Author Archives: Innpreccon Roofing LLC

What is asphalt roofing made from?

Asphalt shingle roofs are still the most common roofs in the country. Today, there are different types of asphalt shingles, including organic and fiberglass, but for each, the manufacturing process is similar. Here are the basic components of asphalt shingles:

• Mat base: Currently, asphalt shingle roofing material starts with either an organic base consisting of cellulose or an inorganic base of fiberglass. The wood in the organic mat base, when saturated with asphalt, becomes water resistant. This makes organic shingles a good option. The fiberglass base mat also becomes water-resistant when asphalt you add asphalt. It’s a little lighter than organic base.
• Asphalt: On top of the base mat, an asphalt blend is applied for the asphalt and a filler-type mineral is mixed together and applied to the base for waterproofing purposes. Another component is added to make the asphalt shingle roofing material fire-resistant and then the finished product is aerated so that the shingle material is flexible. Flexibility makes the shingles easier to install. 
• Granules: The part that’s seen from the ground are the granules. This is a layer of crushed rock that is applied in an uncolored state or in any of the many asphalt shingle colors that can match any architectural color of a home. Other substances added at this time include an algae-resistant material and a reflective material.  

How long does asphalt roofing last?

The lifespan of asphalt shingles will vary based on the type of shingle used. In general, however, asphalt shingle roofs will last anywhere between 15-40 years. Your roof will last longer and need fewer asphalt shingle repairs with regular maintenance.

• 3-tab shingles: These are basic flat shingles that last anywhere from 15-30 years.
• Architectural shingles: These are thicker asphalt shingle materials that are a little more expensive than the basic 3-tab asphalt shingle roof material, but the architectural shingle has a longer lifespan. These roofs last 20-30 years.
• Premium: Thick shingles designed with impact resistance in mind. These shingles tend to cost more than other types of shingles but tend to have greater longevity. They will last anywhere between 25-40 years.

Again, shingles may have longer or shorter lifespans depending on maintenance. Getting regular maintenance will help you catch any minor issues before they become major. Regular maintenance also gives you a timetable to prepare for replacement.

When should asphalt shingles be replaced?

With professional annual inspections of your asphalt shingle roof, small issues can be caught and fixed before they become larger problems. When it comes to asphalt shingle repair, you especially want to catch leaks as soon as possible. Leaks and other damage jeopardize the roof’s and home’s structural soundness. 

The type of roofing materials used, the climate and environment, as well as the maintenance of the roof will all affect the frequency of roof replacement. The following is a basic recommendation for different roofing materials: 

• Asphalt shingle roofing: 15 to 40 years
• Wood shingle roofing: 20 to 25 years
• Rubber roofing: 30 to 50 years
• Metal roofing: 50 to 75 years

High humidity, long-term exposure to UV rays, and severe weather can take a toll on any type of roofing, but asphalt shingle roofing especially. After any significant type of weather, it is recommended you have a roofing professional inspect your roof for possible damage.  From hailstones to high winds, asphalt shingle roofing can be damaged in ways that aren’t visible from the ground or by the untrained eye.

Can you replace just a section of shingles?

When roofs are damaged, it’s rare that the whole roof gets damaged. Sometimes just a small section of your roof will need asphalt shingle repair. If only a small section of the roof has been damaged, it might be possible only to repair or replace that section of shingles. Much of this will depend on the type of damage.

When you have a professional inspect your roof for damage, make sure their inspection is thorough. You want them to inspect areas such as the flashing, fascia, gutters, vents, and inside the attic. A thorough inspection will determine how much of the roof needs to be repaired or replaced.

If there is extensive damage, it’s usually best to replace the roof. Fortunately, if the roof has been damaged by a natural event like a storm or by some other unexpected event, the repairs will be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Insurance will not cover damage due to neglect. Check with your insurer to see what the policy covers if you are unsure.

You also want to get help from a qualified roofer when it comes to help with roof insurance claims. Roofing professionals can inspect the damage, provide you with photos and other documentation to file with the claim, and will verify the damage with the adjuster if needed.

