Roof damage is an issue that no one wants to deal with. It makes it easier for bugs and small animals to sneak into your house, but worst of all, you’ll experience a lot of internal water damage if you don’t take care of this issue. However, one thing that many people don’t realize is that there are two main types of roof damage: normal aging, and damage caused by external sources.
Regardless of the type you encounter, you’ll need to remedy the issue. But before that, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re dealing with. That’s why we’re here to review the differences between normal aging and unexpected roof damage.
Signs of an Aging Roof
Other than previously knowing that your roof hasn’t had any work done in a long time, there are a few key signs to tell if the damages it has are simply due to age. These will be most useful to those who recently moved into a new house that they don’t know the history of too well.
Minor Scratches and Bends
The most prominent sign of an old roof is if there are small scratches on it, as well as slight bends and dents in the materials. Over time, your roof isn’t going to remain in perfect condition. High tree branches and gusty winds will slowly break away at the shingles and metal flashing holding your roof together. If these look like they’re starting to fall apart, it’s due to age.
Faded Colors and Deterioration
Another key sign of age is faded colors on your shingles and minor signs of deterioration. While these problems don’t necessarily need immediate action, they are still aspects that call for a professional who specializes in roof repair. These things could be an indication of a much deeper problem.
Signs of a Damaged Roof
The main reason you’ll want to know the differences between an aging roof and a broken one is that a rooftop with damage caused by external sources will cause you much larger problems in a shorter time. If you see these problems, you’ll want to deal with them right away.
Giant Cracks and Dents
If you see any giant cracks or dents across your rooftop, you’ll want to replace those pieces immediately. A bad storm likely broke them, which means a lot of water has already leaked into your home.
Missing Pieces
If breakages like these aren’t dealt with fast enough, it’ll quickly lead to pieces of your roof blowing off and going missing. When this happens, there’s absolutely nothing left to protect the internals of your roof. Immediate action for replacing those parts will be required.