Archive for the ‘Missing or Torn Shingles’ Category
Primary Causes of Roof Damage
Primary Causes of Roof Damage
Your roof is a very important part of your home. It protects your home from the elements and also protects everything in your home, including you and your family. Regular roof inspections and completing any necessary repairs promptly are an excellent way to keep your roof in top condition.
Most roof damage is related to lack of maintenance, poor installation or severe weather damage. Regular roof inspections combined with supplemental inspections following any severe weather will catch small problems before they have a chance to become big problems. Missing, cracked and damaged shingles can be replaced and water leaks can be repaired before they have a chance to cause further damage.
Poor installation can be the cause of many roofing problems. Modern composition asphalt shingles are a very good, cost effective roofing alternative, but they must be installed properly by an experienced, reputable roofing contractor or your roof could fail. It is worth the effort to find a good roofing contractor to install your asphalt shingle roof.
Severe weather is a very common cause of roof damage. Hail and high winds can seriously damage an asphalt shingle roof, especially if the roof has already been weakened by years of exposure to the elements.
You should always have your roof inspected by an experienced roofing contractor after any hail storm or high winds. In some cases, storm damage will be obvious because you will be able to see that your roof is missing some shingles. However, in many cases, a trained roof inspector will be able to indentify hail or wind damage that most homeowners would not recognize.
Most good reputable roofing contractors offer free roof inspections as a service to the community. Keep your roof in good shape with regular roof inspections.
Jasper Contractors has offices in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, New Orleans, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Maintenance Tips
Asphalt Shingle Roof Maintenance Tips
If you are one of the many homeowners whose home is protected by an asphalt shingle roof, you will be happy to know that most properly installed asphalt shingle roofs will give many years of good service if properly maintained. Modern asphalt shingle roofs usually carry 15 to 25 warranties, but without regular maintenance they will fail much sooner. A little maintenance is cheap compared to the cost of a new roof.
One of the main enemies of an asphalt shingle roof is moisture. Once moisture intrudes under the shingles it can cause rot, mold, mildew and of course, a leaky roof. Check the roof regularly for any new avenues for moisture to penetrate the roof such as broken, cracked or missing shingles. Damaged flashing can also allow moisture to get under the shingles and cause damage.
You also want to keep the moisture off of the shingles by removing leaves and other debris and making sure the gutters are cleared of debris and flowing freely. Trim back any overhanging branches. These can not only fall on the roof, but when the wind picks up, these branches can scrape the roof and damage the shingles.
Any damaged, loose or missing shingles should be repaired as soon as possible by a reputable Cincinnati roofing contractor. Don’t put it off – once water gets under the shingles, it can quickly cause serious damage to the roof deck and the inside of your home.
An asphalt shingle roof needs more maintenance than most other types of roofing and they don’t last as long as metal or tile roofs, but with proper maintenance your roof can do a good job of protecting your home and family for many years.
Atlanta Storms Damage Roofs
Atlanta Storms Damage Roofs
A wave of severe storms swept through the Atlanta, Georgia area recently causing power outages and damaging many homes. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the storm was accompanied by high winds and hail. Alpharetta and Woodstock were two of the hardest hit areas, but many homes throughout the area were damaged by high winds and falling trees. Hail with a diameter of more than one inch was reported in several counties around the area.
If you own a home or business in the Atlanta area, you should be sure to inspect your roof for any damage caused by the storm. High winds and falling tree limbs can cause broken or missing shingles. If you see any damage of this kind, it should be repaired as soon as possible.
Missing or damaged shingles provide an avenue for water to enter your home where it can cause serious damage to ceilings, walls, and floors. In addition, the water can cause your wood roof deck to rot and encourages the growth of mold and mildew.
Hail can cause damage to your roof that can be difficult for homeowners to detect. More obvious signs of hail damage included pitted, bruised or cracked shingles. Frayed shingle edges also may be a sign of hail damage.
Hail also dislodges the protective ceramic granules from a composition asphalt shingle roof. The results of this kind of damage may not be evident for several months. The granules are designed to protect the shingles from harmful UV rays from the sun. The roof may seem to be providing good protection now, but in a few months the UV rays will severely damage the shingles.
If in doubt, have your roof inspected by a reputable local Atlanta roofing contractor.
Strong Winds Reported in Atlanta
Strong Winds Reported in Atlanta
Earlier this week, strong winds and tornadoes were reported in metropolitan Atlanta. Strong winds can damage your roof, causing roof leaks and missing shingles. High wind damage like that seen with tornadoes or strong winds can result in homeowners needing to replace roofs earlier than usual.
Homeowners spend a substantial amount of money on wind damaged roofs. One study showed that between 1990 and 1995, US homeowners spent over $8 billion on wind damaged roof repairs.
