Roofs are constantly exposed to normal wear, as well as damage caused by external forces like high winds. While you, as a homeowner, are not expected to fix your roof yourself, knowing the difference can be helpful when you need to make crucial roof repair decisions. In today’s post, local roofing contractor Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc. shares a quick guide to identifying the differences between roofing wear and damage.
Normal Wear
Roofing wear is the result of long and continuous exposure to changes in the weather. The key thing to remember here is that wear happens for a long time, whereas damage is something that can happen relatively suddenly. The inevitability of roofing wear is the reason why it’s usually not covered by homeowners’ insurance. The following are some of the common roofing problems caused by wear:
Granule loss. Asphalt shingle roofs are covered by a layer of granules embedded into the asphalt. Years of exposure to UV radiation causes gradual loss of adhesion, resulting in the granules coming loose from the shingles. Over time, this results in “balding” shingles, where the asphalt layer becomes exposed.
Outer layer deterioration. Sheet metal roofs are protected by an outer coating similar to paint. Years of exposure to heat and UV radiation causes deterioration that results in blistering, cracking, and peeling of the outer coating, which would expose the bare metal layer to corrosion. If you search online for a “roofer near me,” many offer metal roofing repair services that may be able to fix such issues without replacing the entire roof.
Damaged Roofing
Roofing damage can be caused by suddenly-occurring events like storms or high winds. The repair work for damage is generally covered by homeowners’ insurance. The following are some of the most common examples of roofing damage.
Dents or cracks. Dents or cracks on the roof are typically caused by impact from airborne debris or hailstones. High winds may also cause stress on roofing components, which can happen even on a clear day. This is why regular roofing inspections are important — the sooner dents or cracks are spotted and repaired, the lower the risks of further damage.
Rot. Moisture infiltration can cause roofing components like decking and framing to rot. It’s not as noticeable as impact damage, which means it can spread sight unseen until signs of severe damage such as leaks are detected.
Searching online for a “roofing company near me”? Call Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc. at (865) 432-0387. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Knoxville and the surrounding communities.