CAUSES OF DAMAGED ROOF SHINGLES

damage shingles

A damaged roof can lead to more problems for your home and people living in the house. Every year, many homeowners consult a roofing contractor for roof repairs.  Many factors tend to weaken your roof, and before getting these damages repaired, it is advisable to get them inspected by a contractor. Also, most homeowners ignore the causes of roof damage and this can result to more problems in the future. 

 Here are some common causes of roof damage:

  1. Poor Maintenance – When you ignore regular maintenance and inspection checks on your roof, you will end up facing many problems, leaks, and damages. All the damages can be repaired with low or no cost at the earlier stage, but ignoring the repair can lead to serious damage that will go beyond control.
  2. Hail Damage– A harsh hailstorm can displace the granules from the shingle’s surface which can eventually damage the roof. The granules help to protect the asphalt layer that is present underneath the shingles from the sun’s exposure. Lack of these granules can lead to ultraviolet rays that can quickly attack the asphalt layer.
  3. Wind Damage– Wind can expose the nails, shingles and other roofing materials. When you experience such situations, a little blow of wind tends to lift those loosen shingles which can lead to major damage to the roof. Roof repair occurs due to the hail and wind that bring serious damage to the roof.
  4. Weather conditions– Other weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, humidity, and sun gradually damage your roofs. Chemicals and pollutants present in the air damage the material that is present in the shingles element.
  5. Lack of proper installation– It is essential to get your roof repaired or installed by an experienced roofing contractor. However, this will make a great impact compared to roofs that are not properly installed. Roof repair must be done by a professional.

While some may associate the rustic look of algae, lichen, or moss growing on a roof these roof-clinging pests can cause some serious damage to your roof. Whether you are trying to resell your home or noticing leaks and water damage in your attic, it might be time to deal with these pesky plants.

  1. Algae.  If you are wondering what those weird, dark stains on your roof are, it is most likely a blue-green algae known as gloeocapsa magma. While these algae will not damage your roof or shingles, it may hurt the value of your home. The staining can be an eyesore, and it immediately signals to a potential homeowner that work needs to be done on the roof.

This algae thrives on shady, low-sloped roofing. Because water tends to evaporate slower on these types of roofs, algae set up shop in these damper sections of your roof. But how do the algae get there in the first place?

Algae are airborne, and there is little you can do to prevent the spores from landing on your roof; however, making sure your roof receives adequate sunlight is one step to stopping the algae growth. Another way to prevent algae growth is to hire a licensed roofing contractor to clean off any algae and do roof repairs as needed. This is best done in early winter, as there are few leaves, and the repairs made will prepare you for winter. As far as removing the algae, there is one thing you must avoid at all costs: power washing. If you power wash your roof — unless you have a metal roof — you will strip the aggregates off of the shingles, and possibly destroy the shingles themselves.

2. Moos and Lichen. For all intents and purposes, moss and lichen do the same thing to your roof: hold moisture and, when removed, erode the shingles they were attached to. The biggest difference between these two pesky growths is lichen’s durability. Lichen can survive on your roof for months without any rainfall or water exposure. It is also significantly harder to remove from your roof as it binds to the minerals in the aggregate of your shingles. 

Moss presents a tricky problem for your roof. Not only does it hold moisture and erode the shingles, if it is dislodged, it can clog your gutters. Again, it is important not to power wash moss from your roof; doing so will lead to more harm than good. Instead, try using a flexible leaf rake to remove the moss gently. Lichen, on the other hand, are extremely durable. Like moss, lichen holds moisture wherever they are present. They also can grow underneath your shingles and interfere and push the shingle upwards, dislodging it and preventing it from performing its function.

To remove moss, lichen, and algae from growing on your roof, chemical solutions are some of the most effective. Take special care to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and particulate mask. Also consider washing off plants and grasses near your roof as they may have been exposed to the chemical solution meant to kill moss, lichen, and algae. While chemical solutions aren’t environmentally friendly, and may even erode your shingles, at least you got the stuff off your roof. If you don’t feel comfortable handling the chemicals or being on your roof, contact a trusted, certified roofer to complete your home improvements.

Staying on top of moss, lichen, and algae build up can be stressful. One of the best, long-lasting ways to keep your roof clean of these pests is to install metal flashings or ridges. Be sure to talk to a certified roofing contractor before you do attempt to do this.

Roofs get damaged with time, and as a homeowner, it is your duty to embark on regular maintenance checks to know more about the overall condition of your roof. If you have any problem with your roof, you can contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a trusted roofing service in Winnipeg to help you with your roof repair, contact All Weather Exteriors. All Weather Exteriors is dedicated to making your roofing repairs and modifications the best. From the moment you talk to our team to completing the job, we strive for excellence at every turn. If you need to replace shingles damaged by lichen and moss or are considering redoing your roof with anti-moss and anti-algae shingles, All Weather Exteriors can help you and your roof today. For a quick quote on roof repairs call us at 204 – 510 2959 to learn more.

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