A
Algae- Rooftop fungus that can leave dark stains on roofing.

Angled Fasteners- Roofing nails and staples driven into the wood substrate or the roofing materials at angles not parallel to the substrate.

APA- American Plywood Association. Tests and sets standards for all varieties of plywoods used in the U.S.

Apron Chimney Flashing- Metal flashing used at chimney fronts.

ARMA- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association. Organization of roofing manufacturers.

Asphalt- A bituminous waterproofing agent used in various types of roofing materials.

Asphalt Concrete Primer- Asphalt based primer used to prepare concrete and metal for asphalt sealant.

Asphalt Plastic Cement- Asphalt based sealant material, meeting ASTM D4586 Type I or II. Used to seal and adhere roofing materials. Also called mastic, blackjack, roof tar, bull.

Asphalt Shingles- Roofing materials that consist of an organic or fiberglass base material, which is coated with asphalt and granulated minerals. Composition roof shingles made from asphalt-impregnated felt covered with mineral granules.
ASTM-The American Society for Testing and Materials. Organization that sets standards for a wide variety of materials, including roofing.
B
Back-Surfacing- Granular material added to shingle’s back to assist in keeping separate during delivery and storage.

Blistering- Bubbles or pimples in roofing materials. Usually moisture related. In shingles blisters are either moisture under the material or moisture trapped inside the material.

Blow-Offs- When shingles are subjected to high winds, and are forced off a roof deck.

Buckling- When a wrinkle or ripple affects shingles or their underlayments.

BUR- A Built-up Roof (BUR) is a low-slope roof covered with alternating layers of roofing felt and hot-mapped asphalt and is sometimes topped off with a layer of gravel.

C

Cedar Shakes- Cedar shakes are made from western red cedar and provide a rustic look on a home. Most cedar shakes today are made by machines, and are sawn on at least one side. Shakes are sometimes machine grooved to appear more like authentic hand split shakes. Shakes range from 1/2" to 3/4" or greater at the butt end. Without proper maintenance and treatment a shake roof will last only 15-25 years, but with proper treatment (Replenishing the natural oils to the shakes) and maintenance a shake roof can last upwards of 100 years.
Closed-Cut Valley- A shingle valley installation method where one roof plane’s shingles completely cover the other’s. The top layer is cut to match the valley lines.

Corrosion- When rust, rot or age negatively affect roofing metals.

Counter-Flashing-The metal or siding material that is installed over roof-top base flashing systems to prevent moisture from penetrating behind the base flashing.

Crickets- A peaked water diverter installed behind chimneys and other large roof projections. Effectively diverts water around projections.

Cupping- When shingles are improperly installed over an existing roof or are
over-exposed, they form a curl or cup.

D

Deck- The substrate over which roofing is applied. Usually plywood, wood boards, planks, steel, gypsum, dens deck, concrete.

Dormer- A raised roof extending out of a larger roof plane.

Drip-Edge- An installed lip that keeps shingles up off of the deck at edges, and extends shingles out over eaves and gutters, and prevents water from backing up under shingles and protects the substrate and fascia boards from moisture damage.

E

Eaves- The roof edge from the fascia to the structure’s outside wall. In
general terms, the first three feet across a roof is termed the eave. Used to provide shade for the home.

End-Laps- When installing rolled products in roofing, the area where a roll ends on a roof, and is overlapped by the next section of rolled material. (underlayments, rolled roofing)

Exposure- The area on any roofing material that is left exposed to the elements.

F

Fasteners- Nails, staples, or screws used in securing roofing materials to the deck / substrate.
Felt- Organic or paper-based rolled material saturated with asphalt to serve as roofing underlayment.

FHA-The Federal Housing Authority. Sets construction standards throughout the U.S.

Fiberglass Mat- fibers condensed into strong, resilient mats for use in roofing materials.

Flange-Metal pan extending up or down a roof slope around flashing pieces. Usually at chimneys and plumbing vents

Flashing- Materials used to waterproof a roof around any projections or curbs through the roof deck.

Flashing Cement- Sealant designed for use around flashing areas, typically thicker than plastic cement.

G

Gable Roof- Traditional roof style; two peaked roof planes meeting at a ridge line of equal size.

