Worn or Damaged Shingles
June 4, 2019
Common Cause of Damaged Roof Shingles
Even a top quality, perfectly installed roof wears over time and becomes damaged. Particularly in Toronto and the GTA where our climate undergoes a number of changes throughout any given calendar year, roof shingles are always expanding and contracting as a response to temperature fluctuations. Over time, this leads to wear and damage.
Regular Checks
Even if you haven’t directly encountered a problem with your roof, you should conduct a yearly roof inspection to make sure there are no issues that have gone unnoticed. By regularly checking your roof, you also prevent larger problems from occurring because you’re in a better position to catch potential issues before they cause significant damage.
What to Look For
Pull out a pair of binoculars and inspect the outside of your roof for:
- Missing shingles or tiles
- Buckling shingles
- Shingles that appear to be wavy (not lying flat)
- Voids in your flashing
- Curling shingles
- Granular shingle wear (small stones missing from the surface of your shingles)
Ask yourself how long it has been since you re-roofed your home. If you think it may be time, call a professional roofing company for an assessment.
Is it Normal Wear, or Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof Shingles?
Roof shingle repair is predicated any several aspects that affect the overall performance of the shingles. Some instances come from weather and others from natural disasters like high winds or hailstorms that cause damage to the shingles. When that happens, they demand replacement for the good health of the roof. In other circumstances, age is the other consequence, and as we know, Father Time is undefeated. Let’s look at some of the reasons for shingle degradation and whether it falls in the area of repairs or general wear and tear.
Fading Colour is Normal Wear
If you see that the shingles on your roof have faded – from a colour standpoint – know that this is part of the ageing process. UV rays will beat down on a roof and cause the shingles to fade due to the intense exposure of the rays. This is a cosmetic problem as the shingles might look like they are failing, but in reality, this is just part of the process; however, if you see your shingles fading, keep an eye on them as they are likely to be reaching the end of their life cycle.
Dark Spots Are Normal
When you see dark spots on your shingles, it means that the granules that add an extra layer of protection to your roof are falling off. There are many causes for this situation, but in reality, it means that the security your roof once enjoyed is becoming limited. This is another facet of the ageing cycle for shingles and shouldn’t cause alarm if it is small sections of the roof where this process is occurring. Suppose you see many areas that look like that. Call a roofing contractor immediately as your roof is fading quickly and will need help right away.
Cracked Or Lifting & Curling Shingles Require Repair
When you see that your shingles have cracked, curled or begin lifting from where they were installed, you know that a roof repair is in your immediate future. The sight of damage to the shingles can’t be ignored – the causes are many – but the result is the same, the need for a qualified roofing contractor. Your roof will become susceptible to water leaks when the shingles are less than 100 percent, and that means bigger expenses down the line if the situation isn’t dealt with promptly. Cracked shingles are the nemesis of any roof – they allow water to make an entry into the system without notice until it is too late. When you find that your roofing suffers from any of the above-mentioned conditions, get help right away.
Moss Growth Requires Replacement
Moss on the roof may have a decorative feel to it, but it’s a big problem for any roofing system. Moss will hold water on your roof, and that impairs your roof’s ability to perform. Remember that shingles are designed to move water to the drainage system, and water on the roof will spur mildew and mould growth. If your home is located in an area with foliage or deciduous trees, it could be the petri dish for bacteria growth that impacts your roof. When you see this problem transpiring on the roof, you know you need to replace the shingles. To mitigate the problem, keep the trees trimmed to prevent bacterial growth on your roof.
Roof Shingle Repair and Replacement
Integrity Roofers deals with all types of shingles including slate tiles, cedar shakes, asphalt composite shingles, and many more. Whether your roof requires a simple shingle repair or a complete replacement, we have the qualified team to perform high-quality work at fair prices.