Why Every Single (Asphalt) Shingle Matters.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are one of, if not THE most commonly used roofing material in the United States and our specialty. They can last for decades IF properly taken care of and are low cost, high durability, and have superior wind resistance meant for weathering storms, high wind, and snow. Architectural shingles especially are superior roofing materials and used on a number of our Klaus Roofing Systems to ensure both quality and appearance. Every single shingle matters, and when shingles start cracking and granules start falling off; you want to fix it immediately.
Why bother replacing crooked shingles?
Hanging roofing shingles is more than just a cosmetic issue. Crooked and cracked shingles can cause water to slowly seep through the roof and cause mold and mildew damage inside your home. If you look carefully, you can see this starting to happen through moss and algae growth on your asphalt shingle roof.
Even the granules on every shingle are a vital part of your roof. The granules are made of tiny pieces of fiberglass, asphalt, or organic materials that help make the roof resistant to fire damage and ultraviolet rays. When these small granules start falling off the shingles in bucketloads and end up in your gutter, it’s a good sign you need your roof shingles replaced.
Installing Shingles Yourself - What Could Go Wrong?
With the many intricacies that come with shingles and shingle roofs, every detail is essential. Klaus Larsen’s roofing contractors have the knowledge and experience to perform a proper roof installation with a replacement roof-deck if necessary, and our waterproofing underlayment to give you a beautiful new roof! Reshingling or repairing your roof on your own can result in a poorly renovated roof that is just as susceptible to leaks, ice dams, and further damage, if not more.
Tools of the Trade
Several problems can occur when using tools that you may be unfamiliar with, such as a nail gun. Shingles have to be nailed properly along the nailing strip with specialty roofing nails. This nailing strip can vary based on the manufacturer, and you need to use just the right amount of nails. That’s just the beginning of the safety concerns with installing shingles. Unstable ladders and incorrect footing can be detrimental to the roof as well as the homeowner.
Layering
When replacing shingle roofing, people often place new shingles on top of existing ones, also known as re-roofing, under the misconception that it will save them time and money. This can cause several problems and ultimately leave your roof in a worse state than it started in. Layering shingles can prevent a proper roof inspection, causing roof leaks, water damage, and other problems to go unnoticed.
Shingles are also meant to be installed in a specific, overlapping pattern to prevent water from getting in and provide support structures for other shingles. They also adhere to the flat form of the roof decking. When they are installed on the bumpy and uneven surface of old shingles, they don’t stick as well and are prone to tear-off in the wind. Adding shingles on top of shingles also increases weight strain on your roof, can violate building regulations and shingle warranties, and decrease the market value of your home. It’s a rookie mistake and it's not worth remodeling your home to leave it in a worse state.
Leave the Roof to the Professionals - Put A Klaus on Your House!
Whether or not you think you can replace your shingles, or if you question if they need replacing, schedule your FREE ESTIMATE today! Don’t damage your roof any further, put a Klaus on your house!
