There are several situations that can cause your roof shingles to start coming loose, including hail storms, falling trees, blowing debris, strong wind, or heavy rain. The worst part is that when shingles fall off in large numbers, it can cause insulation problems and roof leaks. Knowing what to do when roof shingles fall off is great, but preventing them from falling in large numbers is even better. If you are in a similar situation or want to know how to prevent shingles from falling off the roof, you are in the right spot. Today, we shall look at how you can prevent shingles from coming loose in the first place.
Ensure Correct Installation
To prevent shingles from blowing off, correct installation is key. Make sure that nails are not placed too high during installation. Each nail must be placed across the nailing strip to provide sufficient support. Proper holding strength prevents the shingle from being ripped off the nail in case of heavy rain and strong winds. Even if the installation has already taken place, you can always get a roofing contractor to come over and inspect your roof. They will inform you about installation errors and will gladly make the fix.
Get Warranty Repairs
If you just got roof shingles installed on your brand-new roof and have suddenly started noticing a few loose pieces, it’s important to remember that sealing strips need approximately four to six weeks to completely set, depending on sun exposure, the surrounding temperature, and the sealing consistency. Most roof contractors would repair blown-off shingles for no cost if the damage were caused due to poor sealing. Claiming warranty repairs for a new roof makes the roof last longer, especially if the sealing job is not as thorough. Keep inspecting your roof after new installations and claim repairs while the warranty lasts.
Fix Underlying Roof Issues
When shingles fall off, it is quite obvious that the roof underneath it has also experienced some damage. Excessive moisture or humidity can cause metals to corrugate or rust, cause damage to the OSB boards, and even ruin plywood sheeting. Shingle nails will likely come loose if they have no base to hold onto. This causes more shingles to fall off than usual. Always reach out to a roofing contractor immediately if you suspect roof damage to prevent the situation from worsening.
Prevent Mold Growth
If you have an attic in your house, it is likely to be filled with humid and hot air. Moisture only escapes outside the attic if a window or ventilation route is available. Moisture and humidity trapped inside a poorly ventilated attic can lead to mold growth, causing the lifting and curling of roof shingles. Apart from mold growth, moss growth is also possible. Moss causes shingles to be raised once it starts growing underneath them. To prevent this, be sure to clean the shingles regularly with water and bleach to prevent mold growth.
Invest in a New Roof
Getting a brand-new roof is better than repairing the old one. Asphalt roofs last 10 to 15 years, depending on maintenance. If you are aware that your roof is near its expiry date, and the nails and adhesive seal will not be able to hold the shingles for long, you should reach out to a contractor for a total replacement. A new roof will prevent old shingles from falling off randomly and causing accidents.
Trim Nearby Trees
Branches falling off from large trees during a natural disaster are one of the major causes of roof damage. Heavy branches landing on your roof can simply scrape off your shingles. The best way to prevent this is to trim nearby trees to prevent such disasters. Remove any branches that are near the roof of your home. This also helps the tree fortify and prevents branch breakages in the future.
Clean Gutters Regularly
Water accumulation on top of your roof is the major cause of loose shingles. Water causes the seal to deteriorate, and the nails may corrode and rot. Standing water can only be prevented by keeping your gutters clean. Make sure there is no debris, leaves, or clogs in your gutter drain so water can flow freely from the roof into the drainage system.
Endnote
Waiting for your shingles to fall off and cause damage is a bad idea. Opting for prevention techniques and repairs to keep them from sliding off will keep you and your family safe. This will also cut down repair costs and prevent house damage.
