You may have noticed tattered or curled shingles on some homes. Perhaps the shingles on your roof are beginning to curl. This is often an inconvenient indicator for replacement. We’ll look at some common causes of shingle curling and things you can do to get the most out of your home’s dome.

Installation

Improper installation may cause shingles to curl. Either methodical or procedural errors during install can establish an initial issue, leading to bigger problems down the road.

For instance, you might save time by placing a new set of shingles over an existing layer. But if the original layer is damaged or already curling, chances are the new shingles will curl as well. Additionally, the newer shingles may not line up properly with the old. Without a proper seal, the new shingles may become loose and blow away in a heavy wind.

Flaws in the installation procedure can also cause shingle curling. Roofing materials are designed for specific requirements, including the type, length, and number of nails used per shingle; weather elements like temperature and humidity; shingle alignment; type of underlayment; and more. Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines could mean headaches later on.

Ventilation

Inside your home, hot air – and moisture – rises to the attic. A well-ventilated space allows that moist air to circulate and disperse. If the air is trapped due to poor ventilation, heat and moisture can cause mold growth and lead to roof and shingle damage.

Deterioration

One of the most common reasons for shingle curling is also the most obvious: your roof is simply deteriorating from age. Asphalt shingles can last about 15 or 20 years. If you’ve noticed several spots of shingle curling, you may want to have your roof inspected and consider having it redone. Weakened shingles will allow water into your home, so replacing them now will help prevent further complications.

Prevention

Your home is an investment. To fully protect it and to get the most from your roofing, don’t take shortcuts.

Keep an eye on your shingles and clear any debris after a storm or heavy wind. Also, have an experienced company complete any roofing work to ensure it is done correctly and under warranty. Stay up to date on routine inspections and repairs, so that small issues don’t lead to big trouble.

For your roofing repair or replacement, trust the experts at Spotless & Seamless for fast, high quality, and personalized service. Whether you notice shingle curling or other issues, contact your Twin Cities roofing contractor today for a free inspection.

Singing birds, warmer temps, and longer days means spring is here – finally! Now is a great time to get outside and take inventory of any toll winter may have taken on your home’s exterior. If you’re unsure what to look for, we’ve put together some ideas to include on your home’s spring maintenance agenda. Keep reading to determine which projects you need to tackle.

Roofing

Your home’s roof is the main source of protection from the elements. Check for any broken or missing shingles and any damage from ice dams. Also, check the condition of the flashing around vents and chimneys. Make appropriate accommodations for repair as soon as possible. Delaying fixes could lead to water damage inside your home from forthcoming rain and storms.

Gutters

If your roofline has a gutter system, you know how valuable it is for protecting your home from water damage. Gutters catch and direct rainwater away from the foundation but not if they’re clogged. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and other debris to ensure they’ll function properly. Also, check for loose or leaky gutters and tighten, repair, or replace them right away.

If you’re tired of cleaning your gutter system, ask us about the LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system.

Windows and Doors

Check weather seals around your home’s windows and doors. If they’re cracked or missing, replace them. Doing so will help protect your home from water damage. You will also save on air conditioning costs and keep that cooler air inside where you want it.

Opening windows at night helps keep your house cool while reducing your energy bill. Make sure your windows are summer-ready by cleaning dirty screens or patching any small holes.

Paint

Exterior paint dresses up your home’s curb appeal and gives it a protective barrier from wind and rain. Check for any areas of cracked or chipping paint and do touch-ups as needed. If your home’s exterior needs substantial fixes, consider maintenance-free Seamless® steel siding. Get the look you want and the protection you need.

Make sure your home’s exterior survived winter and is ready for summer. Create an agenda for spring maintenance and take care of any small issues before they become big problems. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can handle any repairs or upgrades. Contact us for a free estimate.

Water is one of the most powerful forces on earth and can cause major damage to your home. We’ve outlined some ways to detect and prevent water damage from roof leaks and flooding.

