Roof Inspections Archives | S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows

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Category: CertainTeed Roofing, Exterior Home Improvements, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements, Maryland Roofing, Roof Inspections, Roofer Maryland, Roofing, Roofing VA, Roofing Virginia

Why Do Roof Shingles Blow Off?

Shingle Blow Offs As roofers, we are often asked why shingles blow off even when there hasn’t been a bad storm or high wind day. There are a few different reasons roof shingles blow off. Some are obvious, while others…not so much. Let’s explore…

The Obvious – Age

You’ve heard the phrase ‘nothing lasts forever.’ That certainly applies to roofing — most standard shingle roofs have a life expectancy of around 20-25 years. When shingles near their end, they begin to fail. They come loose from their seals and attachments, they crack, and they break. Wind and weather will eventually pry these failing shingles loose and they will blow off.

When you experience shingle blow offs due to age, it’s time to call a licensed roofing professional. An honest roofer will inspect the roof and let you know if a repair will get you through another few years, or if your roof is in danger of causing more serious damage to your home such as leaks.

The Not-So-Obvious – Poor Installation, Underlying Roof Issues, and Product Defects

If age is not necessarily the culprit of your shingle blow offs, it could be that your roof was either installed improperly, that there is an issue beneath your shingles, or even that the shingle installed is defective.

Poor Installation

Having a roof installed by someone who is not licensed is risky at best. There are reasons licensing exists – and that is to ensure that installers are trained, and that the consumer is protected. Improper installation can be caused by not using the proper tools, sealing, underlayment, and nails. It can also be caused by not nailing the shingles to the roof in the proper location. If your roof was installed by a professional who may have simply had a bad day, no worries. They will make it right! However, installed by someone unlicensed and you’re on the hook for having it fixed.

Compromised Plywood

If what is beneath your shingles is compromised, it can cause shingles to come loose and blow off. At the base of your roof, there is plywood. As we know, plywood is not impervious to moisture, unless adequately protected. Should that protection become compromised, damage can occur. A common cause of water beneath shingles is the improper or failed sealing of pipes and vents that protrude through your roof. Look atop any home’s roof and you will see several protrusions that are necessary to the home. As with anything that requires sealing, these items should have periodic re-sealing to prevent water damage to plywood.

Product Defects

It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then a shingle manufacturer will produce a product that fails years before its expected end. If the shingle was produced by a reputable manufacturer like CertainTeed, GAF, or EcoStar, there is no need to worry. They will work with you on replacement. Another solid reason to install a highly rated product by a highly rated roofer!

The Surprising – Blow Offs on a Brand New Roof!

On occasion, it is possible for shingles to blow off of a new roof – even one installed by a licensed professional. That is because it can take a few weeks for the seal that is beneath the shingles to set. The seal needs a bit of heat to set, which is usually produced by the sun even when the temps outside are freezing. However, if your new roof is installed when it is cold, if it does not have direct sunlight, and you experience a windy day, blow offs could occur. Here again, hiring a pro is key. Should this happen, rest assured that it will be fixed!

Need Help? Give Us a Call!

If you have experienced shingle blow offs on your home, give us a shout. Our roofing professionals will inspect your roof to see whether a fix or replacement is necessary. Call 1-866-836-ROOF (7663) or complete our online Estimate Request form.

Tags: homeowners insurance, insurance, maryland roofing, roofing, roofing insurance, virginia roofing

Category: Exterior Home Improvements, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements, Maryland Roofing, Roof Inspections, Roofer Maryland, Roofing, Roofing VA, Roofing Virginia

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

As with most homeowners insurance claims, you may be wondering “does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?”, but that will vary from company to company, policy to policy.

If you suspect that you have roof damage caused by severe weather such as hail or high winds, or damage caused by animals or birds, it is possible that repair or replacement could be covered by your homeowners insurance. Normal wear and tear due to age is not likely to be covered. However, if your roof is less than 10-15 years old and has missing or broken shingles, the shingle manufacturer may be to blame, and repair or replacement could be covered by insurance. This does not happen often, but every now and again a shingle manufacturer produces an inferior batch that fails prior to its warranty expiration.

