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Identifying Damaged Asphalt Roof Shingles
Missing Shingles
- Powerful storms can rip asphalt shingles off your roof, leaving the underlayment on top of your decking exposed.
- These bare spots can become a source of water leaks if they aren’t covered quickly.
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Bruised Shingles
- Shingles may become bruised when pelted with solid objects at high speeds, like hail, rocks, or debris.
- These shingles are typically darker in color than the surrounding roof, and they showcase a round, concave dent embedded with shingle granules.
- Bruising can compromise the strength of your shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to storm damage.
Blistered Shingles
- Blistering is a result of the natural aging process for shingles, but it can also occur from excessive heat, poor ventilation, or faulty installation.
- Shingle blisters look similar to bruises, but they are characterized by the loss of granules in a small, concentrated area, where you can often see the underlayment exposed underneath the shingle.
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Curled or Cupped Shingles
- Your asphalt shingles can develop concave centers, known as cupping, or form raised edges, known as curling.
- This type of damage is typically caused by aging or heat exposure from a poorly ventilated attic.
- Cupped shingles provide a “bowl” for water to sit in, which can result in standing water and eventually leak into your attic.
Cracked Shingles
- Asphalt shingles expand and contract in hot and cold temperatures, eventually becoming worn and resulting in cracks on the surface of the shingles.
- These cracks allow water to seep into your shingles, which can cause damage to your underlayment, decking, and eventually the attic.
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Causes of Shingle Damage
Storms & Hail
- Wind and other turbulent types of weather can cause your shingles to blow off your roof and cause debris, like tree branches and rocks, to crack, puncture, or fall on your shingles.
- Hail can be incredibly detrimental to asphalt shingles, creating bruises and cracks, and it can also cause shingles granules to go missing.
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Critters
- Pesky critters, like squirrels, can damage your roof. They may tear your shingles or even chew through your decking.
- To prevent roof damage from rodents, frequently trim the trees that hover near your home so squirrels won’t have an easy launching point from a tree branch to your roof.
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General Wear & Tear
- The typical lifespan for asphalt shingles is 15 to 30 years. Even if you perform regular roof maintenance, over time, your shingles may blister, crack, or flake as they age.
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When to Consider Roof Repair
Attic Leaks
- Check your attic after severe weather for signs of leaks.
- Leaks can indicate damaged shingles, underlayment failure, or flashing deterioration.
- Terms to keep: roof, shingles, attic, weather, leak, material
Ceiling and Wall Stains
- Leaks or trapped moisture can cause stains and potentially mold or mildew.
- Terms to keep: leaks, moisture
Sheathing Decay
- Poor ventilation and moisture can cause sheathing decay.
- Signs of sheathing decay include sagging ceilings, broken gutters, leaks, or missing shingles.
- Terms to keep: roofing materials, poor ventilation, roof, shingles, gutters, decking, leaks, moisture, ceiling
Taking Action Against Damaged Shingles
Steps to Address Minor Shingle Damage
- Clean the roof to remove debris and granules
- Replace missing or torn shingles
- Apply roofing cement to seal cracks and breaks
- Inspect the roof regularly to prevent further damage
- If you’re unsure about how to address shingle damage
- If the damage is extensive or structural
- If you notice signs of water leaks or further damage
- If you’re not comfortable with heights or roofing work
Importance of Regular Roof Inspection and Maintenance
How to Visually Inspect Your Shingles
- Look for signs of wear and tear, such as curling or buckling
- Check for missing or torn shingles
- Inspect for cracks or breaks in the shingles
- Check the condition of the shingle granules
Preventing Severe Damaged Shingles with Regular Maintenance
- Regularly inspect your roof to identify signs of shingle damage
- Address minor issues promptly to prevent further damage
- Contact a professional roofing contractor like Able Roof for extensive damage or structural issues
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