Important Tips Homeowners Can Use To Extend The Lifespan Of Their Shingled Roof
Posted on: 11 June 2021
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Composite shingles, often manufactured with a combination of asphalt and fiber cement, continue to be one of the most commonly used roofing materials in the nation. Durable and cost-efficient, composite shingles are also known for providing an attractive appearance that fits well with many existing subdivisions and homeowner associations (HOA).
Because the roof is an integral component in stabilizing the home's structure and providing protection from the elements, learning to watch for clues of developing roof condition issues is an important goal. If you are a homeowner, the following tips can help you spot potential roofing problems and offer you safe solutions for addressing them.
When a storm has occurred
Storms that include high winds or hail can damage roofing shingles, yet leave homeowners unaware of the problem until weeks or months later when a leak is noted inside the home. When high winds tear away one or more shingles, homeowners are more apt to quickly note the damage and arrange for a roofing contractor to inspect the roof and complete any needed repairs. Unfortunately, storms pass quickly, and if they occur during the hours when the home is unoccupied, homeowners may not know that hailstones or blowing debris may have impacted the shingled surface during the height of the storm.
Homeowners who hear reports of hailstone activity from neighbors or see downed tree limbs and other debris near their home should consider speaking with their home insurance provider. The insurance company can place a dated notation in the homeowner's file to ensure that any damage found later is correctly attributed to the storm. It is also wise for the homeowner to schedule a roofing condition assessment with a trusted residential roofing contractor in this situation.
When moss or debris collects
Those who own homes with shingled roofs should also be watchful for any signs that dust and debris are collecting or moss is growing on the surfaces of their roof. When dust and organic debris, such as leaves and pollen, settle and collect on the surface of the roof, these materials form an absorbent blanket-like mass that creates heat, much like a compost pile.
The hot, moist conditions quickly begin to soften and degrade the surfaces of the roof's shingles. If not cleared away on a regular basis, severe damage to the shingles can develop and water can begin to leak into the home.
Homeowners who note debris, moss growth, or other visual changes to their home's roof should discuss the problem with a reputable roofing contractor as soon as possible. In addition to safely cleaning the surface of the shingles, the roofing contractor will be able to determine if any damage has occurred and how it will need to be addressed.