Difference Between Roof Wear and Tear and Roof Damage

With proper care and maintenance, your asphalt shingle roof can last around 20 years. During those years, your roof and shingles will go through a lot of extreme weather conditions, such as raging windstorms and heavy rainfalls. Eventually, your roof will suffer from the inevitable wear and tear. However, some instances may indicate significant roof damage. 

It is important that you know the difference between natural roof wear and tear, and roof damage. For one thing, your homeowners insurance will be able to cover unexpected roof damage, but not issues caused by wear and tear. 

Roof Wear and Tear

Signs of possible deterioration on your roof may not be an immediate emergency, but it’s best to closely monitor them as your roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan. One example of this is the fading color of your asphalt shingles. If they are in a darker shade, they will likely lose some of their colors over time. This is because of the constant sunlight exposure they had to endure over the years. 

Additionally, sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause your roof to age faster, making it especially vulnerable to wear and tear. For this reason, west- and south-facing roofs age faster because they’re exposed to a lot of sunlight than others. As such, you might want to invest in a roof with reflective properties to reduce heat absorption. 

Dark spots on your shingles are also another good example of natural wear and tear. Roof granules are tiny rocks on shingles that add an extra layer of protection to your roof, but they may fall off naturally due to wind and rain. As the granules fall off, dark spots will form on your shingles where the granules once were. 

Roof Damage

Should you notice any of these signs of roof damage, you might want to contact a professional roofer from your local roofing company. The pros will be able to make the necessary repairs or replacements to keep your roof in perfect condition. For instance, if you have any flashing installed around the walls of your home, separation may be a potential problem. If the flashing opens and closes because of contractors or expansions, it can cause a leak, which may lead to more damage. As such, your roofers might recommend a roof replacement. 

A sagging roof is another telltale sign of roof damage. There are many reasons as to why your roof is drooping, such as improper installation. If you don’t take any action, your roof may eventually collapse, which can be dangerous for you and your family. Be sure to call a pro roofer so they can replace your roof. 

Weather-related problems, such as ice and hail damage, should not be overlooked as well. Ice dams can form on your roof, which may leave you with leaks in your home to deal with. Large-sized hail can also leave dents in the flashing that surrounds the border of your roof. 

If your roof is showing signs of damage, have it inspected by a reputable home improvement company. Thus, get in touch with our roofing contractors at Up and Above Contractors, LLC. Call us today at (973) 531-4225, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Northern New Jersey. We also provide quality roofing services in Sparta, Hackettstown, Wantage, Andover and the surrounding areas.