Nailing This Down

Posted on: 25 February 2022

If your residential roof is worn down but isn't near the end of its lifespan yet, you may want a roofing contractor to see what's wrong before your roof starts leaking. Repairs might allow you to get several more years of life, but if you wait too long, you might need to replace your roof sooner than expected. Here are some things that cause an asphalt shingle residential roof to look old before its time.

1. Poor Attic Ventilation

If your attic doesn't have enough ventilation, your asphalt shingles can curl up on the edges or age rapidly. Poor ventilation also allows moisture to build up under the shingles. This can lead to a rotting roof and mold growth. This problem can be prevented by adding more vents to your roof. Attic ventilation normally occurs passively, but it can be helped along if your roofer installs a turbine vent on the roof.

2. Your Roof Has Lost A Lot Of Granules

If your roof has lost a lot of granules all over or just on one side, it makes your roof look old. Granules fall off naturally over time, but they can be knocked off during storms or when tree branches scrape against the roof. A loss of granules could be a serious problem for a residential roof because with the granules gone, there is nothing to protect the shingles from UV rays.

Sometimes, a roofer can add more granules, but if the problem is widespread, they might recommend replacing the roof. Another possible option might be to put a coating over the roof to protect the shingles from further deterioration.

3. Repairs Have Been Neglected

It's best to keep up with roof repairs so you can avoid a roof leak and so your roof doesn't look neglected. If shingles are crooked, cracked, or missing, it makes your roof look ugly. Your roofer can assess the situation and let you know if repairs are possible or if you need a new roof. If the roofer makes repairs, keep an eye on your roof after that so you can repair storm damage if it happens. Keeping up with repairs helps your roof last longer.

4. The Roof Has Hail Damage

Hail leaves behind dark spots on your roof that look like dents or bruises. If your roof is covered in these marks, it can make your roof look aged. More importantly, your roof might start leaking. If the hail damage is recent, talk to your insurance company about replacing your roof. When hail damage covers the whole roof, your insurance company might pay to replace it rather than repair the shingles.

For more information, contact a residential roof contractor near you.