Welcome to Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Common Problems With Asphalt Shingles

That roof over your head, the one that keeps you dry and protects you from the elements?  It will weather storms, wind, sleet, and snow for decades, but it won’t last forever.  There are a handful of potential issues – old or torn shingles, worn-out flashing, clogged gutters, and more – that will degrade the roof.  It’s a gradual process.  First, a loose shingle or worn piece of flashing lets in a little water, then decay develops, and soon you have water ruining your house.  The best thing to do is to fix these small problems before they grow into big, expensive ones.  Here’s what you need to know.

Life Expectancy

The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is significantly lower than that of nearly every other form of roof.  As a rule of thumb, asphalt roofs endure between 10 and 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Roof Repairs

Asphalt shingle roofs do not have a good reputation when it comes to long-term dependability.  The shingles will need to be repaired or replaced if they are damaged by extreme weather or aging.

Gloeocapsa Magma

Gloeocapsa magma is a microorganism that looks like green-blue algae.  It can cause ugly black streaks on your asphalt shingle roof.  In addition, gloeocapsa magma can damage shingles and reduce their lifespan.  Asphalt shingles include limestone that bacteria chew away over time, thus weakening the shingles.  A roof with weak shingles is more prone to require repairs due to shingles breaking or flying away.

Blistering

Blistering of the shingles can occur on a poorly ventilated shingle roof.  The blisters grow as a result of the blistering caused by the extreme heat.  Blisters on shingles cause the granules that act as a protective barrier to loosen, reducing their effectiveness.  You should replace shingles that have blistered excessively because this can shorten the lifespan of your roof.

Unsecured Or Missing Shingles

Although missing shingles may seem like an innocent oversight, it is actually a serious problem.  Missing shingles can lead to leaks which will allow water into your attic and home! They are also dangerous because they sit on top of the deck where people walk or work.  Be sure that all of your shingles are properly tied down so that they cannot be blown off during high winds.  If this doesn’t fix your problem, then check for unfastened flashing around vents and skylights as this might have pushed out some of the nails holding everything in place.

Old Age

Although leaks are rare in young roofs, they start popping up around 20 years after installation.  Leaks can cause serious damage to insulation below so don’t assume it’s fine just because you haven’t seen any moisture yet.  A good indication that water might already be getting inside is if your home starts to feel drafty during cold weather or when windows are closed tight.  Dampness on ceilings near vents is another sign of leakage which will need to be addressed immediately!

Curling

Some shingles may be curling because they’re defective.  Roofing experts advise homeowners to contact their local roofing professional to diagnose the cause of the curling.  Doing so quickly can prevent curled shingles from contributing to more widespread damage.

Moisture and poor ventilation may contribute to curled shingles as well.  Homeowners with attics in their home may see curled shingles on their roofs because moisture is building up in their poorly ventilated attics.  In addition to causing damage such as curled shingles, a poorly ventilated attic allows moisture to build up, potentially contributing to mold growth. Mold presents a host of additional problems, including some that can adversely affect the health of a home’s inhabitants.

When a roof is not installed correctly, shingles may not be aligned or nailed down in the right way.  This might be what’s causing shingles to curl on recently installed roofs.

Homeowners can protect themselves and their roofs by working with skilled roofing professionals, who can diagnose issues like curled shingles and offer the right solutions.