Asphalt Shingles: How to Deal With Blow-Offs

Different kinds of issues can happen in roofing systems. These usually depend on the age of the roof, the quality of roof maintenance, materials, local climate or recent weather events. Perhaps one of the most serious roofing problems that need to be addressed immediately are shingle blow-offs.

Blow-offs typically occur on asphalt shingle roofing. So if you have an asphalt roof, you should be more attentive to any signs of a blow-off. It’s usually easy to spot a blow-off because the shingles are lifted and some may be missing. Once you notice these problems in your roofing, call a roofing company right away.

They will likely perform an inspection to confirm the problem and assess the condition of your roof system. Then, they can proceed to fix your roof. However, in some cases, roof replacement may be done instead of a repair. To know the pros and cons of each option, Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. shares more information about shingle blow-offs and the solutions for this type of roof damage.

What Causes Shingle Blow-Offs?

Various reasons could cause shingles to blow off, and a visual inspection by a professional roofer is usually needed to confirm the specific cause. Below are the most common causes for shingle blow-offs:

Wrong Nailing Pattern

Each shingle typically has a narrow strip to help installers identify proper nail placement. When nails are fixed correctly, you’ll notice that the nail placement of the overlapping shingle will come in contact with the top edge of the shingle underneath. This design will give your roofing optimal protection.

On the other hand, if the shingles are nailed too high, they won’t be able to catch the shingle underneath. This results in reduced holding power, which makes your shingles more susceptible to blow-off during high winds.

Excessive Overhang

This is another mistake that can happen during roof installation. The end of the shingle should hang over the edge of the roof by about 1 to 1.5 inches. If drip edge flashing is installed, the end of the shingle should hang between 0.5 and 0.75 inches. Too much overhang will make the shingles susceptible to blow-off during high winds.

Underlying Roof Damage

Loose shingles may also be caused by underlying roof damage. For example, if your shingles are allowing moisture to penetrate your roofing, the roof deck could be compromised. Roof decking is typically made of OSB board, plywood sheathing, or corrugated metal. Its main purpose is to provide a base where roof coverings and membrane layers can be attached to. So if this part rots or warps, shingle nails can pop and cause shingles to be easily blown off.

Weak Seal Strips

During a roof replacement, it’s crucial for the seal strips to properly set. This can take anywhere between four and six weeks, depending on the outside temperature, amount of sun exposure, and quality of the shingles. Of course, if the seal strips were not able to set properly, this could affect the ability of the shingles to withstand blow-offs.

Age

On average, an asphalt shingle roof can last for 10-15 years. This depends on a variety of factors including the quality of the roofing materials and their exposure to the elements. Generally, when a roof is about to reach the end of its life span, several telltale signs show up. One indication of this is when the adhesive seals are no longer able to join the shingles. When this happens, the shingles become susceptible to blow-offs.

Roof Repair Vs. Roof Replacement

If your roof is already missing shingles, you have two options to solve the issue: a roof repair or a roof replacement.

Pros and Cons of a Repair

Your roofer can repair individual shingles or sections of roofing. This approach is simple: Roofers remove damaged shingles and replace them with new ones. Because it’s a less complicated procedure, the cost of a roof repair is usually cheaper.

Moreover, a repair allows you to avoid the mess of a complete tear-off. It can also be finished more quickly. So if you prefer a faster and more affordable fix, a roof repair would suit you.

Take note, however, that there is an aesthetic cost to this solution. Shingles normally fade over time, so older shingles would look obvious beside newly installed ones. This can also make it nearly impossible to match new shingles to existing ones, and it tends to create unsightly patches on the roof. These patches will certainly affect your home’s curb appeal.

Pros and Cons of a Replacement

A full roof replacement can provide you with peace of mind. Typically, if sections of a roof are already showing signs of failure, you can expect that other areas are also on their way to a poorer state. In this case, a roof repair will only delay the inevitable. Furthermore, the series of repairs that you will need to do will just cost you more in the long run.

With roof replacement, you can get over the worry of having to do frequent repairs. You can also ensure that your roof’s appearance will look cohesive. This is actually a good opportunity to give your home’s exterior a makeover.

Of course, the cost of replacing an old roof is significant. And it becomes even higher if you have multiple layers of old roofs that need to be removed. Most building codes allow only two layers of roofing on a home. So if you already have two layers, your roofing contractor will need to carry out a complete tear-off. This adds to the cost of roof replacement, and it also means a longer timeline for your project.

Additional Tips

It’s always best to consult roofing professionals so that you can make an informed decision. Roofing projects are no simple matter, especially since your roof provides an important line of defense that keeps your home safe from the elements.

That said, make sure to only work with qualified and trusted roofing companies. Check their qualifications and ensure that they have the proper insurance. You can also look for customer reviews so that you can have an idea of what to expect from your prospective roofer.

During consultations, ask several questions about the job and the contractors themselves. It’s important for you to gain a better understanding of what the project entails as well as the costs of the job. This will also give you an opportunity to learn more about their approach and the materials they use. You can talk to two or three different contractors so that you can compare their services and quotes. It’s usually good to have options. A roofing company may have a good reputation. But if you can’t get along or you just don’t feel at ease with them, this could affect your working relationship and ultimately the result of the project.

Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. is dedicated to providing high-quality craftsmanship. If you are looking for a dependable and trustworthy roofing contractor, our team can certainly meet your needs. Rest assured that we have the skills and knowledge to carry out your project satisfactorily. Call us at Dyersburg: (731) 206-3821 or Atoka: (901) 676-7449 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.