Asphalt shingles are probably the most common roofing material in America. And with good reason: they’re durable, affordable, and come in a variety of styles and colors to suit your home’s aesthetic. Yet, as with any other type of roofing material, shingles are exposed to everyday wear and tear, as well as the more extreme weather conditions we get here in Massachusetts.
Dynamic Roofing Technologies’ experts are here to help you understand the most common shingle roofing repair issues and how they get fixed.
Common Shingle Roofing Issues
At Dynamic Roof Tech, we’ve seen all kinds of roofing issues. Here are the most common problems our customers call us to handle.
Unprofessional Installation
Unfortunately, not everyone who calls themselves a roofer is actually qualified to install roofs. The work may have been rushed, not done to code, or simply not installed correctly. The result is that the roofing materials, including the shingles, degrade sooner than they should.
Blistering
Blistering occurs when moisture becomes trapped between a shingle and the underlying roofing material. The moisture causes the shingle to swell until it pops or breaks (like a blister). If the shingle isn’t treated or replaced soon, the moisture that causes the blister can lead to further damage.
Weathering & Exposure
Here in Massachusetts, we get hot summers and cold winters that put your roof through a lot of wear and tear all year long. In the summer, relentless UV rays from the sun, as well as high temperatures, can cause your roof’s shingles to expand, dry, and possibly crack. In winter, ice can form on your roof, melt, and freeze again, causing dangerous ice dams. Throughout the year, your roof may endure hail, debris, and strong winds that tear at the edges of the shingles.
Curling
It’s fairly easy to spot curling, which looks like the edges of the shingles are peeling up and off the roof. Curling may be a sign that your shingles have reached the end of their natural lifecycle and need to be replaced, or it may be caused by weather damage or improper installation. Curling shingles are prone to being ripped off by strong winds and need to be addressed.
Algae & Mold Growth
During high-humidity months, your roof’s shingles may be prone to algae and mold growth, especially in spots that don’t get a lot of sun. On the outside of the roof, this may seem like a small, even cosmetic problem. But without treatment, the moisture causing the algae or mold can start to penetrate into deeper layers.
Missing Shingles
After any major storm, check outside your home for debris. You may see shingles that have been torn off your roof due to high winds. Also, look at your roof from the ground, as it’s easy to catch “blank spots” where shingles have gone missing.
When To Call a Professional Roofing Contractor
While it may be tempting to try to save money by fixing your own roof, we strongly recommend against it:
- A professional roofer has the experience and expertise to get to the source of the problem, not just perform a surface fix.
- You may void your roof’s warranty by fixing it yourself.
- A licensed roofing contractor with local experience will repair your roof in accordance with all local municipal codes and regulations.
- Professional roofers have the right tools and equipment to fix all kinds of roofing problems.
- Going up onto a roof and trying to fix it yourself can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Trying to fix a roof yourself may cause further damage, costing you more money in the long run than calling a professional from the start. Remember, a qualified professional will have good references, local experience, and be fully licensed and insured to work on your roof.
DIY Maintenance Tips for Shingle Roofing
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent damage, there are things you can do as a homeowner to protect your roof as much as possible.
- Know the signs of roof damage.
- Schedule regular professional roof inspections.
- Clean your gutters every spring and fall.
- Familiarize yourself with your roof’s warranty to understand what it covers.
- Clear vegetation from your roof at least twice a year.
- Make sure your attic is properly ventilated and insulated.
A little bit of maintenance and attention to your roof can help prevent costly repairs later.
FAQs: Shingle Roofing Repair
Q: Can I repair roof shingles myself?
A: Technically, minor issues can be fixed yourself, but we strongly encourage you to call a professional roofing contractor. Only they can make a full diagnosis of the problem and fix it at the source.
Q: Does a roofing issue mean I need a whole new roof?
A: Not necessarily. If the damage is extensive or if you find yourself spending money on repeated repairs for the same issue, a new roof might be a better value in the long run.
Q: How much does shingle roofing repair cost?
A: As with any home project, the cost of your shingle roofing repair will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of materials used, and potential hidden problems. In the greater Boston area, shingle roofing repair typically costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Q: How long does shingle roofing repair take?
A: The length of time it takes to fix your roof will depend on the extent of the damage and the materials needed. Smaller fixes can take just a few hours, while more extensive damage can take up to a week to complete.
New England’s Shingle Roofing Experts
The experts at Dynamic Roofing Technologies are ready and able to repair your roof, no matter the problem. We offer 24/7 emergency storm damage services for our customers across New England. With offices in Boylston, Wellesley, and West Hartford, we’re close by when you need us most.
Contact us today for a free on-site, no-obligation quote on your shingle roofing repairs!
