Common Issues with Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to a roof leak, the frustration ranges from minor annoyance to complete chaos. Luckily, there are warning signs that you can watch for to avert disaster.
Age of Shingles
The age of your asphalt shingles will give you an idea as to when you may need to replace it. A simple rule of thumb is that shingles DO NOT last as long as the stated warranty. A 10-year roof will not last 10 years, a 25-year roof will not last 25 years. If your neighbours in the subdivision are replacing their roofs it’s a pretty good indicator that you should also. Your final determining factor will be the condition of the shingles, which is covered below.
Bald Spots on your Shingles/Granules in the Gutter
It turns out that those shiny granules on the surface of the shingle keep the sun from baking your roof due to their reflective quality. Without the granules your shingles deteriorate rapidly.
Note: a brand new roof will initially shed loose, extra granules.
Buckling Shingles
Shingles that are buckling are caused by a poorly installed underlayment or when new shingles are installed over old ones.This produces a wavy pattern that usually runs vertically up the roof. Buckled shingles are easily torn off the roof by wind or ice.
Blisters
Blistering is caused by excess moisture from poor drainage or ventilation.
Moss Growth
A cool climate with a bit of moisture is the perfect environment in which moss can grow on your roof. If you do not like seeing the moss, replace the shingles. Whatever you do, DO NOT power wash or scrap the moss off. By doing so you will have removed the protective granules and rendered the roof useless.If you do see moss growth, there’s a good chance that you have roof damage or a leak.
Curling Shingles
This could have been caused by improper nailing or insufficient ventilation inside your attic. Whether the edges are curling upward, or the centre of the shingle is starting to rise (clawing), leaks are soon to follow. The shingles are drying, shrinking and becoming brittle. At this point they become susceptible to wind and ice damage.
Cracked Shingles
Cracks in your shingles are generally caused by wind damage. If it is a scattered issue or contained to one area you could simply repair those areas. If you see evidence of cracking throughout the roof it is time to replace.
Damaged Flashing
There are a number of reasons why this may occur. Improper installations, weathering or the settling of your home’s foundation. This is one of the leading causes of roof leaks.
Missing Shingles
Shingles that have been ripped from your roof can be caused by improperly nailed shingles. Shingles are your first line of defense against roof leaks and should be replaced as soon as possible. Replacing a shingle or 2 here or there is not an issue. The problem arises with the passage of time. Patch jobs will become more frequent. It will be difficult to get matching shingles and your roof will begin to look spotty. That may be time to bite the bullet and do the entire roof.
Rotting
Moisture absorbed and retained by shingles will cause them to rot, wearing away the integrity and life expectancy.
Ceiling Spots Inside the Home
A sign that indicates that your roof is indeed leaking. Seek a specialist that can inspect your attic.
Water Stains in the Attic
You need to determine if that is an old watermark or an indication of an active leak. Check the stain after a rainfall or two. If it changes colour or shape it is an active leak that you need to address quickly.
Lightbeams in your Attic
This is a HUGE RED FLAG! Direct exposure to the elements will cause damage to the interior of the house and to the roof structure itself.
Sagging Roof Line
Your roof line is not supposed to sag. If you see this developing, get a roofing contractor to look at it immediately. This indicates a structural problem that no amount of new shingles is going to fix. The source of the problem can range from roof decking to foundational problems.
So then, what’s the next step? Contact one of our specialists that know how to repair damages and maintain the best conditions for your roof. Renoteck offers a 24/7 roofing emergency service for anyone caught in this situation needing immediate assistance. Would you like to learn more? Call us at 1-877-235-9224 or head over to the emergency roofing service page for more information.
