The roof over your head is your home’s first line of defense when it comes to exposure to sun, rain, snow, wind and other weather elements. And if you live in Delaware or any other East Coast state, you’re sure to be exposed to all types of extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rains, blizzards or hurricanes.
The unfortunate truth is that weather damage is inevitable. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it is only natural that it will wear and age over time.
6 Common Reasons Behind Deterioration of Your Roof
Harsh weather is the main reason shingles deteriorate sooner than expected and the following elements are the most common culprit:
- Rain, snow & ice – Moisture is roof’s enemy #1. It can damage its structure, cause mildew, rot decking and even damage the insulation. While rain is behind most roof leaks, melting snow often ends up re-freezing and forming ice dams, which block proper drainage of water into the gutter and can result in water backing up under your roofing materials. This can lead to serious structural damage.
- Sun – The most common roofing enemy, sun blasts your roof with damaging rays and heat causing shingles to break down over time. Thermal expansion, IR radiation and UV light from the sun are to blame for the majority of issues related to sun exposure overtime.
- Wind – High winds lift, curl, and pull shingles away from the roof exposing its underpayment which can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage and significant structural deterioration. The corners, the edges of the roof, and the ridge line are especially susceptible to damage from high winds, but the entire roof structure often ends up getting shredded and punctured by fling debris nonetheless.
- Hail – Hail can leave dents dislodging the tiny protective granules that typically protect your home from damaging UV-rays and improve the roof’s water-shedding capabilities. Loss of mineral granules can lead to the asphalt coating and even fiberglass matt being directly exposed to the elements which dramatically reduces the roof shingles life expectancy.
- Lichen – Moss and algae can cause wood rot and structural damage over time while also discoloring your roof. Lichen doesn’t trap as much water against the surface of the roof as moss, but it can be acidic and has strands that can penetrate into the shingles both of which can cause significant damage.
- Overgrown trees -Tree limbs can become a serious problem puncturing your roof. Leaves that accumulate on your roof can clog your rain gutters and retain moisture. Lack of proper drainage, the presence of water, and excess moisture can cause water to seep into your roofing materials and result in rotting and other damage.
The Importance of Regular Roofing Inspections
A typical asphalt shingles can be expected to last 20-30 years, depending on what they’re made of, weather conditions, quality of installation and maintenance. To prolong the life of your roof, regular roofing & gutter inspections should be a part of your regular roofing maintenance.
Homeowners can uncover those visible and hidden signs of damage through regular inspections. We recommend that only professional roofers climb up on the roof, so have your roof inspected by a contractor you can trust to provide an honest assessment. Your local roofer will assess the condition of your roof uncovering potential problems and suggesting steps you can take to increase the lifespan of your roof. And if there are any minor repairs that need to be handled, you’ll be glad to have caught them before they caused significant damage.
Homeowners should have their roofs inspected yearly, especially if the roof is 15 years old or older.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today!
Even if your inspection uncovers potential roof damage, it does not necessarily mean that you must re-roof. The age of the roof and the extent of the damage will ultimately determine whether repairs or complete replacement makes more sense.
If it’s been awhile since you had a Delaware roofing contractor look over your home’s roof and gutter systems request a comprehensive roofing inspection from All Roofing Solutions, family owned & operated Delaware roofing contractor with over 20 years of experience. We not only offer thorough roofing inspection and professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked.
Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule your inspection or request your Free Roofing Repair Estimate!