Great question! Before you begin to do any kind of replacement on your shingles, you need to determine what caused them to be vulnerable to the weather conditions in the first place so you can avoid the same issue in the future.
While age plays a major role in shingle damage there are many more contributing factors to consider especially with a newer home. In this case, the long period of harsh weather has caused much of the damage. But, the real root of the problem lies in the structural aspects of the home.
Consider the flatness of your shingles
First, shingles should be flat, neatly stacked, and covered before installation. Any shingle that is torn or bent is susceptible to further damage and should not be used. But, a perfectly good shingle can be damaged by tools during the installation. This can also result in a split or break in the part. When one of these circumstances occur, the worker will usually scrape the broken piece and grab a new one. If this is not done, then the shingle will be prone to leaks or other damage in the future. Once exposed to the elements, a defective shingle will curl and lift.
Consider attic ventilation
Also, consider your attic ventilation. The hot air in your home will rise and bring moisture to your attic. If you have the proper ventilation installed, this typically wouldn’t be an issue. But, if this is not taken care of the moisture can cause mold which will lead the shingles to curl.
Consider the installer & their methods
Another reason may be that the shingles on your home are improperly installed. Typically, this means that the person who did the installation did not use enough nails per shingle or, they did not install the nails properly, in the proper location on the nailing strip. In either case, your shingles are bound to curl or tear away. Without the proper support, the shingles become more prone to leaks during rain and less resistant to high winds in the future.
Consider the adhesive strip
Your shingles could have also been hit hard if they were not correctly aligned when they were installed. The adhesive strip on each shingle is a sealant. The professional hired to do the job should have lined up the shingles properly. This process is vital because the adhesive sealant is what will be holding the shingle in place securely. If this is not done correctly, you can expect the shingles to begin to curl or even fly off.
Consider roof foot-traffic
If you have asphalt shingles, foot traffic can cause them some wear. Recent work on other sections of your home like a skylight or the chimney could have been a catalyst for the damage. Many times, workers move around the roof a bit abruptly with their tools, and this could have caused some shingles to break.
In your case, the problem with your shingles could be one or, a few of these common issues. You should have this addressed sooner rather than later because shingles are important in protecting your home. These issues lead to the severe damages that come with events like the harsh weather. Call into your local expert to get a professional option on the specific cause of the damage to your home.
If you have any other questions about future home projects or anything general repair advice, feel free to drop us a message on our ask a contractor page.