Many times, strong winds come with heavy rains. If you lost shingles during the wind portion, the rain is now freely flowing into your attic and home. Winds will also cause debris to be tossed around, perhaps landing on your roof. During tornadoes, it is common to see tree branches, leaves, garbage cans and lids, and even playground equipment on top of roofs!
If the wind does not completely tear loose the shingles, the shingles may simply be ‘lifted up’ during periods of high wind, causing a flapping to occur. This will eventually tear the underside of the shingle and the felt paper, allowing water to leak in. As the water is blown in under the shingles, leaks occur.
Wind damage can cause harm to any roof, no matter how new your roof is or what kind of roof you have. If you have a home or office in the Atlanta metropolitan area that may have sustained wind damage, you should have your roof inspected as soon as possible.
Call a professional roofing contractor for an inspection and determination if any damage occurred. Left unattended, any damage will only get worse and require more expensive repairs later.
Aging Signs of Shingles
Aging Signs of Shingles
Everyone hopes that their roof will last forever. Good roof maintenance will help extend the life of our roof, but even the best maintained roof will eventually need to be replaced. How long a roof lasts depends on many factors including the type of roofing installed, the quality of the installation, the type of weather it is exposed to, and how well it has been maintained.
If you have a composite or asphalt shingle roof, the shingles will show signs of aging as the roof nears the end of its useful life. As asphalt shingle roofs age, they may begin to curl at the edges, blister or buckle. They also may become brittle and crack, break off, or loosen. They may also lose their protective granule coating
Some slight edge curling is normal as a roof ages. Curling alone does not necessarily mean that the roof should be replaced immediately, but it does indicate that the roof is getting toward the end of its life.
Minor cracks are normal in an older roof, but cracks that extend all the way through the shingle require attention. By having your roofing contractor replace a few cracked shingles as they occur, you can get a few more years out of your roof. A lot of cracked shingles means it’s time for a new roof.
Buckling or blistering generally indicates inadequate attic ventilation. You should have your roofing contractor evaluate the ventilation system and determine if the roof should be repaired or replaced.
Minor granule loss is normal, but extensive granule loss is cause for concern. The granules protect the shingle from sun damage. Contact your roofing contractor for repair or replacement if extensive granule loss is present.
Understanding Shingle Warranties
Understanding Shingle Warranties
All reputable shingle manufacturers offer warranties on their products. You should understand what the warranty covers and does not cover before deciding on the brand and type of shingle for your roof. Be sure your roofing contractor provides you with a copy of the shingle warranty. Your roofing contractor can also answer any questions you may have about what is or is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Shingle warranties can range from 15 to 50 years and generally only cover manufacturing defects. The warranty generally covers thermal splitting, excessive granule loss, cupping and curling. Labor is most often not included. If you have to replace some or all of your shingles under a manufacturer’s warranty, you will need to hire an experienced roofing contractor to do the work and pay the labor out of your own pocket.
Manufacturer’s warranties generally do not cover incidental damages such as water damage to the inside of your home caused by faulty leaking roofing materials. Check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if these damages are covered.
Acts of nature are excluded from most shingle warranties. Damage caused by hail, high winds, tornados and the like are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty but may be covered by your homeowner’s policy.
A manufacturer will not honor a shingle warranty if the roofing materials were improperly installed. Hiring a reputable local roofing contractor to install the materials is the best way to ensure that your roof is properly installed.
Finally, most warranties are pro-rated. For example, if the warranty is for 20 years and the roofing materials fail after 10 years, the manufacturer will pay for 50% of the cost of the replacement materials.
Roof Repair Vs Replacement
Roof Repair Vs Replacement
Replacing the roof can be expensive. However, if it is extensively damaged, replacing it may be cheaper in the long run than repairing. Also, the cost of roofing materials may vary depending on what type of roof you have. Roofs usually require repairing because of wind damage or at the end of a rough winter. Water stains on the ceiling are an indicator of roof damage and may be followed by dripping water. Sometimes, heavy buildup of ice will push up the roof edge, commonly referred to as “ice dams”. If unchecked, this may cause the roof edge to rot. You want to be especially wary of using heat tapes in scenarios like this. If not done carefully, this can and does lead to cases of fire. If your roof is still covered by a warranty, the roofing contractor may repair it.
A simple rule for deciding whether to repair or replace a roof is to replace it if more than a third of the roof is damaged. There are many other things that will tell you when it is time to get a new roof. Some of the most obvious signs are missing or torn shingles or damaged sheathing, sagging or rotten soffits, and water stains on the ceiling. Also, look out for blistering on interior walls or ceiling and any discoloration or other indications of water damage in the attic. If you check your roof from the ground using binoculars, you will usually be able to spot any curling or cracking of the shingles. Scattered shingles that look dirty or that show signs of algae buildup may also indicate that the roof needs replacing. Sudden rise in the energy costs over the winter may also indicate roof damage. The loss of insulation leads to the increase in the cost of heating.
