Common Repairs for Asphalt Roofs
- Missing shingles:
One of the most common issues with this type of roof is missing shingles. After heavy storms and wind, asphalt tiles can get loose, especially if they are relatively old and worn out. Fixing this is as easy as replacing the missing
shingles.
- Granule loss:
The “texture” on asphalt shingles serves as an extra layer of protection against the sun. Over time, and especially if you’ve had to walk on the roof often, these granules will wear off. If your asphalt shingles are looking flat, you’ll probably have to replace them.
- Splitting, blistering and shrinking tiles: This is caused by exposure to our harsh sun, and heat. Florida weather exposes our roofs to intense heat, which can cause shingles to “blister” and sometimes lift up the structure. Shrinkage is also normal, and usually means it’s time to replace that section of your roof.
- Discoloration: Here in Florida, discoloration of asphalt tile roofs is one of the most common issues. After continuous exposure to UV rays, asphalt tiles tend to change color and turn grey. This is because the sun “pulls out” the bitumen out of the asphalt. While this can’t be fixed without completely replacing the shingles, you can prevent it from happening. During installation, the shingles should have been coated with a solar-reflective paint. This paint needs to be reapplied every 3 to 5 years to increase the longevity of your roof.
Common Repairs on Tile Roofs
- Broken or missing tiles:
While uncommon, if you see roof sections with missing tiles or the ones you have are broken, it’s time to replace those sections! Heavy storms or strong winds can loosen tiles, which can be dangerous if they fall on unsuspecting people walking by.
- Tile slipping: Are your clay tiles slipping over each other in the hot months? This is a sign the asphalt adhesive to put the roof together is softening. In general, this means you’ll have to replace the roof soon.
- Standing water:
This happens when tiles move or if your roof was installed improperly, causing water to pool between shingles. In general, you’ll have to call the experts so they can redo that section.
- Replacement of tile corners:
The corners and end pieces of your roof are the most prone to damage. After a hurricane or very strong winds, tiles can get chipped corners. If you heard “chattering” during a storm, you know some pieces probably chipped. Depending on the extent of the chipping, we could just leave it be or replace the tile.
Common Repairs on Metal
Roofs
- Rusting and warping: Although uncommon, sometimes wear-and-tear can cause metal roofs to rust. Pooling water is often the culprit, but if you see rusted sections, you’ll have to replace the panel.
- Worn-off paint: Oftentimes, metal roofs are painted with water-resistant paint to improve longevity. It’s important to check the integrity of the coating: any scratches or worn-out sections could lead to rusting! If you see worn patches, call a roofing team to quickly paint over it.
- Loose screws:
This is one of the common sources of leakage in metal roofs. If a roof screw becomes loose, it doesn’t properly seal water out. Replacing metal roofing screws is a job for a professional, so if you think your metal roof has loose sections, call the experts. Luckily, the fix is quite easy and you’ll have a fully waterproof roof in no time.
- Puncture and hail damage:
Puncture damage is pretty self-explanatory: if the punctures are deep enough, they might let water in, which will cause structural problems down the road. Hail damage can be just aesthetic, but it can also scratch the paint, cause punctures and also lead to rust. If you’ve had a heavy hail storm, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection with a trusted roofer.