Gable Vent- Intake ventilation installed in the gable end wall.
Granules- Crushed rock that is coated with a ceramic coating and fired; used as top surface on shingles.

H

Hand-Sealing- The method to assure sealing of shingles on very steep slopes, in high wind areas, and when installing in cold weather. This method utilizes plastic or flashing cement and is either hand trowel applied or a caulking gun is used to apply the product to seal the roofing materials.

Hand Nailing- When shingles are applied using a roofing hatchet and nails versus using air guns and air compressors to apply the shingles.

High Nailing- When shingles are nailed or fastened above the manufacturer’s specified nail location. When shingles are high nailed they are extremely susceptible to wind damage and blow-offs.

Hip Legs- The down-slope ridges on hip roofs.

Hip roof- A roof with four or more roof planes coming together at a peak and four or more separate hip legs.

I

Ice Dam- When a snow load melts on a roof and re-freezes at the eave areas. Ice dams force water to "back-up" a roof and cause leakage.

L

"L" flashing- Continuous metal flashing consisting of several feet of metal. Used at horizontal walls, bent to resemble an "L".

Laminated Shingles- Shingles made from two separate pieces that are laminated together. Also called dimensional shingles and architectural shingles. They are very commonly referred to as “Timberline” shingles, which are only a brand name architectural shingle manufactured by GAF.

Laps- The area where roll roofing, rolled underlayments, or any rolled roofing material overlap one another during application (see also side laps and end laps).

Low Slopes-Roof pitches less than 4/12 are considered low sloped roofs. Special installation practices must be used on roofs that are 2/12 to 4/12 in pitch.

M

Mansard- A roof design with a nearly vertical roof plane that ties into a roof plane of less slope at its peak.

Mats- The general term for the base material of shingles and certain rolled products.

Modified Bitumen- Rolled roofing membrane with polymer modified asphalt and either polyester or fiberglass reinforcement.

Mortar- Mixture of sand, mortar, limestone and water used in bonding a chimney’s bricks together.

N

Nail-Guide-Line- Painted line on laminated shingles, to aid in the proper placement of fasteners.

Nail-Pop- When a nail is not fully driven, it sits up off the roof deck. Nail pops also occur on roofs when the nails used are not long enough to penetrate the wood substrate.

Nesting- Installing a second layer of shingles aligning courses with the original roof to avoid shingle cupping.

NRCA- The National Roofing Contractors Association. The Most respected national organization of roofing contractors.

O

Open Valley- Valley installation using metal down the valley center and each roof plane is cut at the valley line approximately 3” from the valley centerline.

Organic Mat- Material made from recycled wood pulp and paper.

Organic Shingles- Shingles made from organic (paper) mats.

OSB- Oriented Strand Board. A decking made from wood chips and lamination glues. The most popular wood substrate used in construction today.

Over-Driven Fasteners- The term used for fasteners driven through roofing material with too much force, breaking the material. This is common in the summer time when using air equipment to fasten the shingles. It is also common in the coldest winter months.

Over-Exposed- Installing shingle courses higher than their intended exposure. This creates a smaller overlap in the shingles typically resulting in roof leakage.

P

Parapet Walls- A parapet is a wall-like barrier at the edge of a roof or structure. It may serve to prevent unwanted falls over the edge or it may be a defensive, constructional or stylistic feature.

Pipe Flashing- Plumbing soil stacks, exhaust vents and pipes are flashed into the asphalt shingle roof systems with some type of flat flange that extends around a penetration and is installed under the shingles on the upslope of a flange and over the shingles on the down slope of the flange.

Pitch-ratio of the rise of the roof to the span of the roof. A 6” rise per foot would typically be viewed as a 6/12 pitch.

Power Vents- Electrically powered fans used to move air from attics and structures.

Plastic Cement- Asphalt based sealant. Also called bull, mastic, tar, asphalt cement.

Plumbing Vents- Term used to describe plumbing pipes that project through a roof plane. Also called vent stacks.

Polyurethane Foam Roof- Sprayed Polyurethane Foam is a combination of isocyanate and polyols. These two components are fed through a proportioner which heats then pumps the two separate components to the spray gun, where they are mixed and sprayed onto the substrate. Because it is sprayed onto the roof as a liquid and rapidly rises, it forms a single continuous structure that is seamless, monolithic, and very stable. It has the highest insulation values of any other roofing or insulation available. It has been widely used since 1968.

