Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility, and unfortunately, most of us never got a course on homeownership in school! The last thing you want is to be completely oblivious to something going wrong with your house, only to be left with a large, unexpected repair bill.
When it comes to your roof, be aware that most asphalt shingle roofs last around 15-20 years on average. Once your roof has reached its 10th birthday, start keeping a keen eye out for certain types of roof damage.
If you’re prepared with the information we share below, you’ll be able to anticipate repairs and an eventual roof replacement as best as possible!
1) Wind Damage
Wind damage can come in the form of:
- Hurricanes
- Tropical storms
- Tornadoes
- Particularly windy days!
Here in North Carolina, we’re no stranger to intense winds thanks to our proximity to the coast. Wind damage is one of the most common types of roof damage that home and business owners experience.
Wind damage on your roof may manifest as lifted, curling, or blown-off shingles. Lifted or blown-off shingles leave your roof vulnerable to water leaks. Additionally, strong winds may cause tree branches and other debris to hit your roof with force, causing cracked shingles.
You can prevent wind damage as best you can by investing in shingles with high wind ratings. Alternatively, you may opt for a metal roof when it’s time for your next roof replacement, as this material is less susceptible to wind damage.
2) Hail Damage
Hail is a sneaky one! Since hail isn’t as common as rain or wind storms, most homeowners forget to consider the ramifications of a hail storm. Not only can it affect your car but your roof and siding, too!
Additionally, the hail doesn’t need to be golf ball-sized in order to cause damage. Even small pieces of hail can hit your roof at a high velocity, causing dents or cracks. Hail damage compromises your shingle granules, leading to granule loss. Granule loss leaves your roof susceptible to further UV and water damage.
Hail damage can often be fixed with minor repairs. However, if your roof has significant hail damage, you’re probably in the market for a total replacement.
3) Water Damage
Oh, water damage… the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with. Water damage in your home can appear for a myriad of reasons, including:
- Faulty sump pumps
- Foundation issues
- Roof damage
- Broken pipes
- Appliance malfunctions
- Flooding
- Excessive humidity
Water damage in the home is a nightmare for many homeowners. If you have a roof leak, it’s vital to catch it as early as possible to avoid expensive water damage repairs.
Signs of a roof leak include:
- Water stains on your ceiling or walls
- Active drips from your ceiling when it rains
- Musty smells in your attic or top floor
- Peeling paint where the wall and ceiling meet
- Light peeking through your attic
Water damage on roofs is most common when the roof starts to age or after it sustains storm damage. Be sure to schedule regular roof inspections after any major storm or once a year when your roof is 10 years or older.
Beyond the interior of your home, water damage can affect your roof directly, too. If your gutters don’t drain properly, that can lead to excess moisture. Too much moisture on your roof can encourage moss and algae growth.
4) UV Damage
Living in a sunny state has its perks, but you need to be mindful of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Beyond causing sunburns, they can also negatively affect your home’s exterior!
Heat or UV damage on a roof appears in the form of warping, buckling, or blistering shingles. Flat roofs can also be particularly susceptible to blistering.
It’s important to replace shingles with granule loss right away. The lack of shingle granules leaves your roof extra vulnerable to heat damage. If the sun continues to wreak havoc on your roof, it can ultimately warp the shingles to a point where they spring a leak.
5) Flashing Damage
Perhaps you’ve never heard of roof flashing, but it plays a very important role in keeping your home protected from water leaks! Flashing is a metal material that seals areas on your roof that are prone to water collection, such as:
- Roof valleys
- Chimneys
- Roof vents
- Skylights
Rusted or cracked flashing or faulty sealant may seem like a small issue, but it can lead to larger issues over time. Flashing damage usually appears with regular wear and tear as your roof nears the end of its lifespan, or it may be affected by hail storms.
Always leave flashing repairs in the hands of a qualified professional. Repairing flashing often requires a roofer to also replace the shingles around the flashing to ensure a long-lasting result.
6) Structural Damage
Structural damage on your roof is an incredibly urgent issue that must be addressed right away. If left ignored, it could lead to a roof collapse.
What constitutes roof structural damage?
Well, your roof is made up of more components than just the outer layer of shingles or metal. Your roof’s structure has three main parts: decking, fascia, and soffits.
- Plywood Decking: Roof decking is the base of your roof that supports the ice and water shield and shingles. It’s most commonly made of plywood and can last a few decades before needing replacement. However, the plywood can start to rot and deteriorate over time. If you notice that your roof is sagging, you need a professional roof replacement ASAP.
- Fascia: Fascia is the outward-facing board under your gutters and along the edges of your roof. It connects the outer edge of your roof to the rafters to support the overall structure. Rotting or rusted fascia should be repaired or replaced right away to protect your roof.
- Soffits: Soffits run at a right angle to the fascia. They primarily help provide ventilation to your roof and attic. Damaged soffits don’t present immediate structural issues, but they should still be repaired to help prevent heat and water damage.
7) Improper Ventilation
Remember when we mentioned heat damage from the sun earlier? Well, if you don’t have proper attic ventilation, the heat inside your house can actually cause damage to your roof as well.
It’s likely time to add more roof vents and an attic fan if you notice:
- Excessive heat on the top level of your house
- Increased energy bills
- Warped shingles
Popular types of roof vents include:
- Ridge vents
- Soffit vents
- Roof turbines
- Box vents
A roofing inspection performed by a professional roofing contractor will help determine if you need additional attic ventilation and in what areas.
How to Stay on Top of Roof Damage
If you have an aging roof, were recently affected by a bad storm, or are dealing with an improper installation, you need to keep a lookout for roof damage.
The best way to stay prepared is to schedule regular professional roofing inspections. Some roofers offer monthly maintenance plans that you can sign up for, which offer fantastic peace of mind. Otherwise, you should schedule a professional inspection after any major storm or once a year.
As soon as you notice blown-off shingles, water stains, or any other indicators of roof damage on this list, call a professional roofing contractor right away. If you can have your roof repaired quickly, you’ll help extend its lifespan. But if roof damage goes ignored, the issues will quickly worsen, and you may end up needing a total replacement.
Call Scro’s Roofing When You Need Roofing Support!
You may have noticed that we suggested getting roofing inspections from a professional roofing company a few times throughout this article. If you live in North Carolina, you can count on Scro’s Roofing Company to provide detailed and knowledgeable inspections when you need them most.
Whether you can tell that you have roof damage or you just want a professional check-up, Scro’s is happy to help! If you have roof damage, our always-honest team will suggest the necessary repairs or full replacement that you need and promptly schedule service at a time that works for you.Reach out to Scro’s Roofing today for a free inspection!
