Types of Roof Shingle Wear

Inspect shingled roofs at least twice a year for signs of wear.

A shingled roof can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the environment. Sometimes, the first sign of shingle wear will be a leak or paint damage inside the house. Homeowners should also inspect at least twice a year and after every storm to catch signs of shingle wear, especially around chimneys, vents or other junctions and in valley areas of the roof, according to Orange County Roofing and Contracting in Florida.

Blistering

Blisters, bumps or pimples in a shingle usually occur because the shingle has moisture trapped under it or inside the material. Blisters range from pea-size to the size of a quarter or larger. DSP Structural Consultants, a home inspection service in Minnesota, warns that the blisters can pop, exposing the asphalt underneath to ultraviolet radiation that can accelerate the shingle's aging process. Open blisters that show the asphalt underneath may shorten the shingle's lifespan.

Loss of Gravel on the Applique Layer

The gravel on the shingle's applique layer serves primarily an aesthetic function, providing differences in color and height that give the roof a more appealing appearance. This gravel can wear off prematurely, exposing the underlying reinforcement layer. While mostly a cosmetic problem, this premature wear can reduce the resale value of your home, according to DSP Structural Consultants.

Weather Damage

Even the best-installed shingles can blow off a roof during a storm or high winds. These missing shingles can be replaced without causing much damage if they are caught early. Other signs of a weathered shingle that needs to be replaced include rust and rot.

Cracking

Most roofs will undergo some cracking, and as long as the cracking remains on the surface it should not be a problem. Cracking that extends through the shingle matrix, however, could compromise the materials' waterproof properties and shorten the shingle's life, according to DSP Structural Consultants.

Buckling

Buckled shingles will be humped or wavy in straight lines running vertically or horizontally across the roof. Improving attic ventilation can sometimes eliminate the excess humidity that contributes to buckling and resolve the problem. Removing and refastening the fasteners can also repair some buckled shingles. In some cases, the distorted shingles can be replaced, according to Superior Roofing Systems, a Virginia-based company.

Cupping and Curling

Cupping or curling at the edges can be a sign that shingles were improperly installed over an existing roof or are overexposed. Shingles can also develop cups, curls or a "fish-mouth" appearance from trapped humidity. In some cases, simple fixes such as improved attic ventilation or even gluing down the cupped part of the shingle could resolve the problem, according to Superior Roofing Systems.

References

• Orange County Roofing and Contracting: Glossary of Roofing Terms
• DSP Structural Consultants: Shingle Problems
• Superior Roofing Systems: Roofing FAQ