Roof Aging or Roof Damage: Which Am I Dealing With?

When given proper care and attention, your roof can last for a long time and even reach its maximum expected life span. But because your roof is exposed to various elements on a daily basis, these factors can contribute to a number of roofing issues. If your roof is already past half of its suggested life span, it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether the problems are due to normal wear and tear or roof damage.

In this article, trusted roofing company Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc. discusses the difference between roof aging and roof damage.

Roof Aging

The following symptoms usually indicate roof aging:

• Fading color – Asphalt shingles, especially dark ones, lose their color over time. Fading is often caused by heavy exposure to direct sunlight, but this issue is more of a cosmetic one rather than a problem with the roof’s function or performance.

• Dark spots – Shingles have a layer of granules, which add protection to the roof. These granules eventually fall off as the roof ages, creating darker spots on the shingles where the granules had been.

• Cracks – High winds can lift the edges of roof shingles, leaving the underlying layers exposed to water damage and contributing to the formation of stress cracks.

• Scratches and holes – If there are trees surrounding your home, it’s possible for the branches to poke the shingles and scratch the granules off.

Roof Damage

Below are some of the signs that will tell you your roof has been damaged:

• Missing or damaged flashing – The flashing around your chimney, trim, valleys or skylights could separate — which could result in a leaking roof.

• Sagging roof – This is often caused by improper roof installation or excess weight on your roof system. Make sure to replace your roof as soon as possible.

• Damaged vents – The housing on your roof vents might have cracked, so have this repaired quickly. Make sure to address the root cause of the problem so as to avoid more serious damage in the future.

• Hail damage – The impact from large hailstones can be damaging to your roof. If you notice dents in the flashing surrounding the border of your roof, make sure to call your trusted roofer and insurance company ASAP.

Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc. is a local business that offers top-notch roofing services to residential and commercial clients. We prioritize our clients’ needs, making sure that every solution will serve them in the best way possible. To get an estimate on roof repair cost, call (847) 354-4312 or fill out our contact form.