5 Causes Of Shingle Degradation

Degraded shingles can curl, loose their surface gravel protection, and eventually break apart completely. Knowing the causes of degradation can help you spot issues and take steps to repair the roof. 

1. Hail Damage

Hail storms cause roof damage that isn't always immediately visible. The hail strikes compress the shingles and knock off the weatherproofing granules. This results in increased UV damage and moisture absorption, which speeds up the deterioration of the shingles. You may be able to spot hail damage by checking your shingles for shiny spots or the gutters for the gravel granules that come off the damaged shingles.

2. Flashing Failure

Flashing seals rooftop penetrations, like the chimney and vent stacks, to the shingles so that water doesn't leak at the joints. If the flashing begins to fail, such as by developing pinprick leaks or peeling up, water can seep beneath it. This water can then leak under the shingles through the joint, causing them to deteriorate from the underside. You may not notice the issue until there is an interior leak or the shingles are so damaged they pull up.

3. Roof Moss

Moss on the roof can look charming, but it acts like a sponge that absorbs moisture from the air, dew, and rain. This moisture sits right up against the shingle, where over time it can begin to break down the surface waterproofing. The shingles will eventually begin to deteriorate, which means they will begin to develop leaks and the edges will curl up and break the watertight seal.

4. Poor Ventilation

If a roof doesn't ventilate the trapped moisture and heat in the attic properly, it can actually lead to shingle damages. The trapped heat raises the temperature of the shingles, and the underside is not typically designed for high heat gain. Moisture in the attic can also be absorbed by the roof sheathing panels, which can then be transferred to the underside of the shingles. Poorly ventilated roofs are more prone to ice dams, as well, which can damage and deteriorate shingles. 

5. Sun Exposure

Although shingles are made to be exposed to the elements, including the sun, over time the constant barrage of UV light will causes the shingles to deteriorate and break down. This issue is worse in some climates where long, clear summer weather maximizes UV levels. You can slow the process down by choosing UV resistant shingles. There are also treatments that can be applied to help prolong the UV resistance. 

Contact a residential roofing repair service such as New Roof if you suspect that shingle degradation is affecting your roof. 

About Me

Roofers Keep You Safe

If you were asked to list professions that focus on safety, which ones would come to mind first? Most people would name police officers, firefighters, and perhaps forest rangers. But what about roofers? They may not seem like the most likely of answers, but think about it. Roofers put roofs on your home, and roofs definitely keep you safe. Your roof protects you from storms. It protects you from tree branches. It even protects you from the scorching hot rays of the summer sun! So, there you have it — roofers keep you safe! We are excited to write more about roofers on this blog.

Search

Categories

Archive

Latest Posts

17 October 2024
Maintaining the roof of your home is crucial to its longevity and your family’s safety. While many homeowners may overlook routine roof maintenance, t

1 October 2024
Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. It protects you and your family from the elements and keeps your belongings safe. So w

17 September 2024
When it comes to remodeling your home, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the roof. Your roof not only is a protective shield for your h

Tags