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Things That Can Cause Your Roof to Fail Prematurely


Josh Knese • Dec 04, 2018

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With regular maintenance, you can expect an asphalt shingle roof to last for many years. However, certain problems can cause your roofing system to fail prematurely. Exterior Building Solutions, one of the top roofing companies in our area, talks about the root causes behind most cases of premature failure in roofing systems:

Things That Can Cause Your Roof to Fail Prematurely

Missing Shingles

Missing shingles expose the upper portion of the lower course of the shingles to the weather. Given enough time, even these exposed shingles can get blown off, exposing the underlayment. Once the underlayment is damaged, your roof sheathing is vulnerable and so is the rest of your roofing system.

Damaged Flashings

The flashings are the thin pieces of material that protect the most vulnerable areas of your roof and prevent water from reaching the underlayment. A roofing contractor that uses cheap flashing materials or installs the flashings incorrectly can make your roof easier to damage. As a trusted storm damage expert, Exterior Building Solutions will never cut corners when it comes to roof flashings.

Shoddy Roof Installation

Even high-quality shingle materials won’t last if the roof is installed incorrectly. For example, mistakes with nailing can cause a shingle to crack. Water can then enter this crack and damage your roof. You have to work with a reputable contractor with a local license and a proven track record like us to avoid problems with bad installation.

Inadequate Ventilation

Improper ventilation is one of the top causes for roof damage. Poor roof ventilation can lead to heat damaging the shingles. The ventilation in your attic should be well-balanced to prevent your roof from overheating during summer. Good ventilation will also prevent problems during winter by reducing the risk of ice dam formation.


Exterior Building Solutions is the name you can depend on for emergency roof repairs and other quality residential and commercial roofing services. We have over a decade of experience, and we take pride in our unmatched product quality and our excellent customer service. Call us at (314) 470-8783 to learn more about our services and products. We serve St. Louis, Chesterfield and nearby areas in Missouri.

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