In this article on roof shedding, you’ll find information on the causes, most affected roof types, symptoms of roof shedding, DIY inspection & repair, causal factors, and professionals to call for inspection & repairs.
We’ve also discussed roof shedding vs. damaged roof, prevention tips, and the cost of roof repair. Let’s jump right into it.
Roof Shedding Guide
Also known by several names like roof delamination or degradation, roof shedding is a condition where a roof’s granules (those on its surface) begin to exfoliate or peel up due to constant exposure to the elements.
This happens gradually over time and must be fixed urgently to arrest the deterioration. Failure to do so leads to damage.
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Is Roof Shedding Natural?
As a homeowner, you may be concerned about the state of your building and whether certain conditions, like roof shedding, are natural or artificial.
For the most part, roof shedding can be considered natural as it involves the action of weather elements to which the roof is exposed.
Roofs aren’t designed to last forever, hence their gradual deterioration over time.
Now, roof shedding is supposed to be gradual. Anything outside of this should raise the alarm as artificial causes must be looked into or addressed.
Even natural roof shedding will require periodic maintenance action. The other sections below offer a better idea of the problem and how to fix it.
Causes of Roof Shedding
Whenever roof shedding is observed, it’s primarily due to certain factors, including defective roofing materials and improper installation.
Other causes of roof delamination include infrequent maintenance, extreme weather conditions, high winds, aging, excessive moisture, pest or animal activity, and the location of your property (some areas tend to experience more severe environmental conditions).
Based on these, it’s evident that your roof isn’t immune to natural forces, hence the need to be closely observed or inspected for signs of shedding.
There are basic maintenance actions to take in addressing the problem. Plus, more urgent steps will be needed to find solutions to shedding caused by artificial reasons.
Most Affected Roof Types
In discussing roof shedding, one of the areas we need to focus on is its impact on roof types. In other words, roof shedding won’t have the same effect on all roof types.
Some tend to withstand the weathering effect more than others. That said, roof types most affected by shedding are asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and clay tiles.
For asphalt shingles, temperate climate causes the material to become increasingly brittle. Before long, it begins to give way with particles flaking off.
With wood shake roofs, water damage tends to be the most common cause of its shedding. Under constant exposure to the elements, clay tiles will begin to give way.
This becomes worse when there’s no maintenance.
Symptoms of Roof Shedding
When inspecting your roof for shedding, you must know the common symptoms to look out for. These typically include leaks in the attic, missing granules, and damaged vents.
You may also notice wear and tear signs. While these and other symptoms may be present, you must have a trained eye to inspect the roof.
You may want to consider calling the pros.
DIY Inspection & Repair
Is roof shedding a problem that can be fixed via DIY? It depends on who you ask. For experienced and skilled DIY’ers, this cost-effective approach can help address the issue.
However, persons who aren’t technically inclined are better off having trained roof technicians examine and fix their roofs. Plus, the process of repair is determined by the roof type.
If you’re reading this without prior roof maintenance experience, it’s best to call the pros, as the information here or elsewhere won’t be enough to get the job done.
You need some hands-on experience to get the job done. Your type of roof will also determine what steps to follow to have it fixed.
As an old head, this shouldn’t be a problem as you’ve probably handled similar projects.
Factors Affecting Roof Shedding
When faced with roof shedding, you must understand that contributory factors determine your roof’s condition. Examples include the roof’s orientation.
Here, the side or south-facing slope most exposed to sunlight will likely be the most affected.
The quality of your shingles, thermal cycling, level of maintenance, slope angle, and climate all influence roof shedding.
Professionals to Call for Inspection & Repairs
When roof shedding is noticed, the best approach is to have professionals inspect and perform maintenance work on it.
During maintenance, recommendations will likely be made to forestall damage that may significantly impact the repair cost.
Compared to the DIY approach discussed earlier, this is the most comprehensive technique—research about roof technicians or roofing companies nearby.
Roof Shedding Vs. Damaged Roof
There are times you may be confused about the condition of your roof. During such times, roof shedding may be mistaken for a damaged roof and vice versa.
To know what you’re dealing with, you must understand the differences between the two.
For roof shedding, common symptoms include dark spots, fading color, and compromised waterproofing due to lifted shingles from solid winds.
On the other hand, damage can be detected when things like damaged vents, missing flashing, and sagging roofs are identified. Speaking with a professional is best to ensure your roof’s condition.
Roof Shedding Prevention Tips
Are there ways to prevent roof shedding? There are. These include proper installation of the roof. This is where experienced roof technicians come in handy.
When a problem is observed, it must be attended to urgently. A scheduled annual roof inspection is another way to keep the roof in good working condition.
Roof Shedding Repair Costs
To fix roof shedding, working out the costs is crucial. However, such costs are determined by various factors, including your location and the roof repair company you hire.
Others include the extent of damage and the type(s) of repair to be performed. You’ll have to get multiple quotes to know what it costs to do the job.
We’ve learned so far that roof shedding is a natural condition resulting from aging, the action of the weather, and exposure to the elements.
It calls for periodic inspections and maintenance to keep or prevent significant damage to your roof.
We recommend observing a maintenance routine where roof technicians are brought to inspect and fix any problems noticed.