The typical asphalt shingled roof has a lifespan of about 10-15 years, depending upon the materials used and how well they were installed. But when the harsh winter weather and the hot summer months of Reston take their toll on your shingles, lifespans are shortened considerably. With the right maintenance, a twice a year roofing inspection and the occasional roof repair, you can increase the life of your asphalt shingles considerably. Use this guide to spotting shingle troubles and you’ll be sure to pinpoint and prevent potential roofing problems.
It’s very important to keep your roof in top shape to put off the inevitable roof replacement as long as possible. That’s why here at Roof.net, we recommend that you have your Reston, Virginia roof inspected once during the fall and once during the spring long before the cold winter weather and hot and humid summers have a chance to turn minor roofing problems into major ones. While it’s never a good idea to climb a ladder and inspect your roof, it is a good idea to perform a visual inspection at least twice a year from the safety of the ground. If you spot any of the following roofing troubles; don’t put off your roof repair until it’s too late. Call Roof.net today at (703)303-8546 or fill out our submission form in the upper left hand corner of your screen and we’ll send our team of highly skilled roofers to inspect your entire roofing system from top to bottom and provide you with a no cost, no obligation estimate today. Check out our roofing contractor’s reviews and see for yourself why Roof.net is the best shingle repair and replacement specialists in the entire Northern Virginia Area.
• Exposed Nails - When nails aren’t covered with another shingle or a sealant, you can bet that a roof leak is eminent. Exposed nails can occur from inferior attic ventilation, old age or poor workmanship and should be repaired right away before minor roofing problems have a chance to get worse.
• Cupped Shingles - When shingles age, they dry out and shrink. This usually is the cause of cupped shingles and when an entire roof is filled with cupping shingles, it’s a sure sign that a total roof replacement is going to be necessary soon. But some cupped shingles are caused by improperly ventilated attics. Extreme heat affects the underside of shingles and causes them to prematurely age. Be sure your roofers inspect your attic ventilation to make certain that your new shingles don’t become damaged again.
• Staining - Heavy stains and other odd discolorations can occur around roof valleys, chimneys and skylights due to ageing flashing. Dark stains and smudges around roofing penetrations may mean sealants are beginning to fail. Any signs of rust or other dark stains should be checked and repaired immediately to prevent more expensive roofing troubles from occurring down the road.
• Ventilation Stacks - When the heavy winter snows and strong summer storms blow into Reston, Virginia you can bet that roofing leaks will occur when loose ventilation boots problems are in place. If the metal boots or caps that cover your plumbing pipes and ventilation penetrations are loose, damaged or improperly installed; roof leaks are likely to take place. Be sure your roofers inspect your roofing boots and caps to prevent costly roof repair problems down the road.
• Soffit and Fascia Troubles - The overhang of your roof is designed to protect your structures walls and foundation from water intrusion. The lip and overhang of the roof use a three part system to keep water at bay. Check your roofs drip edge, soffit and fascia for any loose, missing or broken pieces and have them repaired before more serious roofing problems have a chance to happen.
• Poor Installation - Just because you have a roof problem doesn’t mean it’s caused by old age. Sometimes, inferior workmanship can cause shingle roofs to leak. Look for signs of shingle damages like slipping shingles, exposed nails visible sealants for signs that your asphalt shingle roof wasn’t installed correctly.
• Tree Litter - Tree litter is more than just an unsightly mess. More often than not, tree debris will build up behind chimneys, in roofing valleys and against skylights. Tree litter can cause water to infiltrate shingles, causing fungus that can prematurely age shingles. Be sure all branches and trees are trimmed back at least six feet from your roof to prevent expensive repairs and costly roof replacement.