6 Main Causes of Shingle Deterioration

The roof over your head is your home’s first line of defense against exposure to weather. And living in South Texas, you’re sure to be exposed to all types of extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rains and hurricanes.


The unfortunate truth is that weather damage is inevitable. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it is only natural that it will wear and age over time. Harsh weather is the main reason shingles deteriorate sooner than expected, and the following elements are the most common culprit:
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• Rain and ice – Moisture is roof’s number one enemy. It can damage its structure, cause mildew and rot decking, and even damage the insulation. While rain is behind most roof leaks, melting ice often ends up re-freezing and forming ice dams, which block proper drainage of water into the gutter and can result in water backing up under your roofing materials. This can lead to serious structural damage.
  
  
• Sun – The most common roofing enemy, sun blasts your roof with damaging rays and heat causing shingles to break down over time. Thermal expansion, IR radiation and UV light from the sun are to blame for the majority of issues related to sun exposure overtime.
  
  
• Wind – High winds lift, curl, and pull shingles away from the roof, exposing its underpayment and leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage and significant structural deterioration. The corners, the edges of the roof, and the ridge line are especially susceptible to damage from high winds, but the entire roof structure often gets shredded and punctured by flying debris nonetheless.
  
  
• Hail  – Hail can leave dents, dislodging the tiny protective granules that typically protect your home from damaging UV-rays and improve the roof’s water-shedding capabilities. Loss of mineral granules can lead to the asphalt coating and even fiberglass matt being directly exposed to the elements which dramatically reduces the roof shingles life expectancy.
  
  
• Lichen – Moss and algae can cause wood rot and structural damage over time while also discoloring your roof. Lichen doesn’t trap as much water against the surface of the roof as moss, but it can be acidic and has strands that can penetrate into the shingles. Both cause significant damage.
  
  
• Overgrown trees -Tree limbs puncturing your roof can be a serious problem. Leaves that accumulate on your roof can clog your rain gutters and retain moisture. Lack of proper drainage, the presence of water, and excess moisture can cause water to seep into your roofing materials and result in rotting and other damage.