Current roofing techniques have developed to the point that a properly installed roof covering should last for decades. However, there are times when the roof fails and requires the help of professional installers. Common failures include cupping shingles, curling shingles, and leaks around details such as flashing and vents. A roofing company in Brookfield, WI can help by inspecting the structure for signs of damage and determining exactly why the roof is failing. A proper diagnosis can make the repair easier and may save the property owner a little money. For instance, a small leak around a vent is probably the result of dried caulking, but failing to fix this problem quickly could result in more extensive repairs.
Two issues that frequently occur with an asphalt shingled roof are cupped shingles and curled ones. Curled shingles are a common sign that these asphalt-based products are getting old and are drying out. This can occur from excessive heat or too much solar exposure. The curls are the result of the oils in the shingles drying and causing the edges to turn upwards. Cupping is a completely different issue and is usually the result of wet decking. Most roofs are decked with an engineered wood such as OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. OSB has become the material of choice because it is budget friendly and considered better for the environment. The reason that cupping occurs is that water trickles down to the wood and gets soaked into its fibers. At this point, the wood begins to swell and break the bonds that hold it together. The warping wood pushes upwards and causes the shingles to cup. A roofing company in Brookfield, WI may need to remove large portions of the roof to fix the problem correctly.
Not all roofs are made with asphalt shingles. In fact, many roofs use a low slope, and this method of roofing requires other techniques to keep out the rain. The most common solution for low sloped or flat roofs is the BUR (built-up roofing) method. BUR is multiple layers of a water resistant membrane and asphalt. Alternatives to BUR include polymers such as TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and a synthetic rubber known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). Learn more about roofing solutions from experts like Waukesha Roofing Inc.
