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How To Know When Your Shingle Roof Needs Replacing

Shingle roofs have a wonderful aesthetic value to them, but aside from being one of the most attractive roofing options, they also tend to be one of the most high-maintenance. In order to keep your shingle roof looking great, you need to have it serviced regularly and repaired as needed. But what does that entail?

 

#1 Curling Shingles

If you have noticed clawing or curling shingles on your roof, this is a sign that your roof system is aging and also has been exposed to excessive heat over time. These curled/clawing shingles are extra susceptible to being uplifted by the wind. Ice can cause big damage to your roof if curling shingles are present.

With time, shingles grow rigid. They’ll break easily lose their tabbed edges, which is why you should have shingles repaired as necessary so one bad one doesn’t ruin the appeal (or protection) of your entire roof.

 

#2 Bare Spots

Has your beautiful shingle roof lost its color with time? Bare spots and missing granules is a sign that your roof is in need of repair. The lack of an eaves trough, poorly placed downspouts, or a poorly designed valley drainage system on a second story can all cause a “waterfall” effect that will, over time, wash the granules right off your roof’s shingles.

Physical damage and an aging roof system can also cause the loss of granules as the years go by. The granules are the texture that are applied to the shingles themselves to provide added protection against weather, but they can be worn off with time. The granules are the protective barrier for each shingle, but when they’re lost, the shingles will begin to harden from exposure to the heat and sun. Shingle decay can become an entry point for rainwater and melting snow.

 

#3 Broken & Missing Shingles

When your roof has broken or missing shingles, it greatly weakens the ability of your roof to shed water. It can also provide an entry point for water to get in and do some serious damage. Excessive wind and physical damage can both lead to missing or broken shingles.

 

#4 Buckling Shingles

If you look at your roof and notice a wave-like distortion, typically running vertically up the roof slope, that’s a cause for concern. Buckling shingles are more susceptible to wind damage and ice damage. These shingles are more likely to be torn off. Roof age will lead to this, but so will wet or poorly installed underlayment.

 

#5 Damaged Flashings

Flashings are the pieces located around valleys, eaves, skylights, rakes, details, stacks, and chimneys. These flashings are subject to being separated, lifted, or having their caulking dried out. General expansion and contraction can also lead to flashing details lifting and becoming separated over time. This expansion and contraction will lead to loose fasteners, and the bottom-flashing flange will life up, allowing water to get in.

 

Have you noticed any of these things on your roof? CALL US TODAY  314-428-4804

What To Do When Things Go Wrong With Your Roof

A roofing problem is probably the last thing on your list of stuff that you ever want to deal with. After all, they can be expensive and even lead to serious damage in other parts of your home too. So, what do you do when something goes wrong?

#1 Assess The Damage
The first thing you probably want to do is just forget it ever happened, but it’s essential that you get to work assessing the roofing damage right away. Waiting out the matter will only cause things to get worse, and that can make an expensive problem turn even costlier.

After a severe storm or something else has caused damage to your roof, approximate the damage. This will help you discuss the issue with both your insurance company and a contractor. Being up-front about what you know and see with the contractor will help you avoid unforeseen costs.

The only reason why you should wait is if it’s the middle of the night. Daylight will be your best friend when assessing damage and getting a full view of the problem. Grabbing a pair of binoculars will help you take a closer look. Estimate the general square footage that the damage covers and write down specific details about the damage. How severe is it? Are there areas of missing shingles or just some random ones that came off?

#2 Minimize The Damage
By making temporary fixes, like putting a bucket under a leak, you’re able to minimize the damage caused by your roof’s damage. You should also consider a tarp to cover any holes or bare spots on your roof, if it’s safe to get up there and put one down. Also, remove any valuables from the area until the roofing problem is fixed.

#3 Contact Your Insurance Company
If the damage is large enough to be covered by your home insurance, contact your insurance company and let them know about it. Make sure to pass along all of the details you have collected. However, sometimes, it will be more economical to hire a contractor yourself to handle the repairs.

But, if a natural disaster is to blame and a large residential area has been hit, most contractors will be so busy with claims that you’ll want to contact your insurance company to get it fixed soon.

#4 Find A Contractor
Does your roof problem require a professional’s input? It might be time to contact a reliable contractor for yourself.

 CALL US TODAY  314-428-4804