A new shingled roof should last at least twenty years, but proper installation, climate, and ventilation can play a role in the expected life of your roof. Here are some problems you should look out for and how they should be handled.
Algae Growth: Algae causes a dark discoloration on your roof. It is usually dark brown or black and appears streaked, causing your roof to look dirty. It can be mistaken for soot, dirt, or tree droppings, but will cover a larger area than those. It is caused by airborne algae growths and occurs most often in warm, humid climates. Algae-resistant shingles available for purchase in these areas. If you suspect algae growth on the roof of your Morristown home, this does not necessarily mean you need a new roof. The discoloration is difficult to remove, but can be lightened with a diluted solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water.
Damaged Flashing: Damaged flashing can be caused by improper installation on a new roof, drying and cracking on an old roof, settling on the structure, or it could have been dented by improper nailing during installation. If your home in Morristown has damaged flashing, it is likely necessary to replace only the flashing and surrounding shingles.
Buckling: This can be caused by felt that is improperly applied, a wrinkled underlayment, movement of the roof deck, a lack of spacers in between roof deck boards, poor roof ventilation, or new shingles that have been applied directly over old ones. If your Morristown roof is buckling, your first step should be to try to let moisture escape the roofing system. It will take a while, but once the moisture is at the proper level, the roof should lay flat and buckling should not occur again. You should also try to add proper ventilation to your roof. Make sure you know the minimum ventilation requirements in your area. You should also consider having a professional come and remove the buckle by removing the shingles and replacing them after cutting the wrinkle.
Curling: Curling can be caused by high nails, a lack of back coating,
under-saturation of asphalt felt (in organic shingles), lack of ventilation, or an improper number of fasteners. It is recommended that if curling occurs on your roof to check the location and number of shingle fasteners. Simply adding roof ventilation can also be a simple fix to curling shingles.
Blistering: Blistering is generally caused by moisture in the shingles. If the blisters open to reveal the asphalt they should absolutely be replaced, and it is best to do so as soon as blistering is noticed to avoid the blisters breaking open at all. Be sure to consult with a roofing professional or the shingle manufacturer soon after noticing blistering.
Missing Shingles: Your shingles may be missing due to improper fastening, high wind exposure, or a combination of both. If your roof is missing shingles, be sure to have them replaced soon after taking note of them. If only part of the shingles have come loose but are still held on at some point, they can be reattached. If you decide to do this yourself, make sure to read the label of any products you use very carefully, as they can be toxic. It is the user’s responsibility to observe any health and safety measures listed on the label and in the Material Safety Data Sheet.
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eiling Spots: A ceiling spot is water damage caused by a leaking roof. Be sure to check the attic for leaks, chimney and vents for cracking, rafters (they can cause leaks to travel away from the original source), your eaves for backed up water caused by ice dams, and look for damaged shingles. If you do notice any of these problems, consult a professional to find out the best remedy to your specific problem.
Missing Granules: Right after application of shingles, it is normal for a certain number of granules to come loose. Granule loss does not indicate a need for new shingles on your Morristown roof unless they are missing to a visible point. If you can see the asphalt or mat underneath, the shingles should be replaced, especially if you have an older roof.
Rotting: Rotting occurs when the mat at the core of the shingle absorbs moisture. If you have organic shingles, you should be especially aware of the possibility of this problem, as it tends to occur often with organic materials. If your shingles are rotting, they need to be replaced and you should ensure that the only damage is to the shingles and no further.
Many of these projects can be a Do It Yourself job, but it is not recommended. You will end up with a better quality result by hiring a NJ roofing contractor that is trusted by your community in Morristown. If you are not sure if you have a problem, but suspect that you may, it is best to call and have someone take a look at it. Here is an example of a Morristown, NJ roof installed by M&M Construction Specialist. If you think you may need one, do not hesitate to call us.