Signs of Shingle Repair
An asphalt shingle roof can last for 20 years or more, and you can help make sure yours lasts that long with regular inspections and prompt repairs. A leaky roof is an obvious sign that your home’s crowning glory needs some attention, but there are fewer blatant indications that a roof needs shingle repair.
Raised Shingles
Make a point to look at your roof regularly, especially after storms with high winds. You need shingle repair if you notice raised shingles. They should always lie flat on the roof. Raised shingles could indicate that the roof was installed incorrectly, to begin with. An inspection from a roofing professional can help you figure out what’s caused the problem.
Blistered Shingles
If you see raised areas of shingles that appear as though your roof has a blister, you should get your roof inspected and repaired. Sometimes, blistering happens simply due to old age, but it can also be a sign of insufficient roof ventilation and trapped moisture or air under the shingles.
Curling Shingles
If the edges of shingles are curling up away from the roof, they could be negatively affected by a moisture problem. That could be due to a lack of proper roof ventilation or issues with the composition of the shingle itself. The excellent news is shingle repair is possible in this case — they can be fastened down or replaced if needed.
Cracked Shingles
Cracked shingles should be replaced before excessive moisture seeps through into the lower levels of roofing. Shingles can crack prematurely when they’re exposed to extreme temperature changes. If lots of shingles have cracked, it could signify that the roof needs replacement.
Balding Shingles
Asphalt shingles are covered in granules that provide a protective layer against water and the sun’s rays. They also provide a level of fire resistance. Strong winds, heavy rain, hail, or over-cleaning tiles can lead to granule loss. It also can happen over time due to age. Any roof inspection should include checking the gutters for an accumulation of granules. Balding shingles should be replaced.
Sagging Roof
When a roof is sagging, it’s usually because moisture has penetrated the outer layer, and the roof decking or rafters are starting to weaken. In this case, you’ll need more than shingle repair because the roof structure needs to be repaired or replaced. Still, a sagging roof is a sign that the shingles couldn’t do their job of keeping excess moisture from getting through.
Algae on the Roof
Algae or mildew could build upon a roof if the shingles hold on to too much moisture. In some cases, algae growth results from the roof getting a heavy shade, like under a tree. In that case, repair might not be needed if the shingles are still intact, but a professional roof cleaning could restore the roof to its optimal condition. If required, the existing shingles can be replaced with ones with extra algae resistance.
As the outermost layer of the roof, asphalt shingles serve essential aesthetic and functional purposes. Contact a roofing professional today for shingle repair if you notice any of the above trouble signs.