Ponding Areas- An area that has settled or deflected on a low slope or flat roof that now ponds or holds water.

Prevailing Wind- The most common direction of wind for a particular region.

PVC Roof- A single ply roofing membrane made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It has heat welded seams and can be fully adhered or mechanically fastened to the deck. It typically offers nearly a 90% reflective surface to lower energy bills. PVC was first used in Europe back in the 1960’s. It is one of the most durable roofing materials with practically a 0% materials failure rate.

Q

Quarter Sized- Term for the size of hand sealant dabs, size of a U.S. 25¢ piece.

R

Racking- Method of installing shingles in a straight up the roof manner offsetting every other course.

Rake Edge-The vertical edge of gable style roof planes.

Release Film- The plastic sheet installed on the back of self-adhesive underlayments. Used for packaging and handling. Remove before installation.

Rigid Vent- Hard plastic ridge vent material used to ventilate an attic system. Typically the peak of each roof plane is cut back 2” on each side allowing for a 4” opening at the ridge for ventilation. The ridge vent is typically either in 4’ sections or a 20’ roll and is placed over the opening and secured in place with 2-3” roofing nails and shingles over for a finished look.

Roof Louvers- Rooftop rectangular shaped roof vents. Also called box vents, mushroom vents, air hawks, & static vents.

Roof Maintenance Program (RMP) - The key to long term roof system performance is proper roof maintenance and routine inspections. An RMP is typically established between a building owner and a roofing contractor to provide those important inspections and routine maintenance to minimize premature roof failure and to identify minor problems before severe damage occurs.
Roof Plane- A roofing area defined by having four separate edges. One side of a gable, hip or mansard roof.
Roofing Contractor- A contractor whose primary business is roofing. Also called roofers, roof service contractor, roof maintenance contractor, roof leak specialist contractors.

S

Sawteeth- The exposed section of double thickness on Architectural Style shingles. Shaped to imitate wood shake look on the roof.

Self-Sealant- Sealant installed on shingles. After installation, heat and sun will activate sealant to seal the shingles to each other. It typically takes an 80° sunny day to activate the sealant strips and to seal the shingles in place.

Selvage- The non exposed area on rolled roofing. Area without granules. Designed for nail placement and sealant.

Shed Roof- Roof design of a single roof plane. Area does not tie into any other roofs.

Side-Laps- The area on rolled material where one roll overlaps the rolled material beneath it. Also called selvage edge on rolled roofing.

Side-Walls- Where a vertical roof plane meets a vertical wall. The sides of dormers etc.

Single-Ply Roof- A roofing system in which the principal roof covering is a single layer of flexible membrane often made of rubber, thermoset, or thermoplastic membrane.

Soffit Ventilation- Intake ventilation installed under the eaves, or at the roof edge.

Starter Strip- The first course of roofing installed. Sometimes trimmed from main roof material.

Steep Slope Roofing- Generally all slopes higher than 4/12 pitch are considered steep slopes.

Steep Roof- Generally a roofing contractor will consider a roof steep or a steep roof when the slope is greater than an 8/12 pitch.
Step-Flashing- Metal flashing pieces installed at side-walls and chimneys for weather-proofing. There is typically one piece of flashing for every row of roofing materials. Step-flashing prevents water from penetrating beneath the flashing versus a solid flashing piece.
Substrate- A solid vertical surface that all roofing materials are secured to. Substrates may be steel, wood, concrete, gypsum, Dens Deck.

T

Tab- The bottom portion of traditional shingle separated by the shingle cut-outs.

Tear-Off- Removal of existing roofing materials down to the roof deck.

Telegraphing- When shingles reflect the uneven surface beneath them. Shingles installed over buckled shingles may show the same buckles.

TPO Roof- Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Roofing Membranes were first introduced in the early 1990’s and seen a high percentage of premature roof failures in the early years of the product. It has since been reformulated and is one of the cheapest and quickest methods of installing a commercial low slope roof. It is also one of the fastest growing segments of the roofing industry.

Transitions- When a roof plane ties into another roof plane that has a different pitch or slope. Also known as a pitch break or pitch transition. A mansard is a good example of a transition or pitch break.

