Your home’s roof provides an essential service in protecting your home and belongings from the harsh weather. But because it is out of sight, it can be easy to forget about the beating it takes from sunlight, wind, rain, and other harsh environmental conditions. So it is a complete shock when you walk out into your yard and find a few pieces of shingle lying on the ground. You had no idea there was an issue with your roof. But now you are concerned that there could be a roof leak.

Typically, a shingle roof will last for twenty or more years. But that estimate assumes that the roof shingles get regular care and maintenance. Without regular roof inspections by a trained professional, a minor issue can turn into a problem that will decrease the life of your shingle roof by years. Proper care and maintenance for your roof all begin with knowing what will cause it to deteriorate and how to avoid these costly situations.

The 6 Common Causes Of Shingle Deterioration

1. Moisture is the number one nemesis of any shingle roof. Rain, ice, and snow are all harmful if they seep in and create a layer of moisture under the singles. In cold climates, ice dams form that force the moisture under the shingles and promote mildew and rot. Even in warmer temperatures, excessive rain can also weep under the singles and facilitate rot.
2. Sun blasting your roof with its harsh UV rays is also a detriment. The radiant heat causes thermal expansion and softens the singles. The gaps the thermal expansion creates are perfect for the next storm to attack and create moisture damage.
3. Wind can lift, bend, and curl shingles exposing the seams and joints that should have been covered. After years in the scorching sun, the shingles are softer and more prone to damage from heavy wind. The edges, corners, and ridgeline of a roof are always the most susceptible to wind damage because of their increased exposure.
4. Hail will leave small dents and damage the granular protective coating on the singles. Once that coating is damaged, the shingles will deteriorate more rapidly when faced with UV rays, rain, and wind. Discovering shingle granules in your gutters or on the ground at the edge of your house is a sign that you need to call a professional roofer for a roof inspection before there is more costly damage.
5. Moss is not something that most people think of when they are considering roofing issues. However, when there is excessive moisture on a roof, you will see moss, algae, and lichen, all of which are damaging to the shingles’ surface. These fungi trap water on the shingle’s surface and can even penetrate the surface with acidic strands similar to plant roots.
6. Poorly maintained trees are also a significant problem for your roof. The branches can rub, gouge, and puncture the shingle surface to create damage that will allow moisture to penetrate the surface and promote rot. The falling leaves can also clog gutters and create added moisture issues at the edge of the roof.

The essential information for homeowners is that most roofing issues can be repaired when caught early. However, if the problem continues, the damage will become excessive and require a roof replacement. The only way to avoid this costly mistake is with regular roof inspections from the Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding team. So call (251) 250-2466 today and know that a highly trained professional will evaluate your Mobile roof and provide you with a detailed report of any damage that needs to be repaired and a price quote to complete the work.