Problems With Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials in use today. Warranties can range up to 20 years or more, but there is usually fine print modifying the terms. The actual life of a shingled roof will depend on the environment in which it is located, the maintenance that the roof receives and the identification of any potential problems at an early stage. If homeowners suspect that their shingles may have some problems, they should call in a professional roofing company, such as Ocean County roofing, to provide an assessment immediately. Prevention is always cheaper than repair.
If a house is located in a sunny climate, the sun’s UV rays can cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate over time. There is not much that can be done once this process starts. Generally speaking, the better the quality of shingles, the less that this will be an issue. High-quality shingles will have a reflective surface, which cuts down on sun damage. If shingles are not protected, they can dry out, crack or blister, and they will eventually detach from the roof. Once this happens, the roof is exposed, and the damage from the elements starts to accelerate.
Snow and ice can work themselves in between and under the shingles.
As the water melts, refreezes and melts again, the shingles can separate from the roof and moisture can seep in. These same problems can affect the flashing, greatly increasing the chances of moisture seeping in and rot taking hold.
Wind is another big risk for shingles. Storms are not the only problem since gusts on a sunny day can cause the same damage. Wind can get into the smallest crevice underneath a shingle and tear it off completely, exposing the roof to the elements and potential damage. The better quality the shingles are, the adhesive and the nail workmanship, the better the resistance to wind damage.
Unlike a lot of roofing problems, damage to the shingles is usually easy to spot. Pieces of shingle on the lawn are a huge warning signal, and homeowners should call in a professional roofer immediately. If homeowners can see their roof from the ground, any problems with the shingles will usually be apparent. Similarly, when cleaning out the gutters, any damage should also be apparent.
The roof is a very costly and important part of any house, and a little prevention and maintenance can save homeowners a huge amount of money. The most prudent approach is to disregard the warranty and be extremely vigilant about the state of the shingles. That way, if a homeowner needs to make a claim for any deterioration, the chances of the fine print voiding the claim will be minimized. A roofing contractor from Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ can answer your questions about new roofs or skylights.
Common roofing term explained by Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ:
Flashing
Flashing is considered any waterproof material used to protect against leaks wherever anything breaches the roof line, such as a chimney, adjacent roof line or vent stack. Because it protects vulnerable areas, very careful attention needs to be paid to the state of all flashing on a roof.
Ocean County roofing company Fortified Roofing answers a question:
How do I minimize the risk to my shingles?
If a homeowner has an existing roof, the best preventative measures are regular inspections and keeping the gutters cleaned. If a homeowner is buying a new roof, shingles are not something to economize on. Homeowners get what they pay for. It is extremely important to buy shingles that are climate appropriate.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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