Ten Reasons Why Roofs Fail …

Dark patches are missing shingles that blew off during a storm.

Ten reasons why roofs fail and what can be done about it. In this post, I will discuss the 10 reasons that cause roofs to fail. And once we are educated on the causes, we will discuss how asphalt shingle reconditioning by Roof Shield can prevent these failures.

Let’s dig into those reasons.

1. Age

Asphalt shingles have a finite lifespan ranging from 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingle. As shingles age, the oils in the asphalt begin to dry out, causing the shingles to become brittle and less flexible. This makes them more prone to cracking, curling, and granule loss. (more on granule loss)

These issues accumulate with time, and the shingles become less effective at protecting the roof. And over time, the loss of protective granules and the effects of weathering contribute to the weakening of the asphalt shingles’ waterproofing capabilities. When shingles reach the end of their lifespan, they are more susceptible to leaks and damage, putting the roof’s structure at risk.

Close up of extreme degranulation and granule loss on an aging asphalt shingle.
Old shingles that are dry, brittle, and degranulated due to age.
2. Poor Installation

The longevity and performance of asphalt shingles depend heavily on proper installation. Improper installation can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of roof shingles. Common mistakes include nailing shingles too high or low, using the wrong type or the wrong number of nails, installing shingles without proper underlayment, or using damaged or mismatched shingles. These errors can lead to water leaks, wind uplift, and premature deterioration.

It is important to hire a reputable contractor to ensure proper installation. One that adheres to the manufacturer’s guidelines and industry best practices. Proper installation techniques improve the durability of the roof as well as maintain the warranty coverage provided by the shingle manufacturer.

3. Weather

Extreme weather can take a toll on the lifespan and performance of shingles. Strong winds can lift or tear shingles, while hail can cause dents or punctures. Even heavy rain can wash away protective granules and expose the underlying asphalt, leading to accelerated deterioration. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can also cause the asphalt to dry out and become brittle.

Weather patterns vary among regions, and some areas may be more prone to specific types of weather-related damage. Homeowners should consider local weather conditions when selecting shingles to ensure appropriate protection.

Dark patches are missing shingles that blew off during a storm.
Dark patches are missing shingles that blew off during a storm.
Measuring hail impact damage to the shingle after a storm.
Measuring hail impact damage to the shingle after a storm.
4. Thermal Cycling

Temperature fluctuations are a natural part of daily weather patterns, but they can have a detrimental effect on asphalt shingles. Fluctuating temperatures cause materials to expand and contract. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction can weaken the bond between the granules and asphalt, causing granule loss or cracks in the shingles. In extreme cases, this may lead to curling or complete shingle failure.

To minimize the impact of thermal cycling on shingles, proper ventilation and insulation help maintain a stable temperature in the attic, reducing the amount of expansion and contraction. Additionally, using high-quality shingles with better resistance to thermal cycling can also help prolong their lifespan.

5. Manufacturing Defects

Most asphalt shingles are manufactured to high standards, but defects can sometimes occur during the production process. Examples of manufacturing defects include inconsistent granule distribution, inadequate asphalt coating, blistering, and delamination. Furthermore, defective shingles may not provide adequate protection and may fail well before their expected lifespan.

To protect against manufacturing defects, homeowners should research and select reputable shingle manufacturers that offer warranties on their products. If a defect is discovered, homeowners should contact the manufacturer and take the necessary steps to address the problem.

6. Inadequate Ventilation

Attic ventilation helps maintain a stable temperature and reduces moisture buildup in the roof system. Poor ventilation can cause excess heat and humidity, accelerate the aging process of shingles, cause the wood decking to warp, and promote mold and mildew growth. These factors can contribute to shingle failure and reduced roof performance.

To ensure proper ventilation, homeowners should consult with a roofing professional to assess their attic ventilation system and make necessary adjustments. This may include installing ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents to provide adequate airflow and maintain a balanced attic space.

7. Moss and Algae Growth

The growth of moss and algae on asphalt shingles can be both unsightly and damaging. Moss and algae can retain moisture and cause shingles to deteriorate prematurely. Moss growth can lift shingles, allowing water to penetrate the roof system. Algae can cause unsightly black streaks on the shingles, degrading their appearance and potentially affecting their protective capabilities.

Homeowners can take several preventive measures to prevent moss and algae growth. Including trimming overhanging tree branches to reduce shade and moisture on the roof, regularly cleaning debris from the roof surface, and installing zinc or copper strips near the ridge of the roof to inhibit growth.

