Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used roofing material on homes in Victoria and throughout the province. They provide a classic look while remaining inexpensive to install compared to other materials. Shingles are generally quite durable, but they are prone to wear and tear. If you want to extend the life of your shingle roof while avoiding a total replacement, learn how you can extend your roof’s life by up to 15 years with shingle rejuvenation.
Getting the most life out of a shingle roof requires quality installation from the start, plus keen attention to damage over the years and staying on top of roof maintenance. As a homeowner, here are some of the risks you may encounter with a poor roof installation:
Leaks
Probably the most severe risk that comes along with poor roof installation is leaking and water damage. Shingle roofs are prone to leaking, especially as they age. But noticing signs of water damage and even full blown leaks early into a roof’s life could be a sign of poor installation.
If water does leak through your roof, that’s when the real problems start. Mold, mildew and rot are situations you don’t want to have to deal with early into a roof’s life. In this case, you’ll certainly been in need of repairs to fix the leaks and eradicate the water damage.
If shingles are aligned poorly or installed with incorrect nail placement, there could be gaps in the roof inviting water in. Sloppy flashing around the vents, chimneys and other edges could also present opportunities for leaking. Even a poor nailing job could compromise the underlying roof deck over time.
Inquire about our leak detection services.
Energy Costs
If you’ve recently got your roof redone and you’re noticing soaring energy costs, that could be a warning sign of poor installation. There are a number of reasons why your utility bill is soaring, from faulty appliances to air leaks elsewhere in the home, rising rates, poor insulation around windows, and seasonal temperature changes. Improper roof installation could also be a culprit.
When a roof is installed poorly, that will affect the insulation underneath. As soon as the insulation is compromised, it’s unable to do it’s job as well. That means losing heat in the winter and increased costs to keep the home cool in the summer.
Premature Wear
Shingle roofs will be subject to wear and tear over time – there’s no avoiding it. But if your shingles are showing signs of damage early in their life, that could be a sign of incorrect installation.
One common type of wear and tear is called ‘curling’, when the corners of shingles begin to peel up. There are many reasons for curling, but this could be happening because the shingles were misaligned or unlevel when they were installed. There may even be trapped moisture in the roof.
Cracking is another warning sign to watch for. It’s part of the natural roof aging process, but shingles that crack early in life could indicate the manufacturer used a poor product or the ventilation for the roof system is inadequate.
Voided Warranty
Warranty is crucial in the roofing world, and with asphalt roofs, they tend to become a little trickier. Shingles simply don’t last as long as other materials, and they can be prone to damage, so it can be difficult to get your hands on a really good warranty for a shingle roof.
If the installation job is lacking or incorrect, you could be left holding the bag by the time you realize there may be an issue with the quality of the installation. That’s why it’s so important to stick with a roofer with a real track record and real credibility (psst.. we’ve got over 100 years of combined experience).
Lack of Ventilation
It’s hard to understate how critical ventilation is for the roof. It’s job is to pull fresh air into the home and release heat and moisture. A lack of proper ventilation could be the source of a whole slew of issues, from water damage to mold to energy efficiency. In many cases, these ventilation issues stem from the roof.
There are a few ways ventilation can suffer from poor roofing installation. First, it’s possible that intake/exhaust vents are blocked by insulation, paint, or other material. The number of vents (or lack thereof) could be a problem too. Then there’s the insulation and sealing – an inadequate job could lead to leaking air and moisture buildup.
Missing Shingles
Because roof shingles are installed one at a time, it only makes sense they’d be prone to detach. This is something that can happen, especially if the roof is old. Strong winds, rogue trees, or an aging seal could cause shingles to fly off.
If your home is losing shingles and it hasn’t been struck by anything, it could be a sign of poor installation. It’s possible the seal was never properly engaged if the roof was installed when the temperatures were too cold.
Appearance
While structural damage and worn shingles are more threatening to the lifespan of your roof, incorrect installation also runs you the risk of having a roof that just looks bad. A well done roof is aesthetically pleasing. But a poorly installed one tends to look a little improper, with misaligned or lopsided shingles, excessive shingle overhang, and shingles that wear prematurely.
Any big investment – especially when it comes to your roof, is best left in the hands of a reputable company with a real track record. Attempting a DIY-style job or hiring a shady company that promises the lowest prices is the best way to invite disaster.
Lifecycle Roofing installs, maintains and restores shingle roofs on Vancouver Island with 100 years of combined experience on our team. We specialize in extending the life of buildings through preventative maintenance. That means we can spot a poor installation a mile away.
Contact us today for a free roof inspection and quote.