In either case, the first step is to contact your insurance agent. They will ask you a few questions to determine next steps. After that, if they decide that further investigation is necessary, they will send an insurance adjuster to your home to asses the situation.

Once it is determined that a claim will be covered, the agent may provide a list of local roofers for estimates or recommend that you contact contractors in your area. In our experience, they generally require more than one quote (usually 3) to ensure a fair price.

Prior to having the work done, your insurance company will need to approve the company/estimate that the homeowner is most comfortable with, and work can begin.

Beware Storm Chasers

When areas are hit by severe weather, storm chasers aren’t far behind. In our industry, storm chasers are usually fly-by-night companies looking to capitalize on storm damage. They often canvas door-to-door after storms asking if the homeowner would like them to get on your roof to assess any damage. Often times their tactics are not only shady, they can be illegal. Storm chasers have been known to CAUSE damage to your roof while “inspecting” it, then encourage you to file a claim. This practice is illegal, and insurance companies know how to spot it. In many cases, insurance companies can find enough evidence of this man-made damage to reject your claim, leaving you with a damaged roof that you must pay to fix.

Should you choose to have your roof inspected for damage prior to contacting your insurance agent, it is wise to be present to observe the process. Illegal tactics by storm chasers include hitting shingles with a hammer to mimic hale damage, curling the edges of shingles by hand, or breaking shingles. Unless a roofer is fixing missing or loose shingles, an inspection should be observation only. You should ask for photos to be taken and a report to be written and provided to you for your records. You can provide these to your insurance provider.

As always, never hire a contractor that is not licensed, bonded and insured. Ask your contractor for their credentials prior to enlisting their services, and ask for a written contract/estimate for the work to be performed. So “does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?”“. If you’re still having concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us!

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows has worked with most insurance providers, and are listed as a preferred contractor with many. If you’re curious if you have roof damage that is covered by insurance, contact your insurance provider. They will guide you through the process the right way.

Tags: maryland roofing, roof inspections, roofing contractor, roofing inspection, spring roof inspection

Category: Maryland Roofing, Roof Inspections, Roofer Maryland, Roofing

Now’s the Time for a Spring Roof Inspection

Wondering what toll the winter took on your roof? Right now is a great time for a spring roof inspection that will tell you just that.

What Happens to Roofs in Winter

Ice Damming — Photo courtesy of The National Weather Service

Rain, snow, ice and wind have an effect on your roof’s asphalt shingles by wearing away at the granules. This is a normal process, however excessive wear is a sign that your shingles may not last much longer. Additionally, a condition called ice damming can cause problems including leaks. Ice damming can occur when snow on a rooftop melts and refreezes. During the process, heat loss from your roof melts snow. When temperatures fall below freezing, ice forms from the melted snow most often at the edge of the roof under the snow. When additional heat loss from the roof melts the ice, the concentration of water that has no place to go can seep under the shingles, and into your home.

What to Look For

An inspection of your home’s attic is a good place to start when looking for signs of damage from ice damming. Look for dark areas, signs of water trails and mold. Check ceilings for signs of paint discoloration, bubbling or peeling paint and sagging.

Outside of your home, check your gutters for an excessive amount of roof shingle granules – a sign that your shingles may not be holding up. Be sure to clean out any build-up of granules and debris in your gutters to help prevent damage from gutter overflow. On your roof, look for loose or missing shingles, or shingles that are curling or buckling, all of which put your roof at risk for leaks.

When to Call a Pro

If you have concerns about your roof it is best to call a trusted professional roofing contractor to assess whether or not your roof is in need of repair or replacement. Look for a roofing contractor that will provide an honest assessment – one that will tell you how long you have before your roof is at risk, not simply try to sell you a new roof because you asked for an inspection. Check places like Angie’s List and The Better Business Bureau for roofing contractor reviews, and talk to your neighbors to see if they have had any experience with local contractors. While a roof inspection might cost a little, it goes a long way in easing your mind and keeping your home safe and sound.

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows provides roof inspection services as well as roofing repairs and roof replacements. Contact us today at 866-836-ROOF for your spring roof inspection, or click here to schedule an estimate.

Category: Roof Inspections