Unsightly black streaks are caused by gloeocapsa magma and damage the shingles integrity.
Unsightly black streaks are caused by Gloeocapsa Magma and damage the shingles integrity.
8. Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common issue in colder climates, where snow and ice can accumulate on the roof. They form when snow on a roof melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge, forming a barrier that prevents water from draining off the roof. This trapped water can then seep under the shingles, causing leaks, rot, and damage to the roof’s structure. In some cases, ice dams can even lift shingles, compromising the roof’s integrity.

To prevent ice dams, proper insulation and ventilation in the attic are crucial, as they help maintain a consistent roof temperature and prevent the snow from melting and refreezing. Installing ice and water shield membranes along the eaves can also provide an extra layer of protection against ice dams and helps stop water penetration.

9. Improper Maintenance

Regular maintenance is often neglected and makes a huge difference in the longevity of asphalt shingle roofs. And a lack of maintenance can exacerbate existing issues and lead to premature shingle failure. This includes not cleaning debris from gutters and downspouts, failing to inspect the roof for damage, and neglecting necessary repairs. Proactive maintenance can help extend the lifespan of asphalt shingles and prevent failure.

Homeowners should develop a routine maintenance schedule, which may include annual or biannual inspections, gutter cleaning, and prompt repairs when needed. During these inspections, homeowners should look for signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, granule loss, or moss and algae growth. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more significant problems and extend the life of the roof.

10. Mechanical Damage

The impact of falling tree limbs, storm debris, or walking on the roof can cause mechanical damage to asphalt shingles. This damage can include cracks, punctures, or dislodged shingles and can compromise the roof’s ability to protect against water intrusion and leaks.

To prevent mechanical damage, homeowners should keep trees trimmed back from the roof, regularly clean debris from the roof surface, and avoid walking on the shingles whenever possible. If mechanical damage occurs, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and protect the roof’s integrity.

How Can Asphalt Shingle Rejuvenation Prevent Roof Failures

Asphalt shingle rejuvenation is a process that can help extend the life of your shingles by restoring their original properties. Aside from ice dams and poor installation, roof rejuvenation directly addresses each of the concerns above. For instance:

  1. Age: Rejuvenation treatments can restore the oils and resins in the shingles, making them more flexible and less brittle. This can help slow down the aging process and extend the life of the shingles.
  2. Weather: By restoring the shingles’ original properties, rejuvenation can help them better withstand harsh weather conditions like wind, rain, and hail, making them less prone to damage.
  3. Thermal cycling: Rejuvenated shingles have improved resistance to the damage caused by daily expansion and contraction, reducing the likelihood of granule loss, cracks, or curling.
  4. Manufacturing defects: While rejuvenation can’t fix all factory defects, it can help to some extent by restoring the oils and resins in the shingles, improving their overall performance and durability.
  5. Inadequate ventilation: While rejuvenation doesn’t directly address ventilation issues, it can help to extend the life of shingles that may have been negatively impacted by poor attic ventilation. This can buy time for homeowners to address the underlying ventilation problem.
  6. Moss and algae growth: Our process at Roof Shield is to clean a roof before restoring it. We neutralize and remove moss and algae and then apply the rejuvenation with our product Roof Reboot. The result is a roof that looks amazing and resists moss and algae growth moving forward.
  7. Improper maintenance: Rejuvenation can help reverse the damage caused by a lack of maintenance. Giving homeowners a chance to establish a proper maintenance routine going forward.
  8. Mechanical Damage: In addition to combating the effects of age, rejuvenation makes the shingle less susceptible to mechanical damage, such as impacts from limbs.

By bringing the performance of an old shingle back to the way it was new, a roof rejuvenation from Roof Shield can not only restore roofs but prevent failures from happening in the first place. If you are interested in knowing more about Roof Shield and its line of products specifically tailored to ‘Clean, Restore, and Protect’ asphalt shingles, reach out today.

Before and after of Roof Shield treatment to restore the curb appeal of an aging roof.
Roof Shield takes an aging and failure-prone roof back to the performance and look of new.

And if you are a roofer, soft washer, or entrepreneur looking to enter the fast-growing asphalt shingle rejuvenation market? Roof Shield sells to and trains applicators to service homeowners nationwide. Contact Roof Shield today.

To stay in touch with Roof Shield and always see our latest posts, like and subscribe to our:

Preventing Roof Leaks and Water Damage with Roof Shield

In this image water is coming into the attic from a rotten deck board cause by water penetration through the aging shingle.

Leaks and water damage are major concerns for homeowners, especially in the southern US, where heavy rainfall and stormy weather are prevalent. Roof Shield’s asphalt shingle rejuvenation service offers a practical and superior solution to protect your home from leaks and water damage from the top down by restoring the shingle’s waterproofing properties and enhancing its overall durability.

