Shingle Roof

Pros:

  • Available in many colors

  • Most affordable roof type

  • Easily installed and repaired

  • Durable and low maintenance

Cons:

Can blow off in heavy winds

Colors may fade

Should be replaced very 20+ years

Can transfer heat into home

Check your roof at least once a year before rainy season. Repair leaky roofs before ceilings and walls are damaged.

Shingles not only serve as the first layer of defense against the elements they also define the character of your home.

Roof Damage Signs to look for:

Outside your home:

  • Look for shingles that are missing, curling, cupping, broken or cracked. Check valleys for damaged or deteriorated materials.


  • Look in gutters and downspouts for excessive granular loss. Manufacturers cover asphalt composition shingles with granules to block ultraviolet rays from the sun, but natural aging will cause granules to erode and expose the asphalt. Granular loss begins during installation and occurs daily. This is an expected condition, but excessive loss may indicate a problem.


  • Blisters, or small bubble-like raised areas on shingles, may appear when moisture trapped between the shingle layers is heated and rises to the surface. These blisters can break open, causing grit to fall away. Blisters are often a result of poor ventilation in the attic, causing heat to build up beneath the roof.


  • The dark stains and streaks that sometimes develop on roofs (especially roofs with light-colored shingles) are caused by blue-green algae. This is more likely to happen in hot, humid areas. Algae can damage shingles over time and should be removed by a professional roof cleaner.

If you are looking for a solution that is easy on the wallet and doesn't require much maintenance, shingles are the choice for you. Shingles tend to be one of the cheapest roofing options. They are mass produced and if a portion of your roof is damaged they are relatively easy to replace.

Hip and Ridge Shingles provide the finished look to the roof's peak and helps to defend the ridge vent


Roof Maintenance

A few tips:

  • Clean your gutters - Gutters are designed to collect water runoff from your roof and direct it away from the foundation. When they become clogged, the water can back up under the shingles. Keep them free of debris and make sure they are securely attached. Especially where they meet the walls at right angles.

  • Limit algae growth - Algae can leave ugly streaks on the shingles. In an environment like we have in SW Florida it is conducive to mold and algae.

  • Remove any tree branches that may be rubbing against the shingles. they can disturb the granules on the shingles especially in windy conditions. You do not want them touching the roof or your gutters.

A properly installed shingle roof is beautiful and reliable and will last for years. You can protect your investment with regular maintenance. Take care of any warning signs quickly to prevent further and more expensive damage.

Here are a few signs that if may need to be replaced:


  • Shingle edges have begun to curl and/or they are cracked

  • Bald spots where the granules have begun coming off

  • Your roof is at least 20 years old