As you’re coming up to your home, you happen to look up and notice that something, ‘doesn’t quite look right ‘, on your roof. As you get closer, you feel a pang of dread in the pit of your stomach as you realize that some of your shingles are lifted and some are even missing all together. What has happened to your roof my friend, is what’s referred to as “blow off”

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, there is a real likelihood that at some point you’ll experience having shingles blow off in the wind. If this is not repaired in short order, it will allow the elements to eventually cause further, and quite costly damage to your roof

WHAT CAUSES SHINGLE BLOW-OFF?

This event isn’t exclusive to older roofs; even newly installed asphalt roofs can also experience blow off. Today, lets look at some of the causes of shingle blow off and what can be done to keep this from happening in the first place.

1. Improper Nailing Pattern

On every shingle, there is a narrow strip which is identified for proper nail placement. When installed correctly, the nail placement of the overlapping shingle will catch the top edge of the shingle beneath, providing optimal protection. If the shingles are nailed too high, however, they never catch the shingle underneath, which essentially reduces the number of nails going in to each shingle in half. This, of course, will make the shingle more susceptible to blow off during high winds.

2. Too much Overhang

When installed correctly, the end of a shingle should hang over the edge the roof between 1 to 1.5 inches, or between 0.5 and 0.75 inches if drip edge flashing is installed. Too much overhang and the shingles are susceptible to blow off during high winds.

3. Roof Approaching End if It’s Lifespan

Three-tab shingles will usually last on average 10 -15 years and architectural shingles about 20 – 25 years depending on factors such as exposure to the elements and quality of the materials. As the shingle ages, the adhesive that helps seals the shingles eventually loses its effectiveness. The weakened shingle is thereby prone to blow off.

Now that you have an idea as to what some of the causes are; what can be done to get the most out of your roof?

When you see signs of blow off, replace those missing and loose shingles promptly.

This should go without saying, but the longer your roof is exposed to the elements without the full protection of properly secured shingles, the more damage will occur to your single largest investment, (your home), as well as your pocket book! Bottom line if you suspect that your roof is compromised, have it inspected and repaired before it worsens.

Do your research when selecting a roofing materials and Installers!

Like I’ve already mentioned, your home is one of your largest single investments: Your home is your castle, right?

So, when you’re looking to hire someone to make repairs to your roof make sure that:

1. The company that you choose is established, reputable and insured:

There are quite a few solid roofing companies out there, but as with any profession, there are also a few that are less than stellar and some which, unfortunately, are downright shady! Doing a little bit of research on the front end, (even something as simple as checking their rating with the Better Business Bureau), could save you a whole lot of grief on the back end.

Also, remember, the lowest price does not necessarily equate to the best deal

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when speaking with potential installers.

When you go to the doctor or dentist or the car dealership to buy a vehicle, you ask probing questions so that you gain a better understanding of the situation and are ultimately able to make an informed decision with confidence. The same holds true when finding a suitable roofing company. At the end of your conversation you want to know that the company is using quality materials and has adequate expertise, competence, and knowledge proper roofing techniques to give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, the most effective way to avoid worrying about shingle blow-off is to use the services of a competent, reputable roofing company that only uses quality products and has a track record of employing installation techniques that will stand up against the elements.

These products and installation techniques are not at the bottom end of the price scale, but when compared to the potential costs of time, money and aggravation when dealing with low end materials and workmanship, you will be truly saving in the long run.