4 Little-Known Facts Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Roofing Repair
Owning a home is no joke. You need to understand how your home's various mechanical systems work, how to maintain them properly, and when to call in the experts for repairs. Luckily, knowing when your residential roofing needs to be repaired or replaced is a fairly easy task if you know a few facts.
1. Asphalt shingles are supposed to lie flat.
Asphalt shingles are soft and pliable when they are first manufactured. They are meant to lie flat and hug your roof when they are installed. As they age, however, they dry out and become brittle. When you notice the edges start to curl up, it is a sign that your roof is aging and may need to be repaired or replaced soon. If left unattended, the edges will eventually break off, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements.
2. Missing shingles are not normal wear and tear.
The 2018 International Building Code dictates that shingles are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 115 mph. In other words, unless you have recently survived a Category 3 hurricane, you should not notice any missing shingles on your roof.
If you are missing shingles, however, you need to call a residential roofing repair company to take a closer look. Your shingles could be past their life expectancy and too brittle to stay put during a windy day.
3. Gravel indicates you need residential roofing repair services.
Another little-known fact about asphalt shingles is that they are coated in a gravel-like material at the factory. This substance helps make them strong and helps them protect your home from the weather. As they age, however, the rain, snow, sleet, and even hail that pummel your home's roof over the years cause the gravel to wear off.
Taking a cursory glance in your home's gutters and in the splashguard beneath the downspout on a regular basis will help you to stay informed on the status of your shingles. When you start to notice gravel in them, it is a strong indication that your roof will need to be replaced soon.
4. Trees need to be trimmed or removed.
The gravel-like finish of your shingles can also be worn off due to trees and tree branches in close proximity to your roof. Even a gentle breeze can cause a tree branch to rub your roof and cause damage. Keeping your trees trimmed back and relocating trees that are too close to your roof can go a long way towards the health of your roof.
Keeping the above points in mind is helpful in determining the health of your roof and when to call in a residential roofing repair professional.