The work never seems to stop when you own a house. The lawn needs cut, a tap needs new washers, or the windows are drafty in the winter. Things like these are easy to tell if they need fixed or, replaced, but when it comes to your roof, most homeowners, especially in the Burlington, Oakville area, leave things till a leak has formed before they call in an expert. So, just how does one tell if their shingled roof needs replaced? Really, it’s not hard so let’s have a look.
Step 1
Determine Your Roof Type
You are probably thinking, what? It is obviously shingled. Sure enough but most homeowners do not realize that there are different types of shingles used in the Burlington, Oakville area on both new and older homes.
3-Tab Shingles – These are the most common type used and are readily available at do-it-yourself stores if you care to tackle your own roof replacement. It has 3 distinct rectangular sections with the standard nail strip in the middle running horizontally. They typically come with a 15, 20, or 25 year guarantee which differs from one manufacturer to the next.
Architectural Shingles – Also known as AKA dimensional or laminated shingles are more durable and longer lasting than standard 3-tab designs. They also give the roof a 3 dimensional look due to the varying designs and thicknesses incorporated into each shingle. Although they are more expensive than 3-tab shingles, they are becoming more popular due to their longevity and 30, 40 or 50 year warranty.
Designer Shingles – These are the fanciest, longest lasting, and most expensive asphalt shingles on the market. They are thicker that the 3-tab design and come in various shapes, including diamond, rounded tab, and circular tab. They have warranties that range from 30 – 50 years or more depending on the manufacturer.
Other Types – Much less common and also the most expensive are cedar shake, tile, slate, and metal roofs. These require specialists in the industry to properly inspect them so we will not be looking at these types.
Step 2 – Deciding what is wrong with the Shingles
We will look at the most common problems associated with asphalt shingles here; the types of problems often found by roofing companies in Burlington and Oakville.
Shingles Lifting – In order to be effective, asphalt shingles must stay flat against the roof or the potential for leaks may occur. There are many reasons why shingles lift. Here are a few:
1. Improper installation by the installer. If the nails are not completely set into the shingle, it will allow the shingle to lift and separate from the roof.
2. High winds cause damage to roofs. This is common in new installations before the shingles have bonded together properly.
3. Debris can collect in the eaves trough which works its way under the shingles.
4. Moss can grow on and under the shingles.
Curling Shingles – This is a very common problem and is usually associated with an older roof. Shingles can curl up, curl down, side to side, or in the middle. Each type of curl has its own set of reasons and causes. If the curling is limited to a small area, usually a section of roof can be replaced, however, if the curling is substantial, there is not much that can be done to fix it and replacement is your only option. It is best to avoid stepping on a curled shingle as they can easily break off and cause leaks. If you have to get close to inspect the roof, do so from a ladder at the edge, do not walk on the roof.
Next week, we will continue our look at various types of roof problems and how to best fix them. Till then, go and inspect your roof and make note of any potential problems you see.