What You Need To Know About Blown Off Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles may blow off for many reasons, most commonly because of extreme weather conditions. Shingle blow-off doesn’t only happen to older roofing systems, however — your newly installed asphalt roofs may experience this as well. To properly protect your roof from shingle blow-off, you must know the reasons why this occurs in the first place. In this article, Home Pro Exteriors, a leading provider of quality roof repair services, explains everything you need to know about a shingle blow-off.  

What Causes Your Asphalt Shingles to Blow Off?

When you notice your shingles have blown off, it’s best to call a professional roofer as soon as possible. They will inspect your roofing system and tell you the cause of the shingle blow-off. Here are some common causes of shingle blow-off:

• Improper installation. Every shingle has a narrow strip for proper nail placement. The nail placement of the overlapping shingle should catch the top edge of the shingle beneath and provide protection. However, if the shingles are nailed too high, they are unable to catch the shingle beneath. As such, the shingles are more vulnerable to blow off during heavy windstorms. 
• Loose shingles. Your roofing deck provides a base for roof coverings and membrane layers to be attached to. It usually consists of OSB board, plywood sheathing, or corrugated metal. If your shingles are loose, they allow moisture to wreak havoc on your deck. If the deck rots or wraps, shingle nails may pop and cause shingles to blow off. 
• Aging roof. Depending on the quality of your roofing materials, the average asphalt shingle roof can last for 10 to 15 years. As the roof ages, the shingles will lose their effectiveness. Thus, their seals will no longer hold them in place, making them susceptible to a blow-off. 
• New roof. If your roof is fairly new, the seal strips may not have had properly set yet. This may take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the temperature, amount of sun exposure, and the quality of your shingles.  

Should You Repair or Replace Your Shingles?

If the damage is not that extensive, and if you’re not yet ready for a complete roof replacement, your roofer may recommend repairing your shingles. They will remove the damaged shingles and replace them with new ones. It’s the most affordable solution and keeps your roof protected in case of inclement weather. However, the color of your new shingles may not match your old ones. These patches may seem conspicuous and unattractive, negatively affecting your home’s curb appeal. 

For this reason, you may want to replace your roof instead of repairing it. If sections of the roof are beginning to fail because of old age, other areas may not remain secure much longer as well. Replacing your roof is a costly project, but it’s best to think of it as a worthy investment. Not only does a new roof provide better protection, but it also allows you to choose new colors, materials, and styles that may enhance the appearance of your home.

Are you looking for a professional roofing contractor or deck builder in Warwick, NY? Put your trust in Home Pro Exteriors for your home improvement needs. Call us today at (845) 343-1777 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.