Roof damage repair can seem daunting, but it is an integral part of maintaining the safety and comfort of your home. There are several causes of roof damage, and each type of damage needs a roof repair tailored to its needs. A few of the more common causes of roof damage aside from hail and storm damage, are age, water, algae and pests.
Typical Signs of an Aging Roof
Over time your roof will slowly degrade, but if you take proper care of your roof and get repairs for unexpected damages your roof can last 15-25 years before age becomes an issue. Natural roof degradation typically comes in the form of worn shingles. Each year your shingles shed a small number of granules, and after many years, the granule loss will leave the matting of the shingle exposed. If your roof reaches the point where the shingle matting is exposed, you are due for a roof damage repair or more likely a roof replacement.
Climate’s Effect on your Roof’s Wear
There are a few different factors that affect how your roof ages and how quickly signs of wear and tear begin to appear. One of these factors is the climate, if you live somewhere like Missouri where summers are hot and humid while winters are cold, windy and filled with storms your roof will show signs of aging faster than if you lived in a temperate climate.
In areas of high humidity your shingles can curl up and buckle over time due to the level of moisture. This kind of damage is most common in three-tab shingles. High amounts of moisture in your roof can also cause algae to grow beneath your shingles and even on the interior of your attic. The algae can usually be wiped off and will not typically cause further damage to your roof, however algae growth is indicative of roof damage that will need repaired. Algae is a sign that too much moisture is coming into your roof making you susceptible to leaks and poor insulation and you likely need a roof damage repair.
Another indicator that your roof is vulnerable to leaks and may have an insulation problem is if your attic or the upper level of your house has extreme temperatures.
Water Roof Damage Repair
Water leaks in the home are a source of great stress for homeowners because not only is it indicative of significant roof damage but it can also damage the interior of your home and your belongings. Leaks are most common at the valleys of your roof where some roofers do not install ice and water shield to ensure water cannot penetrate those areas. Another area that is vulnerable to leaks are those where shingle matting has been exposed due to hail or tree limb damage. It is extremely important to seek roof damage repair for leaks in a timely manner because leaks can quickly cause expensive interior damage if not taken care of.
Roof Damage Caused by Pests
Pests can also shorten the life of your roof and cause roof damage that requires repairs. Raccoons, squirrels, and bats are primary culprits of pest damage to roofs. All three of these animals are extremely common in Missouri so be on the lookout for these pests around your home. These pests are notorious for getting into attics to make a home, but to get into your attic they often must bore holes into your shingles and felt, typically where your roof meets a wall or where flashing or fasica is loose. These holes where pests burrow in will cause leaks, insulation problems and can compromise your roofing system so it is important to remove any pests and get the pest roof damage repair done quickly.
Seeking Roof Damage Repair
Putting off essential repairs for roof damage can lead to larger leaks, larger areas of damage and a larger expense in the end. So, if you see any of the telltale signs of roof damages an inspection from a trusted expert is the first step you need to take. A roofing expert like those with CoMo Premium Exteriors, will be able to determine the best solution for your home, whether that be a full replacement or a small repair.
