Roof Problem Signs

Brittle Shingles

Age related, can be accelerated with insufficient ventilation. Shingles are no longer pliable enough to patch repair.

Curling

When a roof has been heat cracking for an extended period of time, it becomes major heat cracking. At this point the roof has reached the end of its useful life and is not certifiable.

Delaminating

This occurs when the protective coating of the discontinued Woodruf shingles disintegrates.

Deteriorated Sealant

This is typically a routine maintenance issue and new sealant is needed periodically to keep roof penetrations water tight.

Loss of Granules

The granules not only add color to the shingle, but protect the mat of the shingle from sunlight, add weight and add fire resistance to the shingle. Excessive Loss of granules will expose the mat and shorten the life of the shingle. It is normal for shingles to lose some of granules over time.

Hail Damage

Hail damage on composition shingles has many different looks. Not all hail storms will damage the shingles. Each roof needs to be inspected individually to see if it has been damaged by hail.

Heat Cracking

When a roof has been heat cracking for an extended period of time, it becomes major heat cracking. At this point the roof has reached the end of its useful life and is not certifiable.

Face Nailed

The nails are exposed on the ridge leaving area subject to leak around nail and this nailing pattern is not to code.

Improper Flashing

Manufacturer Defect

Can be seen as premature blister, loss of granules or heat cracking.

Missing Shingles

Shingles can become missing due to excessive wind, age or improper nailing.

Old Age

Old age may be exhibited by any combination of heat cracking, loss of granules, blisters, brittle shingles and curling shingles.

Scarring

Scarred/Damaged shingles expose the mat and shorten the life of the shingles. Damage can be from trees, foot traffic and other

Tree Damage

Scarred and damaged shingles in a specific area that has been brushed over time by a tree branch.

Cosmetic Only

Not considered damage to roof

1. Discoloration of shingles caused by trees
2. On shake roofs, "marks" made initially by hail that will dissipate over time (pictured on right)
3. Roofs where different shingle colors have been used.
4. Paint on shingles does not affect service of shingle.
5. Shakes that are curled less than 2".
6. Scuffed shingles
7. Minor heat cracking
8. Minor blistering

Cracked

Shakes are made of wood, so as they age they develop cracks. These cracks are more critical if they expose the underlying felt. Shakes have two main purposes:

1. Cosmetic - many people like the rustic look of shakes
2. Shakes protect the underlying felt from the weather and other elements.

If the felt is exposed to the weather for an extended amount of time, it will dry up and crack and potentially create a leak.

Curling

Shakes are only a problem if they are curled over 2" above the shake below it. Shakes which are curled less than 2" do not expose the underlying felt to enough of the weather and other elements. Exception: curled shakes are more prone to hail damage than flat shakes, even shakes curled less than 2".

Hail Damage

A shake must be split or broken to be considered hail damage.

Missing

Missing shakes are more critical if they expose the underlying felt. Shakes have two main purposes: 1) Cosmetic - many people like the rustic look of shakes; 2) Shakes protect the underlying felt from the weather and other elements. If the felt is exposed to the weather for an extended amount of time, it will dry up and crack and potentially create a leak.

Not to Code

1. Incorrect flashing
2. Material not to code for roof pitch
3. Roof nailed too high or overdriven (pictured)
4. Incorrect roof pattern

Old Pipe Jacks

Neoprene rubber boot disintegrates over time and needs to be changed to avoid leaks at the plumbing vents they are protecting.

Inadequate Ventilation

Decreases the life of the shingles, the underlayment, and roof support and can increase your energy bills.