Composite roofs can suffer damage throughout their life span
and here are some examples of shingle damage, what causes, what further damage
it can cause, and when to repair or replace.
Excessive Loss of
Granules
What is it: Granules protect the mat of the shingles from
sunlight and add weight and fire resistance. Shingles will lose some granules
over time, but excessive loss will expose the mat and shorten the life of the
shingles.
What causes it: Shingle blistering, old or worn-out
shingles, and hail & storms.
When it needs repairs or replacement: If you are starting to notice a bald or bare
areas it is time to think about replacing before leaking begins.
Tree Damaged Shingles
What it is: A specific area of the roof that has scarred
shingles from where a tree or branches have scrapped or gouged the
shingles.
What causes it: Low lying tree branches that blow against
the roof during wind or perhaps a tree branch that fell on the roof.
When it needs repairs or replacement: Call for an inspection to verify that there
is not gouges that can lead to leaking.
Missing Shingles
What it is: Missing shingles are very noticeable and you can
tell if any are missing by looking at your roof or if you notice them in the
yard.
What causes it: Storm and wind damage can blow off shingles,
faulty installation can cause shingles to become loose and come off, and shingles
that have reached their age limit can also become loose and fall off.
When it needs repairs or replacement: Call for an inspection
to verify that there are not several other shingles that are lose or that there
is not any damaged roof sheathing.
Having a small repair can save from future damage.
Hail Damage
What it is: When
there is a storm that produces hail that has hit your roof the areas of lost
mineral granules will be apparent upon a close inspection.
When it needs repairs or replacement: Repairs can range from specific slopes or an
entire replacement. An inspection can
verify that there is damage, inspecting an asphalt shingle roof after a hail
storm is important, if the roof has been damaged it should show that the areas
of granule loss has been exposed and leave a fresh looking shingle damaged that
has not been weathered by sun exposure or aging. Hail damage can cause excesses granules loss
overtime aging your roof quicker.
Blistering
What it is: Instead of popping in as a hail hit would a
blister on a shingle pops out causing granule loss.
What causes it:
Improper ventilation such as not enough vents or blockage of soffit
vents.
When it needs repairs or replacement: Call for a proper inspection, if blistering
has started the majority of the time the slope damaged or the entire roof needs
replaced and proper ventilation needs to be added. Long term blister can not only cause leaks but
also affect the decking and rafters.
It is important to have your roof inspected if you haven’t
in a while or after a severe storm. Many
local contractors give free inspections and repair estimates. If you live in the Kansas City area we can
help with that call today for your free estimate (816) 547-1885.
