A water-tight roof protects your home from the elements, and in Orange County, where weather patterns vary from coastal humidity to dry inland heat, you need a good roof. Composition roofs offer affordability and resilience, but like all roofing systems, they may need occasional roof repair. Use this quick guide to understand your composition roof, how it gets damaged, and why timely repairs are important to maintain roof integrity.
What Is a Composition Roof?
When you mix asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules and press them into flat sheets you get composition roof shingles. Roofing material manufacturers offer composition shingles in various styles, including three-tab shingles and architectural shingles. Roofers love them because they are lightweight and easy to install. Homeowners love them because they are cost-effective and add curb appeal.
Homeowners in Orange County opt for composition roofs because they easily handle our moderate rainfall, intense sun, and salty coastal air.
Depending on the quality of the roofing materials, expect your composition roof to last 20-30 years.
How Are Composition Shingles Damaged?
Composition shingles sound like superheroes but they are not indestructible. Several factors compromise shingle integrity and result in the need for roof repair.
Weather Exposure
Sunlight eventually degrades the asphalt layer, resulting in cracked or warped shingles. Heavy rains, wind, and the occasional hailstorm strips away the protective coat of granules.
Improper Installation
If not installed correctly, shingles can loosen or lift, letting moisture underneath the shingles. Having your roof installed or repaired by a reputable contractor like Crank Waterproofing, Deck, and Roof ensures your shingles go on properly.
Tree Debris and Moss or Algae
If branches overhanging from tree branches scrape against shingles, the friction speeds up deterioration. When moss or algae grow (especially in coastal communities), they trap moisture and shorten the life of the shingles.
Age
Shingles begin to naturally lose effectiveness as they near the end of their lifespan. Age causes shingles to become brittle and more prone to cracking and breaking.
This probably isn’t a flashing problem
The Dangers of Ignoring the Need for Roof Repairs
Neglecting composition roof and shingle damage just causes greater problems for your home. Acting on the need for roof repairs trues the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In other words, a few dollars of roof repair prevents thousands of dollars of roof replacement.
Water Damage
Cracked or missing shingles allow water to penetrate the decking or flashing and find its way inside. Roof leaks damage insulation, ceilings, and walls, leading to expensive and extensive repairs. Left unchecked, roof damage even weakens the structural framework, making the home unsafe.
Poor Air Quality
Moisture buildup from roof leaks creates a breeding ground for mold. Mold spores compromise air quality, aggravate allergies, and cause other health issues.
Decreased Energy Efficiency
A leaky roof damages the insulation, increasing heating and cooling costs. If the roof isn’t watertight, the roof can’t insulate as designed.
Orange County Composition Roof Repair Steps
Repairing a composition roof involves assessing the damage and taking appropriate action to restore the roof’s functionality and appearance.
• Inspection – Crank Waterproofing, Decking, and Roofing begins every roof repair job with a thorough inspection to identify the damage. Crank looks for cracked, missing, or curling shingles and examines the flashing and vents.
• Shingle Replacement – If the roof damage is localized, the roof repair is localized as well. This involves carefully removing the damaged shingles, installing new shingles, and ensuring they match the existing roof.
• Flashing Repairs – Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights often causes roof leaks. In this case, the cause of the leak isn’t the shingles. If this is the case, Crank repairs or replaces flashing or adds or repairs crickets to stop water intrusion.
A Timely Orange County Roof Repair Protects Your Investment
Your home often represents the largest single investment you make. A damaged roof seems like a minor inconvenience, but ignoring it leads to major expenses. In Orange County, where the sun shines brightly and occasional storms roll in, a watertight composition roof serves as your first line of defense. Whether your shingles have seen better days, or you’ve noticed a small leak, take action now to save time, money, and stress in the long run.
When it’s time for repairs, trust Crank Waterproofing, Decking, and Roofing to understand the unique challenges of Orange County’s climate. Contact Crank to schedule a free quote.
