Check Shingles For Signs Of A Bad Roof
Spot Signs Of Roofing Damage By Looking At
The Shingles On Your Malvern Home
How The Material Of Your Roof Can Reveal Damages
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your Malvern home, protecting you and your family from the elements. Functional materials ensure water won’t seep into the interior of your Chester County property, potentially leading to costly and dangerous problems.
Over time, your roof can sustain damage from various factors, including weather, age, and wear and tear.
Checking your shingles regularly for signs of damage can help you catch issues early and prevent the damage from spreading.
In this article, we’ll explore common signs of residential asphalt roofing deterioration to look out for and what to do if you notice these issues at your home.
Types Of Roofing Damage
There are several kinds of events that cause damage to your home’s exterior, and each one presents a little differently.
Hail Damage
Hail damage occurs most often in areas with severe weather conditions. When hailstones hit your roofing system, they can leave dents, cracks, and punctures in the shingles, compromising the structural integrity.
Despite common beliefs, even smaller hailstones can cause significant damage to your roof over time. The impact weakens the asphalt, leading to vulnerabilities.
Hail damage can also cause granule loss, exposing the shingles to UV radiation and early deterioration.
If left unchecked, hail damage can cause leaks, drafts, and pest infestations in your Malvern home. It’s crucial to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your system after a severe storm to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action regarding repairs and replacements.
Wind Damage
High winds can rip off shingles, causing structural damage and missing materials. These gaps allow elements and moisture to enter the attic, leading to mold growth and infestations.
Wind damage can leave your roof vulnerable to further damage, especially if the issues are not fixed promptly. Even a tiny hole or crack can allow water to seep into the home, deteriorating walls, ceilings, and floors.
If shingles blow off, the gaps can compromise the roof’s ability to protect your furniture and personal belongings inside your Malvern home. This may require expensive replacement costs.
Water Damage
Water damage occurs from heavy rainfall, melting snow, clogged gutters, or missing shingles. When moisture penetrates your residential asphalt roofing, it can lead to mold growth, mildew, algae, and ceiling discoloration.
Exterior water penetration can cause wood rot, weakening structural integrity and leading to a premature replacement.
Signs Of Damaged Roofing On Shingles
Shingles can offer reasonable indications that your roofing may need a renovation to remain secure and protective.
Dents, Cracks, & Punctures
These specific damages typically occur with severe hail storms or prolonged sun exposure.
To tell if your shingles have dents, cracks, or punctures, you will need a trained roofing specialist to inspect for these damages as they typically cannot be seen from the ground.
They will look for hail impacts, or cracks in the shingle matting, signs of holes or missing pieces on the surface of the shingles. They will also inspect the gutters for any granules washed away in your drainage system.
Granule Loss Or Discoloration
Granules are the small, sand-like particles on the surface of asphalt shingles. These components protect the asphalt from UV rays and create a weather-resistant shield for your roofing system.
Granule loss occurs when the shingles start to shed due to aging or exposure to harsh weather conditions. This event can create vulnerabilities that cause damage and reduce aesthetic appeal.
Discoloration on shingles can also be a sign of damage, typically stemming from severe water infiltration and sopping ceiling material.
Check your gutters for pieces of sand in the transported water to tell if your shingles are losing granules. You’ll notice discoloration on your interior ceiling in blue, green, or black tones, and there may be a foul smell accompanying it from mold growth.
Curling Or Buckling
Curling is when the edges of your shingles lift, exposing the underlayment and decking below.
Buckling presents as bumps in the boards where the air is trapped underneath the asphalt.
You can visually inspect your roof from the ground and look for raised pieces of roofing that may indicate these damages.
If you suspect your asphalt shingles are curling or buckling, having a professional local Malvern contractor inspect your roofing is essential. They can assess the extent of deterioration and guide you on the best course of action to repair or replace your roof.
What To Do If You Notice Roofing Damage
If you inspect your property and realize your shingles are experiencing any of these signs, you should do all of the following:
- Document Everything: Before you do anything, take out your phone camera and capture pictures of all the damage. This will help in several circumstances, from insurance claims to explaining the project to your contractors.
- Do Your Research: Look up various local roofing companies and compare reviews, portfolios, and what makes them stand out.
- Consider Financing: Roof replacements and repairs have financing options, including traditional loans, in-house financing, and credit cards. Each one has benefits and disadvantages.
- Check For Warranties: When you have a set of roof contractors you’re choosing from, look at each one’s warranties. Do they protect you against repair costs in the future? Do they last at least five years?
Hire One Of Malvern’s Most Trusted, Reliable Roofing Companies
At Best Contracting, we value your satisfaction with your roofing results. Our team of licensed experts offers a transparent, customer-centric approach with your input at all parts of the project.
Contact us or call us today at (717) 283-4524, and we’ll ensure all of your shingle damage is resolved so you can feel comfortable in your home!
