Missing Shingles?

Many homeowners have seen this kind of wind damage after a thunderstorm and have had to pick up shingles in their yard following high winds. Why does this happen, and why does it happen so often?

Self-sealing fiberglass asphalt shingles use an asphalt-based adhesive that seals the shingle to the shingle below it after it is heated by the sun in the warm summer months. After just a few years of exposure to the suns ultra-violet rays and radiant heat, the adhesive dries out and loses its adhesion. If the exposed portion of the shingle is not adhered to the fastened portion of the shingle below it, wind can easily blow the shingle off.

As shown in the picture above, just a single tab blown off of this 3-tab asphalt shingle roof can leak. This tab was covering the seam of two adjoining shingles below it. This WILL leak in heavy rains. In addition, if the fastener is located above the manufacture’s “nail line”, the shingle can be easily blown off. Blown-off shingles is one of the most common problems I see out in the field and it occurs on asphalt shingle roofs in as little as five years after installation.

What’s the answer to this problem? First, the use of an experienced installer that guarantees their workmanship and the overall installation. Secondly, the use of high quality asphalt shingles that are installed in spring, summer, or warm fall weather so that they seal properly. You can also consider the use of metal roofing that is entirely mechanically attached, unaffected by the sun, and does not use adhesives to seal down the material. A properly installed metal roof can withstand hurricane force winds. For example, stone-coated steel roofing like the Metro Shake or Cottage Shingle uses a unique vertical and horizontal fastening pattern:

Note that the fasteners form an X on the Metro Shake and are screwed into the deck at an angle. It’s this type of fastening requirement that gives Metro’s Stone-Coated Steel roofing superior wind uplift. Independent wind tunnel tests verified the Metro Shake or Cottage Shingle could withstand winds of 200+ MPH, which is no surprise if you talk to the hundreds of happy Metro customers living in areas of the country frequented by tornados and hurricanes. Roof damage is one of the most common, inconvenient, and expensive issues home-owners face in areas prone to wind and inclement weather. Add to this that excessive wind is usually accompanied by heavy rains, which just compounds the potential damages and repair costs. For this reason, it is no surprise that many insurance policies contain a clause excluding the roof from the general home policy, commanding a significantly higher deductible on roof specific damage.

EDCO’s metal roof products offer a unique four-way interlocking roof system. Similar to our standing seam hemmed eave, all four sides of the EDCO shake or slate shingles have a complete 180-degree hem, making it impossible for high wind to get under the steel.

So, if you are picking up shingles out of your yard, don’t delay, call Walker Roofing today for a free inspection from a knowledgeable estimator to explore options to make your next roof WIND PROOF!

A metal roof may seem like an unlikely candidate to keep your house cooler in summer. In fact, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance , new coating technologies have resulted in energy-saving residential metal roofing systems that immediately reduce the internal temperature in your house and lower utility bills by up to 10%. As a bonus, U.S. homeowners who install an Energy-Star rated metal roofing system may be eligible for up to $500 in tax credits . Today’s residential metal roofs are very different than those you may see on old barns. In fact, they are high-tech wonders that feature highly reflective coatings that provide year-round relief from high energy costs. Metal roofs, which comprise 10% of the U.S. re-roof market, also offer a variety of styles, including tiles, shakes, shingles or standing-seam panels to either make a statement or blend in with the neighborhood. The latest paint technologies allow even darker colored metal roofs to absorb less heat through the use of highly reflective pigments that reflect solar energy. Tests conducted by the independent Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) and Florida Solar Energy Center show that a cool metal roof can save a homeowner 10% in cooling costs compared to a dark gray asphalt shingle. In areas with cold winters, above-sheathing ventilation is the key to achieving year-round benefits. ORNL’s field te sts have shown that the combination of venting and increased reflectance can reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45% for stone-coated metal roofs compared to an asphalt shingle roof in certain climates. “The one thing a house can’t do without, the roof, provides a perfect opportunity to make a big difference to the environment and consumers’ wallets. New eco-friendly products, such as metal roofing, are rapidly replacing petroleum-based asphalt shingles,” said Bill Hippard, chairman of the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance , a coalition dedicated to educating consumers about the benefits of modern metal roofing. “Metal is an investment grade roofing product. Most homeowners who install a metal roof will never have to buy another roof .” For more information and a photo gallery of roofing options, homeowners can visit www.metalroofing.com or http://www.metroroofs.com/ or visit our website at www.walkerroofing.com !