There are a lot of different styles of roofs, but shingles are by far the most common type of residential roofing. With a shingled roof flat, rectangular pieces of roofing are placed in an overlapping step pattern. Together the shingles form the protective outer layer of the roofing system that does most of the water shedding.
The shingles can be made of asphalt, metal, wood, clay or a composite material. No matter what the roofing material is made of, it’s common for shingles to need repair from time to time. It may seem like a minor issue, but all the shingle repairs below should be handled quickly to avoid bigger problems from developing.
Missing Shingles
One of the most common, and obvious, issues is when a shingle goes missing. This is something that definitely needs to be remedied immediately since it completely exposes the underlayment to the elements. When that happens it can quickly lead to a leak that does damage beyond the roof.
The Repair: As you might expect, replacing the missing shingles will fix the issue. The material will need to be matched, and the new shingles need to be fitted into the existing system precisely.
Cracked Shingles
Although shingles are really solid, they can get cracked by just about anything that knocks into the roof. Tree limbs and hail are common causes for cracked shingles. People walking on the roof is another culprit of cracks. Age is also a factor. Due to regular wear and tear, cracks are more likely the older the roof gets.
The Repair: One of the benefits of shingles is that isolated damage doesn’t require a complete replacement and is relatively easy to repair. You have to first completely remove the cracked shingles. You can then replace the cracked shingles or the portion of roofing containing the cracked shingles. Again, this requires sourcing the same roofing material and knowing how to fit the new shingles into place.
Loose Shingles
It’s possible for some shingles to come loose. This is usually the result of heavy winds, inadequate nailing, misalignment during installation or the sealant giving way. Any time a shingle isn’t fixed securely water can penetrate down beneath the shingles.
The Repair: The fix depends on why the shingles came loose. All that may be required is additional nailing or sealant. Tightening down loose shingles is an easy repair so long as the shingle isn’t damaged. If it is, the shingle will need to be replaced.
Shingle Shrinkage
In addition to cracking, loosening and going missing, roofing shingles can also shrink. In fact, shingle shrinkage could be the cause for the other issues you may encounter. Often shingles shrink as a result of the membrane underneath contracting. The membrane, and in turn the shingles, can shrink due to:
- • Age
- • Drying out
- • Improper installation
- • High winds
- • Temperature changes
There’s also something known as differential shrinkage. This is when the outer layer of the shingles that are exposed to the elements shrink at a faster rate than the interior layer of the shingle. Differential shrinkage usually leads to cracks in the shingle surface.
The Repair: Once shingles shrink, they are usually damaged or can’t be restored to their original size, therefore they won’t lay properly and need to be replaced. Unfortunately, membrane shrinkage is usually an issue that’s more widespread and will require more extensive repairs, possibly even roof replacement.
Worn Top Coating
Asphalt shingles have a top layer of granules that enhance the look and performance of the roof by:
- • Blocking UV rays
- • Dispersing heat
- • Increasing fire resistance
- • Preventing water from collecting
Many people think that when the top layer of asphalt shingle roofing wears away it’s a strictly cosmetic issue when in fact it degrades the performance as well. It indicates that the shingles are damaged and need to be replaced. However, if you notice that it’s a problem all over the roof, this is an indicator that it’s probably time for a roof replacement.
The Repair: Using a roof coating can help to restore shingles that have gotten worn. You may want to replace the shingles if it’s only a few.
Mildew, Mold or Algae Growth
If debris collects on the roof it can cause water to dam up and trap moisture. If the debris isn’t removed, mildew, mold and algae can grow on the shingles. While this isn’t a structural issue, it is something you’ll still want to correct.
The Repair: Removing debris and cleaning the roof with a 50/50 solution of bleach and water should remove mildew, mold and algae.
Curled Corners
You may notice the corners of some shingles curling upward or downward. This is an indicator that the roofing is aging. If the shingles aren’t laying flat it can allow water to penetrate beneath the shingles and lead to water damage.
The Repair: You can prolong the lifespan of a shingle roof by straightening out the curling with roofing sealant. After sealing underneath the corners of the shingles they have to be weighted down for 24 hours for the sealant to work properly.
The team at LOA can handle all of the shingle issues above and much more. From maintaining your roof with regular cleaning to an entire roof replacement, our experienced roofers will have your roofing looking and performing its best.
Contact us to schedule a FREE roof inspection to see if shingle repairs are needed!
