| Is Your Roof Past its Peak? |
Page 1 of 2 (ARA) – As every homeowner knows, the houses we live in are in constant need of repair. It seems like there’s always a squeaky door or dripping faucet crying out for attention. But there’s one important part of your house that may go unnoticed, yet it’s responsible for protecting everything you own. It’s your roof -- and it may be showing signs of failure. “The roof protects your most valuable asset – your home and your family! But it’s easy to overlook or take for granted – and problems there can cause problems elsewhere if not fixed promptly. In addition, getting a new roof is a great way to update the look of your house overall and can significantly enhance the curb appeal” says Molly Kwiatkowski, director of roofing shingles products and programs, Owens Corning, manufacturer of America’s number one brand shingles. If your roof has asphalt shingles and is more than 10 years old, Kwiatkowski recommends you conduct a check up to make sure your roof is performing properly. A simple visual inspection from a ladder or by viewing the roof through binoculars from the driveway and the backyard can reveal some tell-tale signs that your roof may be in need of repair or replacement. There may also be local professional contractors that would do this inspection for you at no charge. * Missing Granules It’s normal to have some granules dislodge from the shingles and collect in the gutters, especially when the roof is new. However, if granules are missing on the surface of the shingle, exposing the asphalt or fiberglass mat below, it can decrease the life of your roof. On aging shingles, areas of missing granules indicate your roof has reached the end of its lifespan and will need replacement. * Buckling A number of factors can cause shingles to buckle: improperly applied felt, wrinkled underlayment, poor roof ventilation or new shingles applied over an existing layer of shingles. If buckling is caused by wrinkled felt below the shingle, a roofing professional can simply remove the affected shingles, cut the wrinkle and replace the shingles. If the cause is poor ventilation, you’ll need to add ventilation to the attic space to allow heat and moisture to escape and keep attic temperatures lower. If buckling shingles are left untreated, the shingles will begin to crack and tear and will need to be replaced immediately to avoid significant damage to the roof or roof deck which can lead to leaks and rotting. Consult a roofing professional for this job. If your roof has more than one layer of shingles, the top layer will eventually conform to and reveal any imperfections of the layer below. The only solution is a complete tear-off and re-roof. * Curling Curled edges on shingles can be a result of improper fastening (such as high nails or too few nails), poor roof ventilation or lack of a back-coating on the shingles. Curling is more common in organic shingles such as wood and will often start at the bottom edge of the shingle. However, it’s important to note that if roofing is installed on a cold day, some temporary curling or cupping is natural. As soon as the temperature increases the shingles should lay flat. If the problem persists, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the roof. |
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