Check Shingles For Signs Of A Bad Roof In Houston, TX
How To Check Your Shingles For Signs Of
A Bad Or Faulty Roof In Houston, TX
Keep Your Home Safe With Regular Roof Inspections
Maintaining a healthy roof is crucial for protecting your home and maintaining its overall value. Over time, factors like age, wind, hail, and extreme weather conditions can cause damage to even the most well-maintained roofs.
For this reason, it’s important to conduct regular inspections in order to detect problems before they become major issues – requiring costly repairs.
One of the best ways to identify potential issues with your roof is by checking the condition of your shingles. Shingles not only protect your home but also contribute to its overall appearance. They also provide insight into the amount of wear and tear your roof is experiencing over time.
Typically, residential shingles last around 20 years, but factors such as local climate conditions can impact their lifespan.
Regularly checking your shingles is essential in detecting issues before they worsen, especially in areas like valleys around skylights, chimneys, and side walls, which are common places for leaks to occur. By taking these steps to inspect your shingles, you can help prolong the lifespan of your roof and save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs.
Cracked, Curling, Or Broken Shingles
As they age, shingles can become cracked or even break off from hail, wind, animals, or general wear and tear. These cracks may allow moisture to enter your home, leading to mold, mildew, and costly repairs. Cracks can also weaken the structure of your roof, making it more vulnerable to high winds and other damage.
Curling occurs when the edges of the shingles start to turn upwards like a wave instead of lying flat across the roof’s surface. Small debris may enter or be forced between eaves and underlayment materials, weakening their bond and even creating holes in the membrane.
If you notice any cracked, curling, or broken shingles on your roof, get them replaced as soon as possible to protect the integrity of your roof. This prompt action will help you avoid any potential water damage.
Bare Spots
If the granules on top of a shingle become loose and start to fall off, your roof is vulnerable to the elements. These granules are part of the asphalt mix and protect shingles from UV rays, wind, rain, hail, and snow. Without them, you’re leaving your roof exposed to potential damage when water seeps into the layers below, leading to rot and leaks.
Bare spots will also be more susceptible to UV light, which can cause the asphalt material underneath to dry out and crack. While it’s normal for a roof to experience some granule loss over the years, you should keep an eye on these bare spots and take action if they become too prominent.
Algae And Moss Growth
Algae and moss can grow on the surface of your shingles and lead to discoloration. Not only do they detract from the aesthetics of your home, but they can also cause your shingles to wear prematurely and deteriorate faster. Algae and moss can inhibit drainage, allowing moisture to accumulate under the shingles, leading to water damage inside the home.
Additionally, algae and moss hold moisture, providing an ideal environment for other organisms, such as insects or bacteria. If you notice any growth on your shingles, remove it quickly and consider applying moss-resistant coatings.
Buckling Shingles
Buckling happens when shingles appear “bumped up” between the fasteners. Improper installation or a roof deck that’s not correctly ventilated and is holding too much moisture can cause buckling. In both these cases, delaying roof replacement or repair could significantly increase the cost of repairs later.
Granules In The Gutter
The gutters around your house usually accumulate leaves, dirt, and other debris. However, if the gutters collect too many granules from the shingles, it might be time to check your roof.
Granule loss is normal over time, but larger amounts may mean your roof is aging. Act fast before the asphalt disintegrates further.
Bruised Or Blistered Shingles
When hail, rocks, or debris are hurled at your shingles with high velocity, they may become bruised. These bruises appear as concave dents of a darker color than the surrounding shingles and often contain granules from the shingle itself. This can compromise the strength of your roof and make it more vulnerable to storm damage.
On the other hand, the blistering of shingles can be caused by natural aging, excessive heat, poor ventilation, or faulty installation. Unlike bruises, shingle blisters typically have a loss of granules in a confined area, exposing the underlayment underneath.
Blistering can lead to leaks and water damage, so look for a licensed roofer in your area and get your roof inspected immediately.
A regular, detailed, and honest assessment of your roof and its shingles is essential in averting potential damage. Inspecting your shingles at least once a year, allows you to catch any issues early on, saving time and money.
Get Professional Help For Checking Your Shingles
From Houston Roofing & Construction
Houston Roofing & Construction is an RCAT-licensed, GAF Elite Certified contractor with a BBB A+ rating, serving Houston and the surrounding areas.
Our in-house project managers will guide you through the process and ensure the best results with a 4-layered quality control system.
Contact Houston Roofing and Construction at (832) 237–3737 for a free inspection and estimate.