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Asphalt & Shingles

As you drive around the neighborhoods of the Pacific Northwest, you may notice that most of the houses have something in common. They have asphalt shingles.  Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing choices for homes. Other shingles are typically made of wood, clay, tile, metal and slate. Each have their own benefits. 

Asphalt Shingles

 

In addition to water protection, roof shingles serve several other functional and aesthetic purposes. The entire look or style of your home is influenced by the type of shingles you have on your roof. Different types of shingles also offer differing levels of energy efficiency for attic spaces and roof deck surface temperatures. Even the color of your shingles makes a difference as does the material itself. A cooler roof may be lighter in color to help reflect heat away from the roof surface. The quality and type of roofing materials used will affect the total lifespan of your home over time. If the roofing shingles are badly constructed or installed, then other parts of your roof will suffer and deteriorate faster

All roof shingles consist of a series of individual overlapping components form a barrier designed to repel water, snow, and ice when they are laid across the surface of the roof. Roof shingles are installed in a pattern where each seam or joint is overlapped by a shingle further up the roof. As water runs across the roof surface, it flows over each shingle till it reaches the eaves where it drips over the edge into your gutters. If water leaks under your shingles, you’ll eventually have rotted wood, interior ceiling leaks, mold, etc. 

Compared to other types of shingles, asphalt is relatively inexpensive, Asphalt shingles also have a number of advantages, including:

  • A life expectancy of 20-50 years depending on the climate
  • A relatively simple DIY installation for eager homeowners who have the skills to handle their own roofing repairs
  • Modern advances in technology that allow the shingles to take on a variety of colors and styles

These advantages make asphalt shingles the obvious choice for many homeowners. Eventually, however, your roof is going to need maintenance regardless of the type of shingles you have on your roof. In order to keep your roof looking and functioning its best, you need to understand the potential repairs that might need to be made, the cost of repairs versus replacement, and what to ask your Guardian contractors helping you with your replacement.

Damaged Shingles

Many homeowners don’t know they have shingle issues into it is too late. That is why is it so important to schedule annual inspections to check up on the health of your roof. Review some of the telltale signs below to see if you roof is in need of a checkup:

  • Standing Water – water that remains for more than 48 hours after rain and leaks in through seams and flashing, Standing water typically occurs on flat roofs,
  • Flashing Damage – damaged or missing flashing on your roof can lead to leaks very quickly and you need to be sure that flashing has been repaired correctly.
  • Large areas of damage – water, high winds and shingle age can be costly to repair. Sometimes, it is more cost effective to have your roof replaced.

Replacing your roof is easy if you hire the right roofing service company. And it doesn’t take long for the job to be completed. A moderately-sized, professionally installed roofing job might take only 3 or 4 days. Have the roofing contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion. Most offices are happy to keep their client’s informed on the project status. 

Guardian is a Member of the NRCABelow is a list of criteria recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association. All roofing contractors are not alike, and NRCA recommends that you prequalify roofing contractors to get the job done right the first time.

The following guidelines will help in your decision:

  • Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number, and a business license.
  • Insist on seeing copies of the contractor’s liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation certificates. Make sure the coverage is in effect for the entire job.
  • Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
  • Check to see whether the contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Call your state’s licensing board for your state’s specific requirements (where applicable).
  • Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment.
  • Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations, such as NRCA.
  • Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that have been filed. http://www.thebbb.org/search.html

When selecting a contractor, be sure to carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, the price is only one criterion for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily on your decision.

Asphalt Shingle House

Guardian Roofing is committed to living up to this criteria and much more. If you are looking for a roof repair contractor please call us today at 877-926-9966 or complete our online service request form.