Over time, asphalt shingles lose their protective oils, making them brittle and more susceptible to damage from the elements. Roof Shield’s rejuvenation process uses a specially formulated, ASTM-tested solution that penetrates the shingles, replenishing these vital oils and restoring their flexibility. This rejuvenation process also helps to seal any minor cracks or damage, ensuring your shingles remain watertight and better equipped to handle heavy rainfall and harsh weather conditions.

The Science

One crucial aspect of a shingle’s ability to provide a waterproof barrier is its permeability. A material’s perm rating (permeance) is a measure of its ability to allow water vapor to pass through it. Permeance is measured in units of perms, with higher numbers indicating more permeability.

ASTM testing results demonstrate the superior performance of Roof Shield-treated shingles compared to competitor products. Using the ASTM E96 vapor permeance test, we demonstrate that our rejuvenation product, Roof Reboot, brings the water vapor barrier of a 15-year-old shingle back to the level of a brand-new shingle.

For example, all new shingles must have a perm number less than .1 to be classified as impermeable. In testing, a 15-year-old shingle treated by Roof Shield has a rating of .029 perms, whereas the brand-new shingle tested at .034 perms. Remember, lower is better, meaning the asphalt shingle treated with Roof Rebbot outperformed a brand-new shingle. In contrast, our competitors advertise a permeability score of 3.31, classifying shingles treated with their product as semi-permeable.

Importance of Maintaining an Impermeable Roof

It may seem obvious, but maintaining a roof’s impermeability is crucial for several reasons. A roof serves as the primary barrier between the interior of a building and the external environment. Ensuring that it remains impermeable helps to:

  • Protect the structure: Water leaks can cause significant damage to a building’s structure, including rotting wood, rusting metal, and degrading masonry. Over time, these issues can compromise the building’s structural integrity, leading to costly repairs or even collapse.
  • Prevent mold and mildew growth: Moisture intrusion can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health issues for the occupants, such as respiratory problems, allergies, and other illnesses. Mold remediation can be expensive and time-consuming.
  • Preserve insulation effectiveness: Wet insulation loses its thermal resistance, reducing its effectiveness and leading to higher energy bills. Maintaining the roof’s impermeability can keep insulation dry and functioning at its best.
  • Protect interior finishes and possessions: Water leaks can damage interior finishes, such as drywall, paint, and flooring, as well as the belongings inside the building. This can result in costly repairs and replacements.
  • Reduce the likelihood of pests: Water intrusion can create a hospitable environment for pests such as insects and rodents, which can cause additional damage to the building and pose health risks.
  • Extend the lifespan of the roof: Regular maintenance and ensuring the roof’s impermeability can help extend its lifespan, delaying the need for a costly replacement.
Decking damage on a roof from water penetrating the asphalt shingle.
Rotting deck board with mold and mildew damages the structure of the home due to shingles losing their water vapor resistance. Damage like this is common on older roofs and is usually discovered once the homeowner finds water in the home.
In this image water is coming into the attic from a rotten deck board cause by water penetration through the aging shingle.
Water is coming into the attic from a rotten deck board caused by water penetration through the aging shingle.
Unfortunately, these issues tend to go unnoticed until visible signs of water penetration show up in the home.
Unfortunately, these issues tend to go unnoticed until visible signs of water penetration show up in the home.

The solution is to maintain your roof’s waterproof properties with Roof Shield’s asphalt shingle rejuvenation and prevent costly water damage to your home’s interior, including mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage. This proactive approach to roof maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in potential repair costs and extend the life of their roofs by over a decade.

Additional Benefits of Water Proofing

In addition to the peace of mind provided by a watertight roof, Roof Shield’s rejuvenation process can also have a positive impact on insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who take proactive measures to protect their homes from water damage, making Roof Shield’s rejuvenation service an investment that can pay off in multiple ways.

Roof Shield’s commitment to customer satisfaction doesn’t stop at providing superior asphalt shingle rejuvenation services. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service from start to finish. Whether it’s answering your questions, providing a detailed assessment of your roof’s condition, or ensuring a seamless rejuvenation process, Roof Shield is here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t let leaks and water damage put a damper on your home’s value and safety. Choose Roof Shield’s asphalt shingle rejuvenation service to protect your home from the elements and ensure a longer-lasting, more resilient roof. With proven ASTM testing results and unmatched performance, Roof Shield is the clear choice for maintaining your roof’s waterproof barrier. Contact Roof Shield today for a consultation and schedule an appointment to safeguard your home against leaks and water damage.

