Aluminum shingle roofs are known for their durability, low maintenance, and long life expectancy. With a life span of up to 50 years, these roofs are an excellent investment for homeowners. Despite their many benefits, like any roofing material, aluminum shingles can experience defects and damage over time. These issues can affect the roof's appearance and may potentially compromise its integrity.
Pros of Aluminum Shingle Roofs
Lightweight: Aluminum shingles are lighter than most other roofing materials, reducing stress on your home's structure.
Durability: These roofs can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and wind.
Energy efficiency: Aluminum shingles reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home cooler during hot summer months.
Low maintenance: With proper installation and care, aluminum shingle roofs require little maintenance.
Environmentally friendly: Aluminum is recyclable, making it an eco-friendly roofing choice.
Cons of Aluminum Shingle Roofs
Cost: Aluminum shingle roofs can be more expensive than some other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Paint chipping: Over time, the paint on aluminum shingles may chip, requiring repairs to maintain the roof's appearance and protection.
Noise: Aluminum shingle roofs can be noisier during rain or hailstorms compared to other materials like asphalt or wood shingles.
Snow Guards for Aluminum Shingle Roofs
An accessory worth considering for your aluminum shingle roof is snow guards. Installed on the roof to prevent large amounts of snow from sliding off and causing damage to your property or injury to people below, snow guards are particularly useful in areas that experience heavy snowfall such as here in Ohio. They help maintain the integrity of your shingles during winter months, ensuring your roof remains in optimal condition.
Common Defects in Aluminum Shingle Roofs
Aluminum shingle roofs are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. However, like any roofing material, they can develop defects over time. Below are some common defects found in aluminum shingle roofs:
Chipped paint:
Issue: One of the most common issues with aluminum shingle roofs is paint chipping, which can occur due to weather exposure, physical impact, or poor paint adhesion. Chipped paint not only affects the appearance of the roof but also exposes the underlying aluminum to potential corrosion.
Remedy: To address chipped paint, a professional can clean the affected area, apply a rust-inhibiting primer, and repaint the shingles using a high-quality paint that is suitable for aluminum surfaces.
Dents and punctures:
Issue: Aluminum shingles can be susceptible to dents and punctures, especially during hailstorms or when hit by falling debris. These damages can compromise the roof's integrity and potentially lead to leaks.
Remedy: A professional can inspect the roof for dents and punctures, and either repair or replace the damaged shingles to restore the roof's integrity and prevent water infiltration.
Corrosion:
Issue: Although aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion, prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions, especially in coastal areas with salty air, can cause the protective oxide layer to break down. Corrosion can weaken the aluminum shingles and lead to leaks or other structural issues.
Remedy: A professional can remove any corroded areas, treat them with a rust-inhibiting primer, and apply a protective coating to prevent future corrosion. In severe cases, the affected shingles may need to be replaced.
Loose or missing shingles:
Issue: High winds or improper installation can cause aluminum shingles to become loose or even blow off the roof. This exposes the underlying roof deck to water damage and increases the risk of leaks.
Remedy: A professional can inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles, reattach or replace them as needed, and ensure proper installation techniques are used to prevent future issues.
Leaks around penetrations:
Issue: Roof penetrations, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights, can be vulnerable points for water infiltration. Inadequate or damaged flashing around these penetrations can lead to leaks and water damage.
Remedy: A professional can inspect the flashing around roof penetrations, repair or replace damaged flashing, and ensure proper sealing to prevent water infiltration.
Inadequate ventilation:
Issue: Improper ventilation can lead to a buildup of heat and moisture in the attic, causing issues like mold growth, wood rot, and ice dams. These problems can ultimately shorten the lifespan of your aluminum shingle roof.
Remedy: A professional can assess your roof's ventilation system and recommend improvements, such as adding ridge vents or increasing the number of soffit vents, to ensure proper airflow and prevent moisture-related issues.
Warranty Coverages and Claim Process
Sometimes these defects may occur on your roof, and you may need to have done. Before starting any repair work on your aluminum shingle roof, check if the issue falls under your roof's warranty coverage. Warranties for aluminum shingle roofs may cover material defects or workmanship issues, depending on the manufacturer and installer. To determine if your chipped paint issue is covered under warranty, follow these steps:
Review your warranty documentation to understand the terms and conditions, as well as any exclusions.
If purchasing a home with this existing roof, ask the seller/homeowner for this information.
Contact the roofing manufacturer or installer to report the issue and inquire about warranty coverage.
Provide necessary documentation, such as proof of purchase and photographs of the chipped paint.
If purchasing a home with this existing roof, ask the seller/homeowner for this information.
Follow the manufacturer's or installer's instructions for the warranty claim process, which may involve an inspection or providing quotes from approved contractors.
Professional Repair Services for Aluminum Shingle Roofs
When it comes to addressing common defects and maintaining the integrity of your aluminum shingle roof, hiring a professional repair service is the best approach. In this section, we will discuss the importance of working with professionals, provide guidance on finding the right contractor, and offer tips to ensure your chosen contractor is knowledgeable and experienced in handling aluminum shingle roof repairs.
Finding the Right Contractor
To find a reliable roofing contractor or professional painter experienced in aluminum shingle roof repairs, follow these steps:
Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors.
Search online for local roofing contractors or painters, checking reviews and ratings.
Verify qualifications, certifications, and insurance.
Request detailed quotes from multiple service providers.
Ask for references and speak with their past clients.
Verify Your Contractor's Expertise
Before hiring a contractor, it's important to assess their expertise in repairing aluminum shingle roofs. Here are some questions to ask potential contractors:
How long have you been working on aluminum shingle roof repairs?
Can you provide examples of similar projects you've completed?
What specific steps do you follow during the repair process?
What type of products do you use for aluminum shingle roofs?
Are there any special precautions you take to prevent recurrence?
Monitoring the Repair Process
Once you've hired a contractor, it's crucial to monitor the repair process to ensure they're addressing defects on your aluminum shingle roof correctly. Here are some steps to follow:
Request a project timeline and communicate regularly with the contractor for updates.
Inspect the materials used, ensuring they are of high quality and suitable for aluminum shingle roofs.
Observe safety measures and proper techniques being followed by the contractor during the repair process.
Check the work in progress for a clean, consistent finish and proper adhesion of the paint to the aluminum shingles.
Verify that the contractor cleans up the work area and disposes of any debris responsibly after completing the repair.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance of your aluminum shingle roof are crucial to ensure its long-lasting performance and visual appeal. By addressing issues promptly and working with professionals, you can protect your investment and maintain your roof's integrity.