In this extensive guide, we'll discuss the top four reasons shingles might fall off your roof and how selecting the right materials and professional roofing contractor can make a significant difference in the lifespan and durability of your roof.
In this extensive guide, we'll discuss the top four reasons shingles might fall off your roof and how selecting the right materials and professional roofing contractor can make a significant difference in the lifespan and durability of your roof.
If you're a homeowner in the vibrant city of New Orleans, you know that your roof is your home's first line of defense against the city's dynamic weather. Maintaining the integrity of your roof is paramount, and this includes understanding why shingles, the frontline soldiers of your roofing system, may fall off. In this comprehensive guide from Roof Squad, your trusted New Orleans roofing contractor, we will delve into the top four reasons why shingles might fall off your roof. From the impact of weather conditions to installation issues, aging and wear, and the overlooked factor of insufficient attic ventilation, we aim to provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your roof. We'll also discuss the advantages of quality roofing materials like Owens Corning shingles and the value a Platinum Preferred Contractor brings to your roofing project. So, let's get started and unravel the mystery of falling shingles.
A primary factor influencing the longevity of your shingles is New Orleans' unique weather. As locals, we understand the city's diverse climate, from blistering summer heat to powerful storms during hurricane season. These extreme weather conditions can damage your roof, causing shingles to crack, blister, or even get blown away.
As a homeowner, you might wonder, "How can I protect my roof from this harsh weather?" The answer lies in selecting high-quality roofing materials designed to withstand such conditions. One such product is Owens Corning shingles.
Owens Corning's line of shingles are made with SureNail® Technology, a unique feature that provides outstanding grip, exceptional wind resistance, and incredible durability. This technology gives the shingles a high degree of resistance to the pull-through and wind uplift, making them a perfect choice for New Orleans homes.
Regular maintenance and inspection from a Platinum Preferred Contractor like Roof Squad also play a vital role in safeguarding your roof from weather damage. This is specially important when you are preparing yourself for the storm season to begin.
Unfortunately, even the best shingles won't protect your home if they're poorly installed. A faulty installation can lead to various problems, including shingles falling off your roof prematurely. In many cases, it's not the materials, but the installation that fails. At Roof Squad we pride ourselves in having strict quality control processes that ensure a top notch roof replacement or installation that will last for years to come.
One common mistake during the installation process is incorrect nailing. Shingles require accurate nailing to secure them firmly onto the roof deck. This means using the right number of nails, correctly placed, and driven straight in. If the shingles are under-nailed, over-nailed, or the nails are driven in at an angle or driven too deep, it can lead to loose shingles, making them susceptible to blowing off in high winds.
Another crucial aspect of shingle installation is correct alignment. The shingles should be straight and consistent to effectively shed water and withstand wind. Misaligned shingles can create gaps where wind can get underneath, potentially lifting the shingle and leading to leaks or even shingle loss.
Shingles come with a sealing strip that bonds them together, creating a single, cohesive roof covering. If the shingles are not properly aligned or the roof surface is not adequately cleaned before installation, the sealing strip may not adhere correctly. This can lead to shingles failing to seal, making them prone to wind uplift and water intrusion.
Flashing is essential in areas where the roof meets a vertical wall, around roof protrusions such as vents, and in valleys. If the flashing is not properly installed, water can seep under the shingles, leading to leaks and potentially causing shingles to loosen over time.
Proper roof ventilation is crucial for maintaining a consistent temperature across the roof, preventing hotspots that can warp shingles and make them brittle. If ventilation isn't correctly addressed during the roof installation process, it can lead to heat damage and shingle loss.
That's where choosing a reliable and certified contractor comes in. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, Roof Squad adheres to the highest installation standards. We undergo regular training and follow specific guidelines to ensure we deliver quality roofing services.
Our status as a Platinum Preferred Contractor also allows us to offer extended warranties on Owens Corning products, giving you additional peace of mind.
Even the best-maintained roofs have a lifespan. Over time, shingles start to show signs of wear and tear, like curling, cracking, or granule loss. These age-related issues make shingles more susceptible to wind uplift and can eventually lead to them falling off your roof.
Roofing shingles are covered in granules, which are tiny bits of ceramic-coated minerals. These granules provide multiple functions: they protect the asphalt layer from UV rays, provide fire resistance, and contribute to the aesthetic look of the roof. As your roof ages, these granules can be gradually washed off or blown away, leaving the shingle exposed. The exposed asphalt layer can then dry out and become brittle, increasing the chance of cracks and eventually leading to shingle loss.
Over time, shingles can start to curl, either cupping (edges turning upward) or clawing (middle raising, and the edges remain flat). Curling can happen due to several reasons: poor attic ventilation causing uneven heat distribution, a defective product, or simply the roof's age. Curled shingles can easily be lifted by the wind and are more likely to break and fall off.
As shingles age and lose their flexibility, they can start to crack. Extreme temperature changes can exacerbate this process as the shingles expand and contract. Cracked shingles have a higher chance of being blown off by strong winds and can also allow water to seep through, leading to further damage.
