Ready to take your home maintenance game up a notch? Roof shedding is a concept you should know about. What is it? Don’t worry—we’ll get to the bottom of it.
Let’s start with the basics: Roof shedding is the peeling of the outer part of the roof due to built-up dirt, leaves, and other debris that accumulates over time and can cause damage.
The goal is to protect your roof from further harm in the future so that you can enjoy all the benefits (and confidence) of a solid roof for years to come.
We’ve compiled this complete guide on roof shedding and what to consider when taking a vital step in home maintenance.
Read on to learn more!
What is Roof Shedding, and Why is it Important?
Roof shedding is a common problem for homeowners and involves water pooling on your roof and then shedding from its surface due to poor drainage or worn-down shingles.
When this happens, you may end up dealing with costly damage to your home’s foundation, exterior walls, ceiling, and other home areas. That’s why it’s essential to prevent or stop roof shedding as soon as possible.
The key to avoiding roof shedding is ensuring that your roof is installed correctly and maintained to drain the water away from your home effectively. Having a roof cricket between two gables can help prevent roof shedding.
You should also ensure that the shingles are in good condition—if they’re damaged or missing pieces, they won’t be able to provide the necessary protection against water damage.
Additionally, you should check for any clogged gutters or downspouts preventing water from draining correctly.
Taking these steps now can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Different Types of Roofs Prone to Shedding
If you’re wondering what kind of roofs are more susceptible to shedding, there are some factors to consider.
Certain roofs can be more prone to shedding—depending on the climate and how your roof is constructed.
Let’s take a look at which types of roofs can be more prone to shedding:
- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are North America’s most common roofing material. This material ages faster in cold climates and can become brittle over time, which may cause it to shed more quickly.
- Clay tiles have existed for centuries and are still an esthetically attractive choice for many homes. Unfortunately, these tiles typically require a little extra care when it comes to maintenance, as they’re known for cracking or flaking off due to exposure over time.
- Wood shake: Wood shake roofs need much maintenance and care to avoid excessive shedding. They will require regular cleaning, staining, and sealing to last longer and resist water damage from the elements.
These are just a few roofs that may shed more accessible than others. Ultimately, the type of roof you have installed will depend on your location and desired esthetic.
Common Causes of Roof Shedding
You might not know this, but roof shedding is quite common. Various factors, including poor structural design, defective materials, extreme temperatures, moisture exposure, and inadequate maintenance, cause it.
Here are the most common causes of roof shedding:
- Improperly Installed Roof: If your roof is not installed correctly, constructed incorrectly using the wrong materials, or failed to follow standard building codes. It will not have sufficient support, leading to roof sections breaking away from the structure. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to make sure that your roof is installed correctly.
- Defective Materials: Low-quality or defective materials may cause premature shedding of the roofing material in certain areas of the roof.
- Extreme Temperatures: Roofs that experience extreme hot and cold temperatures can cause damage to the shingles leading to premature shedding in certain areas of the roof.
- Moisture: Prolonged moisture can cause the shingles on a roof to become saturated, leading to premature failure and shedding in certain roof parts.
- Inadequate Maintenance: An inadequate level of maintenance can cause premature failure and shed in certain roof areas due to debris build-up and debris damage over time.
Diagnosing Roof Shedding Issues
So what does roof shedding mean exactly? Well, roof shedding is a term used to describe any roof structure that is either loose or missing some of its material.
This can happen when wind, rain, and snow take a toll on the roof and cause portions of it to peel away or loosen. It can also be caused by poor installation or incorrect materials being used.
Diagnosing roof-shedding issues isn’t rocket science but requires attention and expertise. Here are just a few key things to look for when identifying a roof-shedding issue:
- Cracked shingles
- Missing granules
- Signs of wear and tear
- Loose flashing
- Blown off vents
- Leaks in the attic
If you suspect your roof is suffering from shedding, be sure to get it inspected immediately by a professional specializing in this type of repair.
They’ll be able to identify any underlying issues and recommend the right solutions for restoring your roof’s integrity.
Prevention & Maintenance Tips for Avoiding Roof Shedding
You can do several things to prevent roof shedding, starting with maintenance. To keep your roof in tip-top shape, here are some tips to follow:
- Regularly inspect your roof. You should inspect your roof at least twice a year—ideally in the fall and spring—to check for missing or damaged shingles and other signs of wear and tear.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and well-maintained. Gutters clogged with leaves, dirt, or other debris can cause water to accumulate on the roof, leading to premature wearing and shedding of shingles.
- Use quality materials for your roofing project. Investing in quality materials is well worth it in the long run because they tend to hold up better against inclement weather conditions and shed less over time than cheaper alternatives.
- Utilize protective sealers or coatings on your roof every few years. These coatings help protect the surface from UV damage, which can be a factor in the premature shedding of shingles, especially if you don’t get enough shade on your roof from trees or other landscaping features.
- Trim Trees & Vines Nearby: Tree branches and vines hanging over your roof can lead to shingle damage, so trim any trees if necessary.
- Add Insulation: Insulation helps regulate the temperature in your home, making it more energy efficient and reducing wear and tear on your roof.
- Adding a roof Cricket: Installing a roof cricket between two gables provides extra stability and protection against strong winds that might otherwise cause damage to the roof structure.
Determining the Best Course of Action to Fix Roof Shedding
So, now you know what roof shedding is; you probably want to know the best course of action to solve any issues.
Since incorrect installation or maintenance techniques often cause roof shedding, the first step should be to check your installation and maintenance techniques – and see if this is the root cause of the issue.
If not, then you’re looking at a few different options:
- Repairing existing tiles (this can be done with a simple dusting or re-sanding)
- Replacing damaged tiles (you’ll need to source the same type of tile if possible!)
- Installing additional flashing for enhanced waterproofing
- Replacing entire sections of roofing material
- Installing a new roof altogether
Which option you choose will depend on the extent of damage present and the best way to fix it with minimal impact on your budget, as well as your time and energy!
If in doubt, have a qualified contractor come and assess – they’ll be able to give you professional advice on the best option available for your situation.
Conclusion
Roof shedding can happen to any building and cause moisture damage and other structural problems.
If you think your structure is shedding, it’s essential to contact a professional as soon as possible to inspect the roof and determine if this is the best solution for your building.
Not all roofs encounter roof shedding; it can depend on the age of your building and the climate in which it is located.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do with your building, it’s better to be safe and contact a professional to inspect the roof and provide the right advice and solutions.