U

Under-Driven- Term used to describe a fastener not fully driven flush to the shingles surface. Also known as a nail-pop.

Underlayments- Rolled materials designed to be installed under the main roofing material, to serve as added protection. Asphalt, fiberglass, synthetic, polypropylene, & polyurethane are some types of roofing underlayments. Also known as tar paper and felt paper.

V

Valleys-Area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a "V" shaped depression.

Vapor- Term used to describe moisture laden air.

Ventilation- The term used in roofing for the passage of air from an enclosed space.

W

Warm wall- The finished wall inside of a structure, used in roofing to determine how to install waterproof underlayments at eaves.

Warranty- The written promise to the owner of roofing materials for material related problems or the promise of a roofing contractor for labor related problems particularly for roof leaks.

Waterproof Underlayment- Modified bitumen based roofing underlayments. Designed to self-seal to wood and metal decks and waterproof critical leak areas.

Woven Valleys- The method of installing valleys by laying one shingle over the other from opposite roof planes up the valley center.

TYPICAL CAUSES OF COMMERCIAL ROOF PROBLEMS

Lack of Maintenance
The failure to find and correct minor roof deterioration in the earliest stages is probably the greatest cause of premature roof problems. This is particularly true of roofing materials applied on relatively low-sloped roofs.

Weathering
All roofing materials deteriorate from exposure to the weather at rates determined largely by the kind of material and the conditions of exposure. In general, inorganic roofing materials tend to deteriorate less rapidly from exposure than organic roofing materials. All types of roofing materials may be damaged by hail. Exposure to air pollutants and industrial or salt-laden atmospheres may accelerate the deterioration process of some roofing materials.

Wind Damage
Roofing materials are subject to damage from strong winds and flying debris. Generally, roofs are not designed to withstand winds of hurricane and tornado intensity. However, roofs may also be damaged by winds of moderate intensity, with gust that may reach 50 to 75 miles per hour. The primary cause of wind damage is from the partial vacuum created by wind blowing over the edge of the roof. Nature tries to neutralize the low-pressure area by bringing in air from a higher pressure area, usually from inside the building. This air pushes up on the bottom side of the roof assembly and, over time, loosens fasteners and breaks the adhesion making the roof susceptible to damage from the next moderate or strong wind. To counteract the effects of wind-uplift forces, the roofing and insulation should be adequately fastened to the roof deck, and a securely-fastened perimeter detail should be provided.

Improper Design / Installation
Troublesome and costly roofing problems are often the result of faulty initial design or improper installation of the roof system. Design deficiencies are costly to correct, and many times can only be corrected during roof replacement. However, unless design deficiencies are discovered and corrected during roof repair or re-roofing, the problems relating to them most likely will recur. Some examples of faulty design are:
· Weak roof structures that deflect excessively under load, causing splitting of the roof membrane
· Inadequate roof slope, sagging roof structure, or insufficient number or location of drains, resulting in ponding water
· Inadequate provision for expansion and contraction at changes in deck material or direction, causing membrane splits.
· Incompatible roof materials - i.e. the use of asphalt to adhere a torch-on material (APP).
Flashing Failures
The function of flashings is to provide a watertight junction between roofing materials and roof projections or other parts of the structure, and between roof sections. Flashings should be designed to furnish service for at least as long as the materials used in the field of the roof. Flashings are the most vulnerable part of any roof. Their importance and the importance of maintaining them properly cannot be overemphasized.

Many early roof problems are actually flashing problems. Often, repairing the flashings or providing new flashings is all that is needed to make the roof watertight again. Most flashing problems result from inadequate flashing design or faulty construction. Many flashing problems can be reduced or eliminated by careful examination by competent inspectors during roof installation, and by regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance. 

In many instances, leaks occur at flashings where there are no flashing defects. These leaks may be the result of open joints in a masonry wall or coping cap, which permits water to enter behind the flashings and into the building. This problem may be eliminated by "through-wall" flashings.

