| Function:
The shingles provide a watertight
protective layer along the top of a structure. Any roof covering should be durable
and require little maintenance. The roof systems (rafters & decking) provide the
support needed to carry the shingles, as well as forming the necessary roof pitch. What We Look At: Asphalt composition shingles
have a typical design life of around 20-25 years, while more expensive
upgrades can be installed that have a design life of 30-40 years. What is the remaining useful life
of the shingles? Has any damage been done due to hail, mechanical
abrasion, walking on, etc.? How many layers
of shingles are on the roof, and what was the quality of the shingle installation job and
flashing?
Typical problems we see are: Multiple layers of
shingles (more than two - I once saw one with FIVE layers. The homeowner was wondering
why his roof was sagging!); gravel loss, curling, cupping, moss growth, hail damage;
manufacturing defects (i.e. premature cracking & blistering); etc.
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