Composition Shingle Roof Systems - Roofing Maintenance

Typical composition shingles are available in 3-tab or laminated (dimensional). Most shingle roof systems are installed with 15# or 30# underlayment and are nailed or stapled directly over solid decking or sheathing. Most shingle manufacturers offer material warranties from 20-50 years. Several offer workmanship warranties backed by the manufacture for up to 20 years like GAF/ELK® or Certinteed®. To offer theses type of manufacturer backed warranties the manufacture will require the contractors to be a approved or certified contractor, pay a special fees for training, auditing of the installation and final inspection of the roofing project.

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GAF Grand Canyon® Shingle Roof System with ridge venting- Installed by a Master Elite Contractor complete with an extended Golden Pledge® 20-year warranty- Courtesy of GAF Materials.

Typical three-tab shingle system- This system was installed improperly using only three fasteners per shingle. Notice the walls don’t even have counter flashing

Why Shingle Roof Systems Go Bad:

Storm or wind damage, which may cause shingles to blow off, especially on your typical 3-tab shingle.
Improper repairs, most inexperience maintenance personnel will use plastic roof cement (bull) or caulking to repair a shingle roof, which ends up causing more issues.
Sun damage, which dries the oil out of the shingle and causes cracking, delamination and general deterioration of the shingle.
Improper installation of the original shingle system. For example; improper fasteners, exposed nails or staples, wrong alignment, or stretched courses which all may allow moisture intrusion.
Deteriorated roof vents that have cracked and allows moisture to enter roofing assembly.
Deterioration of flashings, critical area details and lack of maintenance.

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