Composite Shingle Damage, What it is, What causes it, & Whent it needs repaired or replaced

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.