While the primary role of your roof is to protect your home from the elements, it can only take so much. Asphalt shingles can sustain damage during weather extremes. A typical problem homeowners face after a severe storm is shingle blow-off. If you notice lifted or missing shingles on your roof, contact professionals immediately for repairs. Promptly addressing the issue will protect your humble abode from further damage. 

A trusted residential and commercial roofing company gives tips on dealing with shingle blow-offs. 

What Usually Causes Shingle Blow-Offs? 

Aging Roofing Materials

Older roofing systems are more prone to develop weather-related damage. Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 to 30 years, depending on installation, maintenance and material quality. Your location and climate can also affect the lifespan of your roof. 

As your roof ages, the seals that join shingles slowly deteriorate. Shingles approaching the end of their lives are more likely to get dislodged or fall during storms. Avoid putting off a roof replacement if it’s necessary to ensure your home remains protected from the elements and water damage. 

Improper Installation

Regardless of quality, shingles can fail quickly when not handled and installed correctly. Each shingle features a narrow nailing strip. When your contractor places the nails too high on the shingles and not on this strip, the chances of blow-offs will increase.

Whether you are getting asphalt shingle or PVC roofing, you must carefully choose the contractor you will hire for your project. Working with reputable professionals will help you make the most of your investment. At KLIM Roofing & Construction, you can always rely on us for superior residential and commercial roofing solutions. 

Seal Strips Issues

Shingle blow-offs can also occur in newly-installed roofs. The problem can happen if the seal strips don’t set properly. It usually takes four to six weeks, depending on material quality, temperature and sun exposure. 

If you recently had your roof replaced, notify your contractor immediately if you see issues with the shingles. Reputable professionals will repair or replace the affected shingles at no cost. However, the problem might recur if its actual cause is improper installation and not compromised seal strips.

Roof Deck Damage

The deck creates a foundation for roofing materials and offers extra protection against leaks. This component can develop damage when water infiltrates through the shingles. Once it warps or deteriorates, nails can pop and loosen, causing shingles to become susceptible to blow-offs. 

Excessive Overhang

Another common cause of shingle blow-offs is too much overhang. Shingle edges should hang between one to 1.5 inches over your roof. If there’s a drip edge flashing, the overhang should be 0.5 to 0.75 inches. With too much overhang, shingles are more likely to blow off during wind events. 

What Can You Do About It?

Identifying the Problem

Experts strongly recommend getting a professional roofing inspection after an extreme weather event. Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, you should still have a reputable contractor check it. Some signs of damage are not easy for untrained people to spot.  

It’s not a good idea to climb the roof and look for signs of damage yourself. It will put your safety at risk and might cause further damage. Pros have the appropriate safety gear and equipment to inspect and repair both steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems.  

Addressing the Damage

If your contractor identifies loose or missing shingles, get repairs immediately. To eliminate the risk of accidents, leave all roofing jobs to experienced professionals, from inspections to repairs and replacements. It will also minimize the likelihood of improper nail placement or poor workmanship. Using incorrect tools, materials and techniques will only cause the issue to recur or worsen. Hiring a qualified contractor will save you more money in the long run and help ensure your roof lasts long. 

Don’t Delay Repairs

When shingle blow-offs occur, you must act immediately, especially if there’s a forecast for rain. Delaying repairs will increase the chances of leaks and water damage. Mold can also occur once water enters your indoor spaces. It releases spores that can harm the health of your loved ones. Usually, widespread mold growth can be costly to remove. 

How Do You Prevent Shingle Blow-Offs?

Hire a Reputable Contractor

Prevention starts with proper installation. Meticulous craftsmanship reduces the risk of storm damage to roofs. Dependable professionals will ensure all roofing components are compatible and secured correctly. You can count on them to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for a long-lasting roofing system. Moreover, following these instructions is also essential to keep material warranties valid. 

Invest in High-Quality Shingles 

You can’t expect substandard materials to last long or stand up well against weather extremes. It always pays to invest in the best quality shingles within your budget. Top-grade options from reputable professionals will do a better job of withstanding outdoor elements. Besides being more durable, they look more appealing and come with comprehensive warranties. 

Schedule Regular Inspections 

Often, homeowners only contact professionals when they see signs of damage on their roofs. Scheduling inspections at least once a year and after severe storms can help extend the life of your roof. It will let your contractor detect and repair minor issues before extensive damage occurs. 

Keep Your Roof and Gutters Clean

It’s also vital to have your roof routinely cleaned and maintained. Leaves, twigs and other debris from nearby trees can accumulate on top of shingles and retain moisture. Prolonged exposure to excessive moisture can reduce the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Eventually, water will seep underneath them and damage the components below. You can easily avoid this issue with routine roof and gutter cleaning. 

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Sufficient attic airflow is vital to your roof’s longevity and energy efficiency. Poor ventilation can cause a buildup of warm, humid air in your attic. Too much heat can accelerate the deterioration of shingles, making them weak. When this happens, they can easily get torn from the roof during high winds.