Shingle roofing is subject to different types of damage depending on where you live in the country. In Utah, we have found that the most likely culprits that cause damage that needs to be repaired are the following five.
- Holes – Holes can be made in shingles by things like overhanging tree branches, wind-thrown rocks and sticks, and even nails that have been improperly placed. In order to fix minor holes, it normally only requires replacing a tile or two but a hole left un-repaired will eventually become larger and create major problems.
- Flashing – Whether the flashing is on the edges of the roof or near ducts or the chimney, it is subject to wear and tear. The most often cause of leaks is simply aging. Over time, the cement holding the flashing in place dries out and comes loose. Other things that may cause damage are storms or holes created with roofing nails when the rest of the roof is being finished. In the case of the chimney or duct flashing, the vents may become worn or the chimney joints may deteriorate, causing gaps that need to be filled.
- Animals – Birds and squirrels are the biggest culprits when it comes to critters destroying roof shingles but they aren’t the only ones. Animals looking for a warm home may chew at shingles or find a loose spot and eventually tear the shingle right off. Making sure you have some kind of deterrent on the roof will go a long way to helping you avoid damage from gnawing teeth.
- Pooling Water – Your roof needs to be able to allow water to run off it in order to keep the shingles from rotting. Creating a slope of some sort will allow the water to run off and into the gutters rather than allowing it to sit up there and eventually cause rotting shingles. Rotting shingles that deteriorate will allow the water to seep under good shingles, eventually damaging not only those but the roof underneath.
- Lack of Maintenance – A roof isn’t something you can simply install then ignore completely. Weather causes the materials to expand and contract, causing cracks and gaps. Wind can loosen shingles, animals wander onto the roof, or tree branches and other debris fall onto the roof and create holes and gouges. It is necessary to give your roof an annual examination to make sure you catch any issues before they become major problems.
VertexRoofingSLC.com understands roof shingles Salt Lake City residents have been coming to us for years asking for advice and help in getting their roofs in the best shape possible. The above five causes of damage are the ones we find the most often. Hopefully, this will save you both time and money. Contact us with any questions and we will be glad to help.
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