Your home’s roofing system can take a beating over the years—it protects you and your family from rain, wind, hail, and snowstorms frequent in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular roofing materials in North America due to their cost-effectiveness, beauty, and durability. However, just like all other roofing materials, they’re not immune to costly deterioration.
Common Signs of Asphalt Shingle Damage
Asphalt roofing shingles can suffer damage from various factors, including powerful storms, temperature changes, faulty installation, and low-quality materials.
It’s critical to evaluate your asphalt roofing shingles twice a year (and after every big storm) to catch minor problems, like cracks and blisters, before they become more significant problems, like moisture damage and structural deterioration.
When evaluating your roof, here are the most common signs of asphalt shingle damage to keep your eyes peeled for:
1. Buckled Roofing Shingles
Buckled roofing shingles occur when the materials underneath your shingles, like the decking or underlayment, are moved, which causes your roofing shingles to look “pushed up” against your roof instead of lying flat.
Buckling roofing shingles can occur if your home doesn’t have adequate insulation or ventilation, but this problem can also arise from improper installation. When your shingles aren’t fastened properly, it becomes easier for moisture to become trapped underneath your shingles and soak into your decking, eventually leading to buckling roofing shingles.
2. Cracked Roofing Shingles
Your roofing shingles take the brunt of the damage from the elements—and they can be significantly impacted by fluctuating temperatures.
When the temperatures are hot, your roofing shingles expand, and when temperatures are cold, your roofing shingles contract. During seasons when the temperatures are rapidly changing, like the spring and fall, your roofing shingles can crack from the climate variations.
Unfortunately, cracked shingles can allow water to seep into your underlayment and decking, creating leaks. If you notice cracked shingles, it’s vital to get them replaced quickly to prevent further damage to your roof.
3. Cupped Roofing Shingles
Cupping explains the process when the edges of your roofing shingles curl upward and create a concave center or “cup” shape.
Cupping can occur for various reasons, including aging and prolonged exposure to the elements. However, shingles can also begin to “cup” if they’re receiving too much heat from your attic, so if your newer roofing shingles are cupping, it’s likely due to poor ventilation.
Since cupped roofing shingles expose your decking, they can make your home vulnerable to developing leaks or water damage.
4. Blistering Roofing Shingles
Roofing blisters look like raised dimples on the surface of your roofing shingles. They occur when moisture or air becomes trapped within your asphalt roofing shingles, either during the manufacturing process or after your shingles are installed.
Blistering can occur due to subpar installation or low-quality materials. However, most commonly, excessive heat—either from inadequate ventilation or high temperatures—causes your roofing shingles to become blistered.
5. Flaking Roof Granules
Shingles granule loss, or flaking roofing shingles, can occur for many different reasons.
If your roof is aging, it will inevitably lose granules from wind, weather, sun exposure, and other weather-related factors. Additionally, hailstones that strike your roof can loosen your shingle granules, resulting in granule loss.
Typically, you’ll notice shingle granules collecting in your gutters or lawn if your roof is experiencing this problem. You may also see bare patches or discoloration on the surface of your roof.
6. Leaky Roof
If your asphalt shingles are damaged, moisture damage and roof leaks will likely follow. Look for these signs of a leaky roof:
- Your attic is moldy, musty, or damp.
- You notice discoloration, stains, and water spots on your ceilings or interior walls.
- You see moss, mold, or algae accumulating on your roofing shingles.
- Your roof is sagging or uneven from decaying sheathing and underlayment.
If you spot any signs of water damage, contact a roofing professional to identify which damaged or missing shingles need to be replaced to prevent further damage.
7. Chimney Leaks
Since chimneys are joined with your roof, if the seal between your roof and chimney is worn out or cracked, your roof can develop a leak.
Flashing is the material located at the base of your chimney and can also be found around other vulnerable areas of your roof, like vents and skylights. When your flashing is missing, damaged, corroded, or loose, your home is more vulnerable to water damage.
If your home has a chimney leak, it’s a quick fix—simply replace the missing or damaged flashing pieces to stop the leaking. Then, repair the collateral damage inside your home.
Why Should I Replace My Asphalt Shingles with Porter Family Exteriors?
If you notice any of these signs of asphalt shingle damage, it’s essential to act quickly to protect (or restore) your home from costly water damage. Porter Family Exteriors is proud to offer asphalt shingle installation and replacement for homeowners across Southeast Pennsylvania.
We can replace your cracked, buckling, or leaky shingles with expert installation and superior asphalt roofing products from GAF Materials Corporation. Since we are a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, we can also offer you exclusive warranties on your new roof, like the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty. Learn more about our asphalt shingles roofing services to discover how we can restore your home with this versatile, weather-resistant material.
