What are the Visual Signs of Wear and Tear on a Roof?
The roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Over time, even the best-built roofs can show signs of wear and tear. To prevent this damage from developing into more serious problems, it is important to identify and remedy it quickly. Here are the visual signs of wear and tear that you should be aware of.
Broken or Missing Shingles
Placed on the surface of the roof, shingles are often the first to suffer the effects of time and wear and tear. Snow removal or strong winds can cause shingles to break, and sometimes we can see shingles that have completely peeled off and are missing. Shingle breakage should never be taken lightly: this wear and tear problem exposes the membrane and puts your roof at greater risk of infiltration.
Sagging Roof
Visible sagging of the roof is a serious sign of wear and tear. It usually means that your roof structure is damaged or worn. Sagging can be caused by:
- Moisture build-up that has caused plywood boards to rot
- Aging wood
- The weight of snow and ice on the roof
- The presence of wood-feeding insects
- Etc.
Sagging may be visible to the naked eye when observing the covering. Sometimes it's best to stand back and observe the change; if in doubt, look at your roof from across the street and notice if the lines don't seem straight.
Granules in the Gutters
Shingles are covered with a large quantity of granules, which protect them from UV rays and keep them in good condition for longer. Aging shingles can cause a loss of granules; if your roof is newer, this could also be caused by physical damage.
If, when inspecting or cleaning your gutters, you notice a black sand-like substance, it's called granules. Even if your roof still appears to be in good condition, the loss of granules is often an early sign of wear on the shingles, which could then harden or age prematurely.
Curling and Waviness
When inspecting your roof, look for wave-like deformation, usually following the slope of the roof. These are waves, most often caused by a deformation in the roof support.
As for curling, you'll recognize it when you see curved shingles with bottom corners bent downwards. This type of wear is often caused by poorly adhering adhesive tape or a manufacturing defect. It could also be caused by the swelling and shrinking of the structural wood planks.
In all cases, the covering becomes more vulnerable to waviness and curling.
Cracking
Cracking is a classic sign of aging and deterioration. In fact, as asphalt ages, it hardens and the granules break away. The result is fine cracks in the shingles. Cracked areas can sometimes be repaired. Cracked shingles, on the other hand, usually indicate that shingles are at the end of their life, and replacement of the covering is recommended.
Lifted Edges
When you look at your roof, do you notice that only the edges of the shingles are lifted? This represents another common sign of wear and tear. Sometimes the problem is simply a matter of adhesion.
Other times, you need to inspect a little further: lifted edges may result from poorly ventilated attics causing excess humidity, or poor ventilation, which causes the covering to overheat. This in turn exposes the lower layers to external weather conditions.
Water or Mould Stains
When inspecting the roof, look out for any abnormally colored stains. You may find water stains, but also algae or mould. Brownish or blackish stains often indicate the presence of algae.
Mould can appear as stains, but also as moss and fungus. Water stains can also appear, and you may notice that some shingles are darker than others.
Gutters in Poor Condition
When we think of roof wear and tear, we often think of the shingles and membrane. But gutters are just as important to inspect. After all, worn gutters can leak or block, causing infiltration into the structure.
A leaking gutter may be split, pierced or have faulty joints. To find out if your gutter is in good condition, start by cleaning it, then hose it down. You'll then be able to detect any leaks.
Inside: Infiltration or Abnormal Light
Visual signs of a worn roof aren't always found on the roof! Sometimes, inspecting the attic or roof space can open your eyes to unsuspected roofing problems. When a roof is in poor condition, you may notice leaks, signs of water infiltration or even water damage. A stained ceiling or sagging structure are, once again, telling signs of a roof in poor condition.
When you enter the attic, do you notice any lights that shouldn't be there? Beams of light can result from missing or damaged shingles. Remember, if light can enter through the roof, so can water...
Inspection or Repair:
Call Couv-Toit
Recognizing visual signs of wear and tear early on is important for preserving your roof and your home. Light wear may seem harmless, but it can have a major impact in the long term!
At Couv-Toit, we take care of the inspection, maintenance and repair of your roof. We carry out a complete assessment of your roof and its components to identify the source of any anomaly and provide a lasting solution. For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact us today.