Visualizing Waste: How Many Tons of Asphalt Shingles End Up in Landfills Annually?

The moving of shingle mountain in Texas that was suspected of poisoning the residents nearby.

Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective and durable roofing material and the go-to material for most homes in North America. They are easy to install, affordable, and come in various colors and styles, making them a good choice for most homes. However, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years for 3-tab shingles and 20-30 years for architectural shingles, shingle replacement is high volume annually, with more than 80 percent of homes opting for asphalt shingles.

And that replacement comes at a cost, not just to the homeowner but to the environment as well. With over 13 million tons of asphalt shingles ending up in landfills annually.

Negative Effects of Asphalt Shingles in Landfills
  1. Space consumption: Asphalt shingles are bulky and take up a significant amount of space in landfills. As landfills become increasingly full, finding new locations for waste disposal becomes more difficult and expensive.
  2. Slow decomposition: Asphalt shingles are made from a mix of materials, including organic fibers, minerals, and petroleum-based asphalt. These components make them decompose slowly and can remain in landfills for decades or centuries.
  3. Leachate contamination: As rainwater passes through landfills, it can pick up harmful chemicals from decomposing asphalt shingles. This polluted water, known as leachate, can contaminate nearby soil and groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
  4. Greenhouse gas emissions: The decomposition of organic materials in landfills, including the fibers in asphalt shingles, generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane emissions from landfills contribute to climate change and can exacerbate its effects.
  5. Resource waste: The disposal of asphalt shingles in landfills represents a lost opportunity to recycle or repurpose the valuable materials they contain.
  6. Public health risks: The chemicals found in asphalt shingles, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pose health risks to those living near landfills, particularly if the landfill is not properly managed or maintained.
  7. Wildlife impacts: Landfills attract scavengers and other wildlife, exposing them to harmful chemicals from asphalt shingles or becoming trapped in landfill debris.
The moving of shingle mountain in Texas that was suspected of poisoning the residents nearby.
The moving of shingle mountain in Texas. A 70,000 ton behemoth suspected of poisoning the residents nearby.
Photo Courtesy: Spectrum News 1
Visualizing 13 Million Tons of Asphalt Shingles

Now that you know the damage throwing asphalt shingles in the landfill cause, let’s wrap our heads around what 13 million tons of shingles looks like.

The weight of asphalt shingles can vary depending on their type and thickness, but let’s consider a common weight for a 3-tab shingle, which is around 65-80 lbs. per square. (A square is 100 square feet) For this example, let’s assume an average weight of 72.5 lbs. per square.

  • 1 square = 72.5 lbs.
  • 1 ton = 2000 lbs.

Now, let’s find out how many squares are in 13 million tons:

  • 13,000,000 tons x 2000 lbs. = 26,000,000,000 lbs.
  • 26,000,000,000 lbs. / 72.5 lbs. = 358,620,689 squares in 13 million tons of shingle waste

Finally, how many individual shingles? Using 300 shingles per square.

358,620,689 squares x 300 shingles per = 107,586,206,700 shingles

Examples of 107.6 Billion Shingles

We’ve calculated that 107.6 billion asphalt shingles end up in local landfills annually in the United States alone. What exactly does that look like? Here are a few examples to put the waste in perspective.

Stacking the shingles on top of each other and assuming a thickness of .125 inches, the stack would reach 1,120,833,333 feet or:

  • 1,431,193 times the height of the Eiffel Tower
  • 89 times the Earth’s diameter

Layed length-wise with a 36-inch wide shingle is 322,800,000,000 feet or:

  • 2,454 times the circumference of the Earth
  • Go to the Moon and back 256 times.
Keeping Asphalt Shingles Out of Local Landfills: Recycling

The above examples are a fun thought exercise. But the reality is that there are very large quantities of asphalt shingles dumped into landfills daily. Recycling is one way to reduce the impact of these discarded shingles, and there are claims that up to 10 percent of shingles are recycled. Speak to any roofer, though, and you will quickly get the impression that that statistic may be a little ambitious.

Manufacturers such as GAF and Owens Corning are stepping up efforts to educate roofing contractors and homeowners on recycling and also investing in recycling programs to make shingle recycling more accessible.

What can be done right now?

Asphalt shingle rejuvenation and reconditioning from Roof Shield is available today and can effectively double the lifespan of the roof. With proper maintenance through our ‘Clean Restore Protect’ program, a 15-year shingle can last 30 years, more than halving its environmental impact. Simple as that, our rejuvenation named Roof Reboot will bring the performance of the shingles back to new at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

In short, the roofing industry generates a tremendous amount of landfill waste in the United States annually. Rejuvenation can take the place of replacement and drastically reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.

