Many homes feature asphalt shingle roofs and for good reason. These shingles are long lasting, cost effective, and they look nice on most home designs. Unfortunately, any roofing material can suffer problems, and asphalt shingles are no exception. The following are some common issues to keep an eye out for.
Curling occurs when the corners begin to lift and curl upward. Generally, this is a sign of aging and is caused as the shingles break down and are exposed to moisture. Occasionally, though, curling can occur on newer roofs. The cause could be a manufacturing defect in the shingles, or it could be the result of poor ventilation leading to too much moisture in the roof environs.
If your roof seems bumpy, as in there are raised bumps in or near the center of more than one or two shingles, you are likely dealing with a manufacturing defect or an issue with ventilation and the underlayment. Blisters sometimes occur when moisture gets trapped beneath the shingles instead of venting out as it should.
Cupping is a combination of curling and sinking. The center of the shingles sink, while the edges begin to curl up, resulting in a cup shape that catches and holds moisture. Cupping damage usually occurs as roofs reach the end of their lifespan, but occasionally new shingles start to cup due to improper storage before installation. If the shingles were stored in a wet or extremely hot area, then they may fail prematurely.
There are several reasons for cracking. Surface cracks form only on the surface of the shingle and they do not break the shingles apart. Surface cracks are generally a result of age or trauma, such as wind and storm damage that has caused the shingles to move. Deeper cracks that actually split the shingles apart are typically a result of thermal issues. Rapid temperature changes cause the shingles to crack from the expanding and shrinking process. Shingles that are overly wet, possible due to ventilation problems, are more likely to suffer this type of cracking.
All asphalt shingles have a protective layer of grit on them. Although it is normal for some of this grit to wear off, major loss is a problem that compromises the integrity of your roof. Granule loss typically affects older roofs, but new roofs can suffer loss from hail storms, manufacturing defects, or trauma (such as from falling branches). If you notice grit in your gutters or shiny spots on the shingles, you may need a new roof.
Contact a roofer in your area for more help.