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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.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR ROOF/GUTTERS
Your Gutters are Filled with Granules and Wash out the Downspouts
Why: The shingles are deteriorating or reaching the end of their lifespan. Granules do come off, and they do collect in the gutters. Some loose granules are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you suddenly notice a lot of the granules flowing out of the downspouts every time it rains, the next step is to get on a ladder and examine the shingles to see if they look “exposed” because most of the granules are gone.
Granules protect against the sun’s UV rays, so once they’re gone, the shingles can become brittle. In extreme cases, shingles can have smooth or bald spots where all of the granules have completely fallen off. Losing the granules often means the shingles are old. That may means you will need to replace your roof or a portion of your roof. Before you start the project yourself or call a pro to get a quote, if your roof is not old, call the manufacture to see if the shingles are still under warranty.
Cracking Shingles
Why: The granules have probably worn off, allowing the shingles to become brittle. They may need to be replaced. Another symptom of the same disease. Perhaps you didn’t notice the granules washing away, but if you see signs of cracking in your shingles, then it probably means they are being exposed to direct sunlight and are wearing out. The shingles are approaching the end of their service life. Again, check whether your shingles are warrantied, especially if they’re not supposed to be near the end of their lifespan but you’re seeing cracks nonetheless.
Shingles are Cupping
Why: The attic may not be properly vented. When shingles get old and worn out, the ends sometimes start to cup. The corners turn up or the shingles look wavy. An attic that’s not vented properly can exacerbate this problem. If the attic gets too hot, it can heat up the roof, which consequently heats up the underside of the shingles. The heat can cause the shingles to age faster and start to cup. Eventually, that can allow wind-blown rain to work its way under the shingles and leak into the house. The age of the shingles is more of factor than a hot attic when it comes to cupping or wavy shingles. The attic may contribute to the problem, but it won’t cause the problem by itself.
The Roof is Missing Shingles
Why: You might have a critter getting on your roof, or the sealant strip under the shingles may have been damaged. A furry animal scurrying around on your roof could be responsible for loose or damaged shingles. If tree branches are near or touching the roof, they can provide a pathway for animals. Shingles have a sealant on their underside that helps hold the shingles in place. If the shingles become old and brittle, the sealant can fail and the shingles, even when nailed down properly, can come loose in severe winds. When shingles do come loose, they need to be replaced.
The Roof Leaks when the Temperature Fluctuates Between Warm and Freezing
Why: You probably have ice dams. Ice dams are caused by freeze-and-thaw cycles that allow ice to build up on the roof and block melting snow from draining off. That backed-up water can get under the shingles and leak inside. Ice dams can form in as little as 1 or 2 inches of snow. Newer roofs typically have an ice-and-water barrier installed along the eaves, where the dams typically form, to prevent the water from leaking inside. There are ice-dam cables you can install on your roof, which heat up to prevent ice dams from forming at the eaves. Ensuring the attic is well-insulated can help prevent the dams from forming, because it helps to stop warm air from escaping into the attic and melting the snow on the roof. Proper attic ventilation can also prevent them by keeping the attic cooler.