Are you a roofer, soft washer, or entrepreneur looking to enter the fast-growing asphalt shingle rejuvenation market? Roof Shield sells to and trains applicators to service homeowners nationwide. Contact Roof Shield today.

To stay in touch with Roof Shield and always see our latest posts, like and subscribe to our:

What is Roof Restoration?

A commercial roof that has been repaired, cleaned, and restored through roof restoration.

Asphalt shingle roofs are popular due to their affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Over time, however, these roofs can succumb to wear and tear, affecting their performance and appearance. Roof restoration is a viable solution to extend the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof and improve its overall condition. This blog post will delve into the roof restoration process, its benefits, and essential tips for a successful outcome.

Understanding Roof Restoration

Roof restoration involves a series of steps to repair, clean, and restore the appearance and functionality of an existing asphalt shingle roof. This process is less invasive and more cost-effective than a complete roof replacement, making it an attractive option for homeowners and building managers seeking to extend their roof’s life.

Some of the signs that your asphalt shingle roof needs restoration are:

  • Curling or buckling shingles
  • Missing or damaged shingles
  • Granule loss on shingles
  • Mold, algae, or moss growth
  • Water leaks or stains on interior ceilings and walls
  • Sagging roof deck

The benefits of roof restoration and rejuvenation are many:

  • Cost-effective: Restoration is less expensive than a full roof replacement, making it an attractive option for budget-minded property owners.
  • Extended lifespan: A well-executed restoration can add 5-15 years to your asphalt shingle roof’s life, postponing the need and expense for a complete replacement.
  • Enhanced curb appeal: Significantly improve the appearance of your home or building, increasing its value and attractiveness.
  • Reduced environmental impact: By extending your roof’s lifespan, you’ll minimize waste associated with roofing materials and reduce the demand for new materials.
  • Decreased wear: A restored and rejuvenated roof will protect as well as a new roof and make leaks and storm damage less likely.
The Roof Restoration and Rejuvenation Process

Roof restoration is a comprehensive process aimed at repairing, cleaning, and revitalizing a roof to extend its lifespan and improve its appearance and functionality. The specific steps may vary depending on the type of roof and its condition. With Roof Shield, we will look at what it takes to restore an asphalt shingle roof.

  • Inspection and Assessment: The first step is a thorough inspection to evaluate the roof’s overall condition. This assessment will identify any damage, wear and tear, and potential issues that need to be addressed during restoration. We also call this phase ‘qualifying the roof’, as not all roofs are candidates for restoration.
  • Repairs: Any damaged or deteriorated areas of the roof are repaired. This may include fixing leaks, replacing damaged or missing shingles or tiles, repairing flashing, and addressing any other structural concerns.
  • Cleaning: Once repairs are complete, the roof is cleaned to remove dirt, debris, algae, mold, and moss. This step involves soft-washing the roof with a biodegradable cleaning solution.
  • Rinsing: After the roof is cleaned of any organic material, it is rinsed with water to remove any remaining solution from the cleaning process as well as any released dirt, debris, algae, mold, and moss.
  • Rejuvenation: Once the roof is dry, it is ready to accept a rejuvenation product, such as Roof Reboot, to complete the restoration process. This is done in a similar manner to soft washing and uses a low-pressure application.
A commercial roof that has been repaired, cleaned, and restored through roof restoration.
Overhead view of a commercial building owner that opted for a roof restoration instead of replacement. The roof was repaired, cleaned, and restored. The curb appeal was greatly improved in the process.
Choosing the Right Contractor

That was a lot of bullet points, but it is important to understand and know the steps involved in the roof restoration process. At Roof Shield, we ensure superior results for our clients through our Roof Shield Academy. All of our certified applicators are trained in how to:

  • Inspect and repair roof systems.
  • Safely clean and prep the roof for restoration
  • Restore and rejuvenate the asphalt shingle roof.

And certified Roof Shield applicators are the only roof restoration specialists that have access to the asphalt shingle rejuvenator Roof Reboot. The only rejuvenator that brings the performance of shingles back to new.

Conclusion

Roof restoration is a cost-effective and efficient solution to breathe new life into your asphalt shingle roof. By understanding the restoration process and working with a reputable contractor like Roof Shield, you can enhance your property’s curb appeal and extend the life of your roof.

Are you a roofer, soft washer, or entrepreneur looking to enter the fast-growing asphalt shingle rejuvenation market? Roof Shield sells to and trains applicators to service homeowners nationwide. Contact Roof Shield today.

To stay in touch with Roof Shield and always see our latest posts, like and subscribe to our: