Florida roofs take an annual beating from hot and humid summers to hurricane force winds. Asphalt shingles are designed to last for decades, but eventually will need to be repaired or replaced. Here are four of the most common signs that it’s time for you to call a professional to repair your shingle roof:
1. Curling or Clawing Shingles
Asphalt shingles dry out and becoming brittle over the course of several years. During the drying process, asphalt will slowly shrink while the fiberglass surface tries to prevent it. The result is shingles that curl up at the corners. When you see this, it is time to repair your shingle roof.
2. Missing Granules and Bare Spots
The asphalt of a shingle is covered with tiny stone granules both to make the shingle look good and to protect the asphalt. Over time, the granules will wear off and cause deterioration of the asphalt. When enough has worn off, the fiberglass intermat becomes visible and is exposed to the elements.Once this happens, the shingle will deteriorate quickly leaving your roof susceptible to seepage.
3. Broken Surfaces or Missing Shingles
Shingles can become damaged in high wind, or from flying debris and tree branches. Damage can also occur from walking across the roof without care. The shingles then become torn, cracked and broken, or lost entirely. When the underlayment is exposed, the roof wears away rapidly.
4. Damaged or Improperly Installed Flashings
Flashings are installed in valleys, around skylights, around chimneys and stacks, and other details of the roof where shingles meet, objects protrude, at seams, or anywhere that runoff is concentrated. When flashings are installed incorrectly, the wrong kind of flashing or fastener is used, or flashing begins to deteriorate, it is time to repair your shingle roof.
Having a professional repair your shingle roof as soon as problems are detected can save you from costly future repairs and other damage to your home.
We treat each and every roof we repair as our own. Contact Kelly Roofing, serving Naples and the surrounding area, for a free consultation today!
Learn more about damage to your roofOriginally published: Dec. 7, 2013
Information updated: June 25, 2015