What is the number one cause of roof failure?

Deterioration of your roof’s structure caused by water intrusion is the leading cause of roof failure. Wood structures like rafters, when continually exposed to water, may grow mold or bacteria that causes the wood to decompose. Metal roofs exposed to too much water can rust or corrode. Failing shingles, damaged membranes, and interior condensation often allow water to intrude into the roof’s structure. Here are 6 other leading causes of roof failure:

• Failures of the roof’s drainage system, clogs in particular
• Other nearby buildings shedding water runoff onto your roof
• Too much insulation that stops heat loss and changes melt-off patterns
• Improper structural modifications to plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems, etc., that affect the structural integrity of roof trusses
• Damage caused during installation to roof trusses.
• Flawed design errors

Why should roofs be patched up immediately?

Leaks can create serious problems when it comes to roof repair. If you delay the repair for too long, you run the risk of serious water damage to your home. Leaks lead to mold growth that affects the structural integrity of your roof and can affect your indoor air quality. In the long run, this means more expensive repairs, as well as reduced energy efficiency.

What causes roofs to leak?

There are, in general, 5 common causes of roof leaks: people, problems with seams, neglect, rooftop equipment and weather.

• People: Most roofs can handle light foot traffic, and sometimes it is necessary to walk on roofs. On commercial buildings, for instance, you may need to make repairs to rooftop HVAC systems. But, people may be careless when it comes to walking on rooftops and drop tools or mishandle parts.
• Seams: On commercial buildings especially, the seams of roofing membranes will delaminate and lead to leaks.
• Neglect: Not taking care of your roof with regular maintenance will cause all sorts of problems from debris piling up and creating clogs to mold and moss growth due to moisture build-up under failing shingles.
• Rooftop equipment: Large equipment like HVAC on commercial rooftops can create problems, especially if repair technicians are neglectful. Screws can be pulled out and not replaced, which leaves you with a point of entry for water
• Weather: Everything from hail to high winds can seriously damage rooftops. Sometimes the damage might not be obvious. That’s why it’s important to get your roof inspected after these events occur. Professionals will be able to spot damage others might not recognize.

Why do roofs get blown off?

When you have high winds, tornadoes, or hurricanes, these events often create shifts in air pressure. Those shifts in air pressure can lead to roofs getting blown off or lifted away from the roof. Severe weather of all types is quite capable of blowing roofs off.

When tornadoes develop, people often open doors or windows as a safety precaution. This can cause a dramatic shift in the air pressure, which leads to the roof lifting away from the house.

High winds can be dramatic. Sometimes sections of shingles can be lifted up from the decking without being blown off. After the wind dies down, it may appear as if nothing happened. But, when inspected, it will be clear that the nails have been loosened and the shingles have been damaged.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover a roof that’s been blown off?

If your roof ever gets blown off during a storm, you should receive coverage from your insurance company. Usually, homeowner’s insurance covers any sort of damage caused by a natural or unexpected event.

Insurance normally won’t cover any damage, however, that’s caused by homeowner neglect.

It’s best to check your individual policy or consult with an insurance agent to find out exactly what is covered because policies will vary.

Will a roof leak if the shingles have blown off?

Any time you have missing shingles, no matter the cause, you want to get a roof repair as soon as possible. That’s because even one missing shingle leaves your roof vulnerable to leaks. This is especially true if the shingle that’s missing covers a seam. And, there is a 1 in 3 chance that your missing shingle was sitting above the seam between shingles. So, the odds are really not in your favor, when it comes to missing shingles and leaks.

What is the life expectancy of a roof?

The life expectancy of a roof will vary depending on the roofing material that’s used. On the high end of the scale, slate roofing tiles can last more than a century. But, slate roofs are heavy and expensive. Metal roofing tiles are generally lost-lasting with a life expectancy of about 50 years. Metal roofs are expensive to install but are beneficial in the long run. Asphalt shingle roofs are the least expensive to install. They last anywhere between 25 to 50 years. Newer technology improves the shingle’s lifespan and durability.