Roofing shingles are sealed together with a roofing sealant that helps prevent wind uplift and water penetration. Over time, the sealant can deteriorate, losing its adhesive qualities. As a result, the bond between shingles weakens, making them more likely to be lifted and blown off by the wind.
The deck, or sheathing, is the base on which the shingles are installed. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the deck to expand and contract over time, leading to movement. This movement can cause nails to back out, loosening shingles and making them susceptible to wind damage and falling off.
Here again, Owens Corning's innovations come into play. Their shingles are manufactured using advanced techniques that ensure superior longevity. TruDefinition® Duration® shingles, for example, are specially formulated to provide dramatic color contrast and dimension to any roof. These shingles are not only stunning but also come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty*, a testament to their longevity.
Proper attic ventilation is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of roof health and longevity. Without adequate ventilation, your roof may be at risk of several problems, including the premature loss of shingles. Let's delve deeper into how this works.
A well-ventilated attic ensures a steady flow of air through the underside of your roof, helping to regulate the roof's temperature. Without sufficient ventilation, heat can become trapped in the attic during the hot summer months, significantly raising the temperature of your roof. This excess heat can cause shingles to overheat, leading to thermal splitting or cracking. Over time, these weakened shingles can lose their adhesion and may blow off in windy conditions.
Insufficient attic ventilation can also lead to moisture build-up in your attic. The warm air that gets trapped in your attic can cause condensation, especially in cooler weather. This condensation can cause moisture to accumulate under your shingles, causing them to warp, buckle, or become loose. Over time, these affected shingles can deteriorate faster and may eventually fall off.
In colder climates, poor attic ventilation can lead to a phenomenon known as ice damming. While not common in New Orleans, it's worth understanding as it shows the importance of attic ventilation. Ice dams occur when heat from inside your home causes snow on your roof to melt. The melted snow then refreezes at the edge of your roof, causing an "ice dam." This dam can force water underneath your shingles, damaging them and potentially causing them to loosen or fall off.
Another factor to consider is the impact of poor ventilation on your shingle warranty. Many shingle manufacturers, including Owens Corning, stipulate that adequate ventilation is a requirement for their warranties to remain valid. This means if you have poor attic ventilation and experience shingle loss, your warranty may not cover the repairs.
Owens Corning and Roof Squad understand the importance of a comprehensive roofing system. A complete roofing system includes not only quality shingles but also balanced attic ventilation. This balanced ventilation extends the life of your roof and helps prevent issues like heat buildup and ice damming.
As you've learned, various factors contribute to shingles falling off roofs. However, with quality materials like Owens Corning shingles and a professional Platinum Preferred Contractor like Roof Squad, you can reduce the likelihood of these issues and prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Owens Corning shingles are known for their exceptional durability. They are designed to withstand severe weather conditions and resist the forces that could cause them to detach from your roof. Owens Corning accomplishes this by using innovative features such as the patented SureNail Technology, which offers excellent adhesive power, increasing the shingle's bonding strength.
Furthermore, Owens Corning shingles have undergone rigorous testing under various weather conditions to ensure they can resist wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures. This testing is part of what makes them such a reliable choice for homeowners in New Orleans.
In addition to their superior durability, Owens Corning shingles also offer a broad range of aesthetic options. With multiple color and style choices available, you can select the ideal shingles that will complement your home's architecture and improve its curb appeal. The TruDefinition Color Platform from Owens Corning uses multiple granule colors and shadowing to provide an unprecedented level of beauty and sophistication to your roof. These style boards will let you see shingle and color pairings to help you get the entire vibe of a design before deciding on their roof color.
For environmentally conscious homeowners, you'll be pleased to know that Owens Corning is committed to sustainable practices. The company recycles asphalt and turns it into new shingles, reducing the need for new raw materials and decreasing the environmental impact of your roofing project.
Choosing the right contractor is just as crucial as selecting the right roofing material. As a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning, Roof Squad adheres to strict standards and regular training, ensuring you get the best installation service possible.
Roof Squad also prides itself on customer service. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction throughout the project. We take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the project. By choosing Roof Squad, you're not only getting a professional roofing service but also a trusted partner who is committed to your home's longevity and your peace of mind.
In conclusion, understanding the reasons why shingles might fall off your roof, from extreme weather conditions, poor installation, age, and wear to inadequate attic ventilation, can help you make informed decisions to safeguard your roof.
Opting for top-notch materials like Owens Corning shingles and working with a Platinum Preferred Contractor like Roof Squad can significantly enhance your roof's lifespan and durability. This way, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is adequately protected, no matter what weather conditions New Orleans may bring.
Remember, your roof is an investment in your home's safety and value. Don't trust it to just any contractor, call us to schedule your appointment over the phone or schedule it by filling out our form. Choose quality, reliability, and peace of mind. Choose Roof Squad, your trusted New Orleans roofer.
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