Bad Shingles

[Diane]

We bought a Commodore of PA home new in 1992 and our shingles look as if they are 30 years old. Does any one know how long manufactured homes shingles are good for? 20, 30 years? The roof isn't leaking yet but it is terrible looking.

[David Oxhandler]

Most homes have 20 year shingles. The discoloration is a factor with all shingle roofs and most often due to smog, pollen. leaves on the roof or in some parts of the country excessive and constant dampness leading to mildew.

[Lynne]

You can clean the shingles with deck cleaner. Discoloration is probably due to a type of algae that likes shingles. You know it is algae if it is blackish streaky discoloration that doesn't show up downstream of metal fixtures in the roof (like a vent stack.) Do a Google for "clean asphalt shingles" and you will get lots of good info. If it does turn out to be algae, you can take steps to prevent it from coming back after you clean it or if you reroof. If it isn't algae it is probably from loss of the gravelly stuff that is embedded in the shingle and there isn't anything that can be done about it. Good luck.

[Eugene]

You might have IKO shingles which are being investigated for a possible recall. call HUD at 800-927-2891.
Tell them you want to file a complaint