The Risks

Water damage can cause black mold growth, ruin your insulation, rot wooden framing, and compromise your home’s foundation, all of which can cost thousands in repairs and jeopardize your family’s safety. When water seeps into your home, it can discolor and stain your ceiling, floors, or walls. If you notice these or other signs of water intrusion, you should inspect your home to determine the cause. 

What causes flooding?

Your rain-carrying system is designed to properly channel runoff water away from the foundation of your home to prevent flooding. Downspouts that are installed too close to your house or that drain toward the basement wall can cause water to pool and erode the soil. In the winter, snow and ice can clog gutters so that they overflow and allow runoff to cascade down your home’s siding and puddle near the foundation. If you have a cracked foundation or poor sealing, low-lying areas in your home like basements or cellars can flood.

What causes roof leaks?

Roof leaks are often caused by damaged or worn roofing materials. The sun can melt the tar that seals shingles together, and shingles may become brittle and crack or rip off entirely from high winds. Rusted flashing, the strip of metal designed to seal joints where the roof meets a wall or chimney, may expose your home to moisture. Damaged boots around vent pipes and corroded mortar on brick chimneys are another culprit. Heavy, clogged gutters may damage the eaves of your roof, causing your soffit and fascia boards to rot. Ice dams allow water to pool on the roof and potentially seep into your home.

How can you prevent roof leaks and flooding?

It’s better to prevent roof leaks and flooding than deal with the aftermath of water damage. Spotless & Seamless Exteriors offers clog-free gutters with a Superspout™ that provides 50 percent more drainage than conventional downspouts. This revolutionary rain-carrying system protects your home from ice dams and flooding.

As a Twin Cities roofing contractor, we offer asphalt and metal roofing, so you can replace your old, worn-out roof and protect your home this season. We also provide routine roofing inspection and repair services so you can maintain your roof and avoid costly damage to your home.

We are a top Minnesota steel siding contractor, offering siding replacement and repair to residents throughout the Minneapolis metro. Steel siding is installed in custom-fit boards that eliminate seams. This airtight seal protects your home from moisture intrusion.

Contact us for more home exterior solutions.

When a hail storm slams your neighborhood, the damage to your roof can vary greatly. Knowing how to identify damage can save you hassle and money down the line.

Damage Variables

Wind speed and direction can change the severity and location of hail impacts. Larger hail creates more damage and most hailstones are not perfectly round, making different impacts to the surface. Trees, buildings, or other neighboring structures act as natural barriers from hail. They can cause more damage in dangerous storms, such as when a tree falls on your house.

Materials absorb hail differently. Hail can dent asphalt roofing, gutters, and aluminum siding.  If you are hit with softball sized hail, the density can be strong enough to puncture a roof. Vinyl or wood shakes can crack, while metal roofing is tough and highly resistant to hail damage. Contact the Minneapolis roofing specialists at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to learn more about the different kinds of roofing materials.

Age or Hail Damage?

Wear and tear can be mistaken as hail damage. Exposure to sun and weather over time can make asphalt shingles brittle and aged in appearance. Blistering, cracking, flaking, and algae are also signs of age. However, hail damage can be unmistakable if there are black, shiny, or soft spots on asphalt shingles. Wood shingles will have random damage with cracks that are orange/brown in color, sharp, and have no deterioration. Lastly, checking if your vents, gutters, siding, or air conditioner have dents too can signify claimable damage.

If you believe that your house has been damaged by hail, contact Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, Twin Cities roofing contractor, for a free roof inspection. You can make a claim with your insurance rep or agent as soon as you know there is hail damage. Any neglected damage from earlier storms or aging is noticeable and not covered by insurance. Over time, damaged shingles can deteriorate from the sun and rain. Shingle debris can get caught in your gutters and exposed areas are susceptible to leaks, wind damage, and mold.

It’s a large investment to replace or repair a roof but protecting the value of your home is important.  If your roof shows signs of serious aging or hail damage, we can help.

You can count on our experts at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to provide fast, high quality, and personalized service to complete your Minnesota roofing repair on time.