Shingle blow-off is a serious problem that can occur in any area of the country. When shingles are blown off due to strong winds or other weather conditions, it exposes your roof and home to potential damage from water leakage or extreme temperatures. It’s important to understand the causes of shingle blow-off so you can prevent it from occurring quickly and fix existing problems.
Causes of Shingle Blow-off
The most common causes of shingle blow-off include:
- Poor Installation – Improper installation techniques, such as using too few nails or not applying enough adhesive, can result in weak spots that make it more likely for the wind to tear away at your shingles during severe weather events.
- Improper Nailing – Inadequate nailing patterns on a new roof and gutter installation could leave gaps where air pressure builds up during high winds and tears away at your roof’s integrity over time.
- Old Age – Over time, normal wear and tear will weaken a structure’s ability to withstand high-velocity winds. This is especially true with older structures whose age has made them vulnerable to deterioration caused by harsh climates.
- Poor Ventilation – Lack of proper ventilation on an attic roof deck may cause heat buildup, which softens asphalt materials used in many types of roofing materials, making them more susceptible to storm damage.
Solutions to Fix Existing Shingle Blow-off
Here’s what you can do to fix the problem and avoid further damage:
- Replace Shingles – If the wind has completely removed any damaged shingles, then they need to be replaced immediately with properly installed replacements; this should be done even if no additional signs or symptoms are present as underlying issues may exist beneath undamaged sections that could lead to future problems.
- Repair Underlayment – Any exposed felt paper underlayment must be repaired before replacing lost or damaged singles. Failure to do so can cause costly damage.
- Install Wind & Ice Shields – An extra layer of protection between existing layers provides an extra barrier against heavy winds while helping protect against ice dams from forming near gutters during cold winter.
- Increase Ventilation – Roof ventilation should be increased throughout affected areas if improper airflow was identified as one possible source causing the original problem.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Shingle Blow-offs
Taking these preventative measures is the best way to avoid shingle blow-offs and other roof damage:
- Proper Installation – Ensure that all nails used for installation meet manufacturer specifications and that roofing materials are installed correctly with the proper adhesive.
- Correct Nailing Pattern – Make sure that all nails used to secure shingles meet the manufacturer’s recommendations; this will help ensure maximum protection against future blow-offs.
- Adequate Ventilation – Provide adequate ventilation throughout attic spaces to allow hot air and moisture to escape while preventing them from becoming trapped underneath roof surfaces
- Regular Roof Maintenance – Have your roof regularly inspected to identify any potential problems before they become serious issues.
If you’re in need of roofing repairs or replacement, be sure to contact STARR Roofing & Gutters for all your roofing needs. We offer various services to help keep your roof in top condition, including shingle repair and replacement, gutter installation and repair and more. Give us a call today at (512) 736-6539 to schedule a free consultation!