Base-Flashing Problems
Some common causes of base-flashing problems are:
· Insufficient number of base-flashing plies.
· Improper base-flashing height.
· Insufficient protective coating, resulting in accelerated weathering and deterioration.
· Omission of cant strips, making the base flashing more susceptible to damage.
· Open vertical end laps or seams caused by insufficient sealing.
· Insufficient adhesion or movement between vertical surfaces and the roof deck, resulting in separation of base flashings from vertical surfaces.
· Loose insulation, causing base flashings to separate from vertical surfaces.
· Improper fastening of base flashings to walls or curbs, resulting in sagging or separation of the flashing from the vertical surface.
Deteriorating substrates, causing base flashings to separate from the surface, or permitting water to enter behind base flashings.

Metal Base Flashing and Bituminous Counter flashing Problems
The use of metal base flashings in the construction of built-up roofs is not recommended. Metal base flashings easily separate from bituminous materials and stripping felts crack at the edge of the metal because of the difference in expansion coefficients between the materials. Open joints between metal pieces and deterioration of the metal are also sources for water entry. Inside and outside corners are particularly vulnerable areas. For these reasons, metal base flashings should be replaced with bituminous base flashings whenever possible.

Metal Counter Flashing Problems
Metal counter flashings protect the top of bituminous base flashings from water entry. The most common metal counter flashing problems are:
· Counter flashings located too high above the base flashing.
· Metal deterioration caused by a lack or loss of protective coating.
· Cracks and open joints between metal pieces.
· The separation of counter flashings from vertical surfaces.
· Reglets not being sealed.
· Counter flashings not tightly fit to base flashings.
Penetration Flashing Problems
Penetrations through the built-up roof membrane are usually flashed in one of two ways. Individual pipes and small vents usually use flat, metal flange flashings that are placed directly on the last ply of roofing material and are stripped in with felts and mastic or felts and bitumen.

Larger penetrations and groups of smaller penetrations usually use curbs constructed of wood, metal or concrete, flashed with bituminous base flashing and metal counter flashings.

Common penetration flashing problems are:
· The failure to properly design the flashing for the penetration.
· Open or broken seams in metal curbs caused by expansion and contraction.
· Standing water behind penetration curbs caused by the omission of crickets.
· Sagging or separating base flashings caused by omission of top wood nailers.
· Missing or deteriorated counter flashing.
· Splitting or separation of the felt stripping over the edge of metal flanges.
· Improper priming and stripping of metal surfaces.
· Fastener backout and separation of the metal flashing flange from the roof around penetration flashings.
· Movement between stack vents or pipes and the flashing.

Drain Flashing Problems
A roof's drainage system includes the gutters, leaders, drain openings and scuppers, as well as the slope provided by the structural deck, tapered insulation, crickets and sumps. The primary function of the drainage systems is to prevent the retention of water on the roof by removing water from the roof as quickly as possible. Every roof, including so-called "dead-level" roofs, must have some provision for drainage. Further, it is important that the drainage system be kept free from debris that might interfere with the proper flow of surface water.

Many roof problems can be traced directly to inadequately designed or improperly installed drainage systems; for example, the use of only one drain; the failure to install overflow scuppers in parapet walls; the placement of drains next to support columns instead of at points of maximum deflection; loose or missing drain clamping rings. Ponded water is the principal indication of inadequate drainage, and may indicate the presence of structural defects.

Gravel Stop and Metal Edge Strip Problems
The primary function of gravel stops (for aggregate-surfaced roofs) and metal roof edge strips (for smooth-surface roofs) is to close off the edges of the roof to prevent wind damage or blow-offs. Another important function of gravel stops is to prevent the loss of aggregate surfacing near the edge of the roof.

The principal problems with gravel stops and metal edge strips are leakage through open or broken joints between metal pieces, and splitting of the stripping felts at metal edges. For these reasons, gravel stops and metal edge strips should be raised out the water line whenever possible by using raised wood nailers and tapered edge strips. The use of interior drainage is preferred. However, where water must drain over the metal edge, scupper cutouts are preferable to continuous edge drainage.

Problems with Rooftop Equipment, Signs, Braces and Supports
Often, the rooftop is used as a platform for all types of mechanical equipment, ladder struts, antennas, flag poles, signs, bracing, etc. These items should not be placed on the rooftop except when absolutely necessary. They should never be mounted or placed directly to the top of the roof membrane, as leaks beneath or adjacent to the supports for this equipment are impossible to repair. Rather, they should be mounted to a support structure or to raised curb-type supports. Flat flange or curb flashings can then be used to keep the roof watertight, and roof replacement and recovering can be done without disturbing or removing the equipment. Pitch pans, however, should not be used to keep supports watertight, and should be avoided where possible. Refer to the ARI/NRCA/SMACNA Guidelines for Roof-Mounted Outdoor Air- Conditioner Installations, and the roof membrane manufacturer for recommendations concerning the proper mounting and flashing of these items.

