Roof Shingles

As a homeowner, it can be difficult to make sure you are working with credible companies that will do quality work on your home. This is especially important when dealing with roof work because your roof is highly important to your home and an investment. One of the most popular differences between different roofing companies is how they install shingles. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can affect your entire roof’s health and pose problems later on.

Blue Fox Roofing is here to share with you what roof zippering looks like and why it typically occurs on some roofs. When you work with a trustworthy roofing company like us, you get the truth and high standards of service.

The Vertical Racking Method

Many roof problems — like zippering — are a consequence of the installation process that occurred on your roof. There’s a very popular, yet controversial, method to installing shingles called the vertical racking or staggering method that the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) does not recommend using. 

Vertical racking means the shingles are installed in vertical columns up your roof as opposed to the stair-step method — installing shingles from the corner up the roof diagonally. Installing shingles from the eave to the peak of the roof is a much faster and easier method for the roof installer to use. They can keep the bundle of shingles right next to them and simply install in a straight line up the roof before returning to the eave to begin again. The roofer saves time from not having to move back and forth in the stair-step motion and can keep the shingles closer to them.

Consequences of Vertical Racking

While shingles can be affected by temperature fluctuations, expanding and contracting in the heat and cold, methods like vertical racking make this process worse. As the shingles expand and contract, they start to pull apart on the vertical lines they were installed on. This creates the zippering appearance as the shingles zig-zag up the roof. Other side effects of this substandard method of shingle installation include:

  • Uneven color distribution
  • Shingle curling
  • Seal failure
  • Premature roof replacement
  • Long-term roof damage

Here at Blue Fox Roofing, our installers never use the vertical racking method. We take the time to install your shingles correctly to reduce the risk of roof repairs and lengthen your roof’s lifespan as much as possible. We take care of your roof like we do our own. Check out how we install roofs — the right way.

What Is Roof Zippering?

When the shingles on your roof are installed using the vertical racking method, they can sometimes start to lift up on the edges. A zippered roof is simply a column of shingles running vertically up the roof that is detached on the edge and curling up. This can lead to serious problems with your roof as the shingles fail to protect the home from the elements as they’re designed to do.

Roof Installation Done Right

If you want to avoid this cheap and easy roof installation tactic, work with the roofing company that will go the extra mile to do what’s right. Do you know if your roof is installed properly? Contact Charlotte’s favorite roofing company today!

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