Shingle failure is one of the most common roof problems. It’s so common, many think shingle problems are a natural part of having a shingle roof. In reality it isn’t.
The truth is a properly installed and maintained shingle roof can last for decades without any problems at all!
It’s all about the installation.
Roofing shingles must be installed exactly to manufacture specs. This ensures the materials perform as expected and last as long as possible. Not following these specifications but the materials and roof at risk. For this reason, materials not installed properly and to specifications voids the warranty.
Installing shingles isn’t as easy as nailing a bunch on your roof and expecting it to work properly. The professionals may make it look easy but in the end the work speaks or itself. Signs of poor installation (and possible warranty voiding mistakes) include:
Over-driven nails
These rip through the shingle and make it very easy for the shingle to be blown off by gusts of wind. Common when nail guns are used.
Under-driven nails:
These hold up the shingle above, preventing it from properly sealing down to the shingle below. This can let dust in which will prevent the sealant from activating, and allows wind to catch the shingle and tear it off.
Crooked Nails
Nails that are driven crooked into the shingle cut into the shingle on one side of the nail, while the other side holds up the shingle above. These two things combined makes for a perfect opportunity for shingles to be blown off by wind.
Short Nails
Nails that are too short. Nails must be long enough to penetrate through the shingle and all the way through the sheathing. If the roof decking is thick, nails must penetrate up to 3/4″ into the wood.
Too few nails
Each type of shingle requires a certain number of nails to be used per shingle, the average is 4 nails placed evenly.
Improper placement of fasteners
Each type of shingle also has a “nail line” where nails are required to be placed to achieve the designed performance. If the nail line is missed, then blow-offs are more likely to occur and are not covered by the manufacturer warranty.
Many of these problems are the result of nail guns and is a large reason you find us using them. For even more information on why we hand nail see “Why We Hand Nail”.
Do your homework before hiring a roof contractor to avoid these risks. Hiring experienced, local roofers with great reviews can be the first step in avoid the problems with improper roof installation.
In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists at 770-419-2222 for your free roof inspection and a proper hand-nailed roof that will last for decades!