Most of the information you need to ensure your shingles match is on its packaging. (Metro Creative Services)

B.K. from Prescott Valley sent me a sweet note and asked, “How do you determine what’s outdated in roof shingles?”

With all of the hail damaged roofs being replaced I have noticed some roofs with large areas of different colors and tones than the rest of the roof and outdated colors. Here is the clue for ensuring you are receiving up-to-date shingles for your roofs.

There are many ways that the potential for color variation can be further reduced using some simple shingle installation tips as well.

As a homeowner you should be aware of the “blend code” on the ends of the shingle bundles. When a shingle manufacturer changes the granule ratios in a blend, the blend gets a new “code,” which is an alpha-numeric designation after the color name; i.e., Heather Brown A02. Products with different blend codes should never be mixed on the same roof, as they will look different. Heather Brown A01 should not be mixed with Heather Brown A02. Although they will be similar multi-toned brown blends, one will be darker, lighter, sharper, etc. relative to the other one.



Shingle bundles are also identified with a date code showing the date and time of manufacture; this is usually a six or seven digit numerical code on the end of the bundle. It is possible that shingles made one day will have a slightly different coloration than shingles made another day. Therefore, before the shingles are applied to your roof, take a quick look at the production date codes and the same blend code.



Installation instructions for the application of shingles should be on every bundle wrapper. Not necessary but many manufacturers do this. These instructions have been developed to render what is the most functional and best looking finished roof system. In seeing several roofs in town I am almost sure that a different application technique was used and that is why some of these roofs show streaks, splotches, or patches.



It is also important to know the manufacturer for the shingles that have been installed on your roof. Have the roofer give you a copy of the Limited Warranty. Provided shingles have been installed in strict accordance with the manufacturers written installation instructions, then the manufacturer will warrant that the asphalt roofing shingles will be free from manufacturing defects for the length of time as specified by the manufacturer.

Want to meet Wally?

Wally is a leak detection fellow that can save your family from experiencing a lot of water damage.

Many of our area homeowners have experienced a pricey water leak in their home. Water damage is one of the most common and expensive home insurance claims. To decrease billions of dollars in property damage nationally every year, and to help homeowners become more educated, aware, and preventive-centric regarding water damage disasters, Sensor Nodes Utilizing Power-line Infrastructure technologies (SNUPI), a Seattle based company, has developed Wally a device that is designed to detect leaks and moisture in residential structures.

How does Wally work?

Wally stands apart since it doesn’t require frequent battery replacement to operate, using a coin cell battery, the system is set to work constantly for 10 years. This is possible by creating an antenna by using ultra-low–power technology. Positioned in various areas where water could leak such as directly beneath a property’s sink, near an area where laundry is washed, around a structure’s water heater, or simply in a basement are the “small, clam-shaped wireless nodes.” An email or text alerts the home owner when something has been detected by the sensors so that an investigation into the potential problem can be immediately launched before any damage is done. Currently Wally is available through the Wally website – wallyhome.com

Installation of Wally is simple. The Wally hub plugs into any electrical outlet and comes with six sensors which can be placed anywhere in the property. Installation must first be initiated by setting up a Wally account and naming the positions where you are going to designate your sensors. Next, the hub is plugged to your network and then you download the iPhone or Android app to use while activating the sensors. The sensors are unnoticeable and inconspicuous. It should be understood that in order for the device to detect water in the first place, either the vertical or horizontal metal contact points need to be touching a surface that could get wet.

Wally is innovative, easy to arrange and simple to use as well. Having such a system in place will clearly help watch out for water leaks, and facilitate fast treatment of any problems detected. For home owners looking to be proactive rather than reactive, the Wally leak detection device is clearly something to look into.

Read more: http://www.pvtrib.com/news/2016/nov/16/ask-contractor-how-ensure-your-roofing-has-same-co/

Call us if you need a roofer