Loose shingles are something that can cause a great deal of damage before being discovered. Usually caused by wind or hail, this is more common with asphalt shingles than wooden ones. Unfortunately, the first sign of this is when you see a big stain in the ceiling or water running down a wall.
There is nothing like walking into a room where this has happened. The first thought is a broken water pipe but, before you call the plumber, take a look at the roof. This will not only save you a plumber bill but will show you are a smart person who knows to not jump to an immediate conclusion.
For the sake of this article, we will assume the roof has asphalt shingles. When installed, asphalt sealant and nails are used to secure the shingles in place. This sealing makes the roofing one continuous sheet, which resists the uplift pressures of the wind and rain. When you are suddenly hit with dripping water, it is obvious that you have a problem.
“In the United States, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material used for residential roofing applications… (Wikipedia).” Some states have a specific code regarding steps that must be taken for roof repair. This outlines specific repair procedures and is published by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM).
When you determine there is something wrong with your shingles, it is a good idea to call a professional roofer to make repairs. It is not worth it to crawl around on the roof and have the possibility of taking a tumble. This could cause the far greater expense of a trip to the ER. It can be embarrassing to tell them that you were trying to save money by fixing your own roof and fell off.
Sometimes it is difficult to locate a roof leak. An experienced roofer will be able to immediately find loose shingles and make the repairs quickly and efficiently. If the leak is allowed to continue it can cause rotting frames and sheathing, mold, destroy insulation and damage the interior of the house. If you don’t want to be hit in the head with loose ceiling plaster, it is important to call a professional the minute the problem occurs.
Many roofing companies will provide a free estimate of the repairs. This is important as it will prevent you having a ‘sticker shock’ when the job is completed. Also, always check out the company’s reviews and other evidence of their reliability. Fortunately, most roofing companies do good work and have many satisfied customers.
Prior to calling a professional roofer, it is important to contact your Home Owner Insurance Agent. Many insurance policies require being consulted prior to any work done on the property. On occasion, they have a specific company in mind to do the repairs. This will save you having an out-of-pocket expense and prevent extensive damage to your home.