Is it Time to Repair your Shingle Roofing? Here are 5 Ways to Tell

All roofing materials have a lifespan and regular servicing is important to ensure they live up to their full expectations. Roofing shingles can be made from different materials including traditional asphalt and fiberglass, which are commonly used in homes.

Why choose roofing shingles?

If you look around your neighborhood, you’re likely to see more than 80% of homes with shingle roofing and for really good reasons. Shingle roofing comes with numerous advantages which makes it a suitable option in homes.

It’s affordable

Shingle roofing is usually low cost. The actual cost will depend on the material you choose for your shingle roof e.g. traditional asphalt costs less than fiberglass asphalt. The cost of installing a shingle roof is also low compared to other options. You also have options to choose from such as dimensional shingles and 3-tab shingles depending on your budget.

It’s easy to maintain

Shingle roofing has low maintenance demands. If a shingle is broken or damaged, it can be easily replaced or fixed without having to interfere with the rest of the roof. Materials like slate and tile can easily break but shingle roofing is less fragile.

It’s versatile

Shingle roofing can be used to blend well with almost all modern architectural styles. You don’t have to compromise on style when it comes to shingles. There are numerous colors and textures to choose from. You can even choose special laminate shingles, which mimic the natural look of wood grain and slate.

Can be customized to suit your needs

If you leave in an area with extreme heat, you can install shingles with a high fire resistant rating. If you live in a high humid area, the shingles can be treated with copper granules to prevent algae growth.

If you’re wondering if your shingles need servicing, below are a few things to look out for:

Curling or clawing shingles

When roofing shingles are almost approaching their full-service life, they begin to show signs of deterioration like curling and clawing. When this happens, it’s important to hire a contractor to offer roof repair Oakville. Curling occurs normally when the ends of the shingle begin to curl back but the center remains flat. Shingles are also likely to curl when they are exposed to extreme heat.

Curled shingles can expose the roofing material to wind and ice damage. The shingles will be susceptible to breakage and can easily come out whenever there’s a strong wind. You’ll need to replace the curled shingles immediately to prevent further damage.

Granule loss on shingles

When roofing shingles are manufactured, mineral granules are adhered to the surface of each shingle to protect it from sunlight and the weather in general. Granule loss is a common occurrence in asphalt roof shingles. The more you lose this protective coating, the sooner your roofing material will approach the end of its lifespan.

Mineral granule loss can occur due to several issues. First, it could be because the roofing is simply old and worn out, which is normal. Loss of granules can also be as a result of hail or other storms.  Loss of mineral granules can also be due to foot traffic. It could also occur when a defective roofing product is used during installation. You’ll notice the small mineral granules in the gutters and at the ends of the downspouts. You can assess the condition of the roof on the ground before even heading up the roof itself.

If the granules suddenly appear after a hailstorm or when the roof is almost approaching its lifespan, it could be an indication that the roofing is severely damaged or worn out and needs a complete replacement. If the granules still appear after cleaning the gutters, it could mean that there’s a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

Broken or missing shingles

Your roof has to put up with the ever-changing weather. From severe heat to extreme cold and moisture, roofing is exposed to every element you can think of. Missing roof shingles need to be replaced quickly. Ignoring them can cause your roof and home to sustain permanent damage.

Missing or broken shingles can bring about the following issues:

• Serious roof leaks: Even if the area affected is small, water can find its way into the exposed areas when it rains. As the water soaks into the roofing material, it can cause rot and mildew growth. The water may even find its way inside the weaken floorboards and soak insulation.
• Structural damage: Missing shingles may appear to be a minor issue until they compromise the property’s beams and foundation. You’ll have a bigger and more permanent issue to address. Avoid cracks on the foundation or roof caving by replacing missing shingles quickly.
• Missing shingles can also ruin weatherproofing and adhesive layers beneath the roof tiles. These are areas that shouldn’t be exposed to dry air or direct sunlight but when shingles are missing, they are left bare.

Buckling shingles

Buckling shingles can cause serious roof leaks. They leave the underlying wooden portions of your roof open to moisture, which can cause rotting, and deterioration. The shingles may start buckling due to poor workmanship. Underneath the shingles, there’s a layer known as the roof sheathing, which is normally made of plywood. These pieces of sheathing should be properly spaced so that whenever temperatures fluctuate, they have room to expand and contract. If the sheathing is not installed with adequate spacing, the plywood can expand pushing the shingles out of place (buckling). Other issues that cause buckling include lack of proper ventilation or a leak that is not addressed.

Damaged flashing

Roof flashings are thin and durable strips that seal the joints and gaps on the roof and help to prevent water damage to your home. You’ll find flashing along the roof ridges or at the roof valleys and skylights. Flashing can be made from different waterproofing materials such as felt, rubber or plastic. Sometimes flashing used is made from rust-resistant materials like copper and galvanized steel. They are designed to withstand severe weather and significant wear and tear can cause flashing to fail thereby exposing your home to water damage.