Roof Repair
High quality roofs are designed to be tough and durable. But they stand on the frontlines against what can be harsh Sonoma County weather.
From time to time, even the best roofing installation may need repair and when they do, there's no time to waste. Water leakage can wreak havoc on a home, from ugly water stains to potentially dangerous structural damage including dry rot.
Asphalt shingles are a great choice for roofing in the Sonoma County area because they are affordable and durable. However, problems can develop over time and a roof repair may be needed. Here are 6 common issues that can develop with a shingle roof:
Blistering
Most asphalt shingles consist of 3 layers: a fiberglass backing, an asphalt coating and crushed mineral granule on top providing color and appearance. Occasionally during the manufacturing process, moisture can get trapped in a layer. When exposed to high heat, the moisture expands and can pop or break creating an exposure on the shingle. This exposure is a weak spot that can lead to shingle failure and leaks.
Curling
As shingles age, they shrink and the edges begin to "curl" up. There are other causes of curling as well:
- Misaligned shingles during installation or roofing over old shingles can cause curling
- Ventilation issues resulting in trapped moisture can cause shingles to curl
- Thermal shock occurs when the temperature of the roof changes dramatically - not uncommon in the Bay Area. A hot day followed by a cool night can result in thermal shock. This can affect your shingle roof and start to create a curling effect over time
Curling can lead to leaks and a failure of the roofing system if left unattended.
Cracking
Cracking is a natural part of the aging process for shingles. Exposure to the elements take their toll on a composite shingle. Cracks can also develop as a result of manufacturer defects, poor roof ventialtion or improper installation.
Cracks are easy to spot and can be fixed with a new tile. If there are many cracked tiles, it may be time to consider a new roof.
Granule Loss
The top layer of a composition shingle consists of crushed stones, minerals or ceramics which provide the "look" of the tile. It's natural for the granules to come detached from the asphalt layer below over time. But if a large amount of loose granules are found in the gutter or a specific location on the roof, there may be other issues including:
- The asphalt in the middle layer was not applied evenly or consistently throughout the shingle and has created an adhesion issue
- The roof overheated, melted the asphalt, and caused granule loss
- The roof is not properly ventilated, so there’s a problem in the property itself, the attic space, the insulation, or beyond
Loose granules can lead to clogged gutters and leaves the asphalt layer exposed, dramatically shortening the life of the shingle. Again, this issue is easy to spot by one of our roofing experts.
Mold, Mildew, & Algae
In Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, mold, mildew and algae are just part of the deal. There are anti-algae shingles available but most roofs will experience some issue, especially if there are spots that are shaded a lot.
In general, molds, mildew and algae are a cosmetic nuisance but over time can result in trapped moisture. And if you live in the Bay Area, you probably know what that can lead to (dry rot). There are sprays available to reduce algae growth and we can recommend a variety of solutions depending on your situation.
Missing Shingles
Composite shingles are attached individually so it's always possible for a single to come loose for any number of reasons:
- A strong wind got under the shingle and loosened it
- A branch of some other object impacted the roof causing one or more shingles to come loose
- The sealing on the back of the shingle is broken
- The shingle was installed at too low of a temperature, and the seal couldn’t become engaged
- The seal was never properly engaged in the first place
Missing shingles are obviously bad news and should be replaced as soon as possible especially if we're in the rainy season!
Damage to your roof can occur as a result of many factors. Simple leaks can develop as the roof ages. But there are other factors that can inflict damage on a roof including clogged drain gutters, high winds, falling branches from nearby trees or even foot traffic. We have the best roofing repair crew that will thorougly inspect and assess any damage to your roof. We will then make the necessary roof repairs right then for minor repairs or provide you a plan for major repairs.
If you are in need of a roof repair in Santa Rosa or the greater Sonoma County area, get in touch with Heritage Roofing Company, the roofing company so many of your neighbors trust to get the job done right!