ENEMIES OF YOUR ROOF

A roof system's performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed roof system buying decisions:

Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.

Wind: High winds can lift shingles' edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

Snow and Ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.

Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and Algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system's surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.

Trees and Leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system's surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.

Missing or Torn Shingles: The key to a roof system's effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

Shingle Deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Flashing Deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

DO I NEED A NEW ROOF?
It is difficult to be sure without KC Roof Care inspecting the property, but a few things that you can look at and consider are:
The average lifespan of a roof in our Kansas/Missouri climate is only 13-15-years regardless of what the manufacturers warranty states (30-50 years). The reason for this can be mostly blamed on Mother Nature and poor installation methods employed in today’s fast paced world.
Wet Spots On Ceiling - If you are seeing brown spots on your ceiling, or if water is dripping into home from the ceiling it could be a problem with your roof or roof ventilation. Because it could be from many possibilities it would be best to have a professional inspect the roof.
Damaged Flashing - Flashing that is damaged could cause leaking. Causes for damaged flashing could range from improper installation to corrosion of old flashing. If your flashing does not look right contact us for a free inspection.
Missing Granules - When a new roof it is common to lose some granules. However if your roof has been on for a while, and there are excessive granules in your gutters it could be an indication that your roof is nearing the end of it’s life.
Buckled Shingles - Buckled shingles could fracture and cause leaking. This could also be a symptom of a much more serious moisture issue. If you have buckling in your roof contact a professional for an inspection and diagnosis.
Missing Shingles - Missing shingles are commonly caused by windy conditions if the shingles are either old, or possibly they were not installed properly. Missing shingles can cause leaking. Missing shingles are a serious issue. However they are easily repaired. If you have missing shingles and need a repair, contact us for a quick and easy roof repair.
Curling Shingles - When shingles reach the end of their life the roofing reinforcement can contract and cause the roof to “Curl”. If the roof is over 15 years old and the shingles are curling it could be a sign that it is time to replace the roof. If the roof has been recently installed and the shingles are curling it could be a sign of a roofing manufacturer defect and should be inspected for determination.
Algae Staining - Algae is the dingy stain that makes the roof look dirty and black. Algae by itself can ruin a roof. Moss feeds on algae. When moss grows on shingles it attaches to granules. When moss is removed from the roof it can remove the granules that reflect UV rays with it exposing waterproofing asphalt, and shortening the roofs life. Contact us for tips on killing algae and cleaning the roof.

CEDAR SHAKE ROOF ISSUES

Missing Shakes- When the roof becomes older the nails or staples that secure the shakes will sometimes become loose and the wind will blow off the loose shakes. If the roof is over 10 years old you may consider having the roof inspected for repairs. The first thing to become damaged is typically the ridge cap shakes. They are typically replaced every 5-10 years.
Curling shakes - Curling shakes occur from either defective shakes, or shakes near the end of their roof life. If the roof was recently installed and there are some curled shakes they should be able to be easily repaired.
Splitting Shakes - When shakes age they lose their natural oils that give the roof its durability. This makes the shakes more brittle which can cause natural splitting. Excessive foot traffic on the roof can also cause roof splitting. Splitting does not commonly cause leaking; it is more a sign that the roof is meeting the end of its life.
Curling Wood Shingles - When wood shingles reach the end of their life the roofing reinforcement can contract and cause the roof to “Curl”. If the roof is over 15 years old and the wood shingles are curling it could be a sign that it is time to repair the roof. If the roof has been recently installed and the shingles are curling it could be a sign of a roofing manufacturer defect and should be inspected for determination.
Moss/Algae Growth - Moss and algae love organic products to feed on like wood shakes. This can cause rapid degradation of the roof. If your roof was recently installed and you have algae and moss on your wood shake roof it is recommended to get it cleaned. Please use caution before using a high pressure wash. Contact us for recommendations on pressure washers.