible water leaks, so it’s best to get your vent fixed.
Compromised Flashing
Flashing plays a major role in preventing water leaks in and around different roof joints. It’s recommended to get your flashing checked regularly. This should include flashing around your trims, valleys, chimneys, skylights, and rakes. If there is any flashing that’s damaged or missing, it’s best to get your flashing repaired. Compromised flashing means that your home isn’t completely protected from water leaks.
A Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is never something not to worry about. It can be the result of a poor-quality installation or deteriorating roof structures. You’ll need to get roof repairs done asap.
Roof Repairs In Pompano Beach
The team at AABCO Roofing are experts at identifying a damaged roof. When you call out an AABCO roofer, they’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your roof and recommend the best repair options. Call our Pompano Beach office today at 1-954-426-8500.