It is also recommended that you have the roof inspected by a licensed roofing contractor yearly or every other year, depending on the severity of the seasons. Whether you choose to repair the roof yourself or hire a roofing professional, the roof is one of the most important aspects of protecting your house from the harsh environment.
Maintaining A Healthy Roof
Maintaining A Healthy Roof
One of the most important tasks for any homeowner is to maintain a healthy roof. Deterioration of the roof may lead to structural damage and in some cases; there may be some interior damage also. These damages are not only expensive, but also time consuming. To maintain a healthy roof, homeowners have to do three simple tasks. They are:
• The first step involved in maintaining a healthy roof is inspecting the structure and the roof itself. It is important to check your roof for any missing or torn shingles after a fierce storm. After an ice storm or snow fall, it is advisable to check the roof for severe damages. Spring is the right time to discover or fix any damages to the roof, as this is the immediate season after snowfalls or ice storms. Frequent inspection of the roof is essential to detecting changes and any problems in the roof.
• The next important task for a homeowner is to clean the roof and clear the debris and dirt that have built on the surface of the roof. Homeowners with severely sloped roofs have to take this task more seriously as accumulation of debris is more in sloped roofs. It is not advisable to use a power washer, as the high intensity may cause shingles to become loose.
• Gutters play an important role in maintaining a healthy roof and they are an integral part of the roof. Gutters help the excess water on the roof to flow to the ground in a controlled manner. It is a must to check gutters during summer, fall and spring, as dirt and debris can collect in the gutter causing a backup. The leaves, sticks and dirt that collect in the gutter may block the water, causing overflow and seep in to the house. It is necessary to brush dirt and debris at least three to four times a year.
These are a few of the simple maintenance task that homeowners can do to prevent extensive damage in the future. It is also recommended that you have your roof inspected annually. Many roofing contractors will do a visual inspection at no charge.
Roof Leak Detection
Roof Leak Detection
Roof leaks are to be checked quite often and a homeowner must know the various methods of detecting a roof leak. A roof leak can cause substantial damage to your home and could potentially endanger the structure of the home. Therefore, it is important to address the leak(s) in order to prevent further costly repairs. The following tips will help in detecting a roof leak:
• The roof must be inspected for leaks before and after every winter.
• Rook leak detection must start in the attic. Search for any noticeable water damage or any other evidence of moisture, such as a water stain, that could cause the problem.
• After checking the attic, you should have a thorough look at the roof itself. This can be done by either climbing on top of the roof.
• Check for any missing or damaged shingles. You must also check for curling, fraying or excessive shingle deterioration.
• Flashing is a frequent reason for roof leaking. Inspect the flashings that are connected to vents and chimneys and make sure that they are tight. Damaged flashing or deteriorating flashings must be fixed.
• The other important cause of roof leakage is debris hindering or blocking the rain gutters. This type of blockage can result in water penetrating beneath the roof shingles and causing water damage to the roof system.
• Regularly checking the roof by you or with a roofing contractor will help you detect the roof leaks.
• Generally, roofing contractors will complete a free roof inspection to check for potential roof leaks.
• If a roof leak is discovered, it must be attended to immediately so that it does not deteriorate and cause much damage to the roof.
Leaking Roofs
Leaking Roofs
The most troublesome and time consuming fix among home repair is getting a leaky roof fixed. To start with, finding the exact spot of leak is not easy and despite having found the leak it is hard to know how to go about fixing the leaking roof.
Homeowners should be aware of the fact that spotting the area of leak in the roof is difficult because the roof leak frequently originates at a totally different area from what appear in the interior of the house. Leaks typically occur through depleted or missing or torn shingles or if the nails have loosened up by way of inadequately sealed chimneys, vents and skylights. After having leaked through the roof rafters, water finds its way to the ceiling and then drips into the home.
It would be a better idea to locate roof leaks in broad daylight. The best way would be to begin in the attic, starting where the leak made itself apparent and working backwards towards the roof. Look out for moisture buildup along the rafter, water smears or discolorations on the underside of the sheathing caused by water.
After having spotted the wet area, try turning off all lights in the attic and looking for holes where you can see sunlight through the roof. This might be a bit difficult in the case wood shingles because such a roof has various spots with the shingles overlapping letting the light in.
Now if the issue is just with worn out, missing or torn shingles, it makes the repair work fairly easy. Replacing the missing or torn shingles would correct the leak, preventing it from occurring again. Now that you are up on the roof, it would be ideal to thoroughly inspect your roof for any other issues. It would be best to attend to any other existing repairs rather than to wait for another roof leak to occur.
Though repairing the roof is one of the most frustrating things to do, it is important to track the issue and fix it before further damage occurs, as an unrepaired leak not only spreads rapidly, but the water damage can cost you dearly in terms of furnishings and damaging the entire structure of your house.
