4 Types Of Damage A Roofer Looks For When Inspecting Your Shingle Roof

If you've not had any problems with your roof, years may have passed since a roofer checked your shingles the last time. Even if you don't have a roof leak, it's a good idea to let a roofer check your shingles periodically since your roof can have damage that you're not aware of. That could shorten the life of your roof and put your home at risk of water damage. Here are things roofers look for when checking a shingle roof.

1. Storm Damage

If you have hail in your area occasionally, your roof might have a few dents and bruises from hailstones. This damage may not look serious, but it can lead to a leaky roof. If the damage is recent, your insurance may pay to replace or repair the roof, so your roofer will discuss how to proceed to get your roof fixed before it starts leaking. However, if the damage is old, it may be too late to file an insurance claim.

Other storm damage the roofer may look for is lifted shingles. Strong winds can bend back shingles and that can let rain from future storms get under the roofing. Wind can even blow off shingles or partially blow them off and make the shingles crooked. Your roofer will probably advise making repairs to storm-damaged shingles as soon as you can.

2. Heat Damage

Excessive heat can also damage asphalt shingles. This shows up when shingles start curling on the edges. Any type of shingle damage should be repaired, and this might include putting new shingles on. However, in the case of heat damage, the roofer may also need to improve the circulation in your attic so the underside of your roof stays cooler.

3. Pest Damage

Birds can sometimes take an interest in your roof and cause damage to the shingles or your deck. Animals like rats and raccoons can tear up your roof too. Once holes are in your roof, pests of all kinds can invade your attic, so holes need to be repaired fast to keep out rain and pests. You may need to work with an exterminator to get the pests out of your attic before roof repairs are done to seal up holes.

4. Water Damage

Your roofer also looks for water damage on your roof since water damage needs to be repaired so your roof doesn't rot. Water damage can happen around protrusions, such as a skylight or chimney. It can also happen under damaged shingles. Fixing water damage requires cutting out the rotted deck and replacing it with dry plywood.