4 Reasons Your Roof Shingles in Downriver Michigan May Be Failing

Most of the homes in Michigan has roof shingles installed. These shingles are a great way to cover your home and can provide protection against weather and the elements for many years. They have been the go-to roofing choice for many decades because of their durability and affordability. But, there can be problems that you’ll need to look out for when you have roofing shingles installed on your home. Here are some reasons why your roofing shingles in Downriver Michigan can become damaged and why.

4 Reasons Your Roof Shingles in Downriver Michigan May Be Failing

The construction of roofing shingles hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years or so. A fiberglass material is used as a base for the roofing shingles and then asphalt is adhered to that mat on each side. Other components such as sealing stripes and granules are added to help the roofing shingle stand up better against weather. One of the biggest ways that roofing shingles can become damaged is by weather and the biggest single reason is wind. Wind can cause all sorts of damage to roofing shingles and if the wind gets high enough it can actually rip the roofing shingles right off your roof like you may have seen in severe weather videos. While you can’t control the weather you can control the fact that you can regularly check your roof to determine if it has been affected by this weather and what you can do about it. With that being said, here are some reasons why your roof shingles may fail.

Roof Shingles Downriver MI

Roof Shingles Are Curling on the Edges

As the roof shingles get older they can become more brittle. They also have a sealing strip on each shingle which basically acts as a glue to keep the shingles down flat on the roof and not in the air where they are more susceptible to damage. Think of the shingles as being aerodynamic when they are flat. The problem is when the shingles get older they start to lose the adhesion to the shingles below them. The edges of the shingles start to turn upwards which in turn makes them less aerodynamic and can be more affected by the wind. So while a 30mph wind may not affect a new roof where the shingles are all snug to the roof, an older roof where the shingles are starting to curl may have damages to the shingles. If your roof shingles are starting to curl like this it’s usually a sign that you need a roof replacement.

Roof Shingles are Broken Away from the Roof

As wind affects each roof shingle it can cause them to bend backwards. For older roofing where the shingles have started to become more brittle it can actually cause the shingle to break. Sometimes after a shingle breaks it can fall back down onto the roof and sometimes it may end up in your yard. This can also be caused by winds and the older your roof is the more affected it will be because of it.

Algae and Moss are Growing on the Roof Shingles

Another problem that means your roof may be in trouble is algae growing on the roof. You may notice dark streaks or green areas on your roof. It’s actually very problematic when it affects your roof and can make the curb appeal of your home go down quickly. There are some things you can do to prevent this that you’ll want to speak with a roofer about which can help.

Roof Shingles have Lost Their Granules

The sand like granules that are placed on top of roof shingles serve a very important purpose. Not only do they give the roofing shingles rigidity but they also protect the shingle for UV rays and cold weather events which can otherwise cause the shingle to warp. Trees can sometimes cause granules to scrub away as branches contact the roof.

Call a Qualified Roofing Contractor in Downriver Michigan

If you routinely check your roof for these problems and find something is amiss then be sure to call a qualified roofing contractor to make repairs to your home’s roof. While some of these issues can be repaired quickly, you may need a roof replacement in some cases. Talk with a qualified roofing contractor about your roofing needs to come up with a solution. Call Downriver Roofers today at (734) 548-9919 for a roof inspection on your home and a free quote for repairs or replacement if needed.