Greensboro resident needs his shingle roof repaired

A few months back, I called in a Greensboro roofer to determine whether I needed to replace or repair my shingle roof. I was told that, unless a shingle roof is relatively new, its expected service life is in the neighborhood of 20 years. Newer technology and better materials have allowed roofing companies to build shingle roofs that are serviceable for up to three decades or even longer, provided they are well looked after. Where shingle roofs are concerned, the decision is one between shingle replacement and whole roof replacement. It is not a decision to take lightly, so I strongly recommend calling in a professional for a complete roof inspection.

Shingle replacement vs. roof replacement                                                                                                

Spot repairs are the obvious choice when most of the roof is still in good shape. Isolated problems can be solved quickly at no large cost, with the added benefit of a possible extension to your roof’s service life. The rule of thumb is that if less than 25 to 30 percent of your roof is damaged and if no significant moisture damage is indicated, shingle replacement should suffice. However, should your roofer diagnose a complex failure in your roofing system, a complete roof replacement would prove more cost-effective than a short-term solution in the long run.

Signs that your shingle roof needs work

The following are some telltale signs that you need to call your local roofing company for shingle or whole roof replacement:

• Asphalt granules in your rain gutters – While granule loss is a part of an asphalt shingle roof’s natural aging process, excessive amounts of loosened granules in your rain gutters can indicate that your shingles are due for replacement.
• Curling shingles – This is another sign of wear and often begins at the lower edge of shingles. Causes can include extreme temperatures, poorly installed or defective insulation, and a lack of back coating. If not fixed, curling shingles can lead to future water damage.
• Roof buckling or puckering – Buckling and puckering can result from poor installation of felt or tar paper, wrinkled underlayment, and poor roof ventilation. Like shingle curling, buckling and puckering can contribute significantly to future water damage.

If, like me, you’ve noticed any of these signs in your roof, it may be high time to call in a professional. It is true that caution must be given to homeowners considering asphalt roof repair during the colder months, as shingles tend to be more brittle this time of the year. However, keep in mind that delayed repairs can lead to bigger expenses down the road.

A licensed roofing contractor such as Triad Installations should be able to help you understand what kind of work needs to be done on your roof. Triad Installations is a certified installer of Owens Corning and CertainTeed roofing shingles and offers competitive pricing for their services. If you live in Greensboro, or as distant as High Point, or Winston-Salem, give them a call; they are the only roofing company I will trust to replace or repair my shingle roof.