Please also refer to Glossary of Roofing Terms to familiarize yourself with industry definitions.
Blistering Shingles
Explanation: Blistering shingles have raised bumps caused by trapped moisture and heat beneath the shingle surface. These bumps weaken the shingle’s granules, reducing their UV protection and increasing the risk of damage. You can identify blistering by running your hand across the shingle and feeling for raised areas.
Cause: Typically caused by poor attic ventilation or substandard roofing materials. This is usually a result of wear and tear but can also indicate prolonged heat exposure.
Recommendation: Improve ventilation to prevent future blistering and replace damaged shingles to restore the roof’s protective barrier.
Buckled Shingles
Explanation: Buckled shingles appear wavy or warped. This is usually easy to identify visually, as the shingles will not lay flat against the roof deck, creating uneven surfaces.
Cause: Buckling is often due to poor installation, moisture issues, or inadequate ventilation. While it is usually a sign of aging, it can also result from storm-related damage that exposes the roof to moisture.
Recommendation: Improve ventilation and replace the affected shingles. In severe cases, a professional inspection is needed to evaluate potential underlying structural issues.
Ceiling Water Spots
Explanation: Discolored stains or bubbling on your ceilings and walls are signs of water damage. This indicates that water is seeping through the roof, potentially leading to mold or structural damage.
Cause: Ceiling water spots are often caused by leaks due to aging roofs, missing shingles, or storm damage.
Recommendation: Inspect the roof to locate and repair leaks. Repairs may include flashing replacement, attic inspection, and addressing roof decking issues.
Cracked Shingles
Explanation: Cracked shingles have visible splits, cracks, or tears. These areas are weak spots that allow water to penetrate the roofing system.
Cause: Cracks typically develop due to aging or weather exposure, such as strong winds or fluctuating temperatures. This could indicate storm-related damage if cracks are widespread.
Recommendation: Replace cracked shingles immediately to prevent leaks and extend the roof’s lifespan.
Creased Shingles
Explanation: Creased shingles have visible lines or folds caused by bending. This weakens the shingle’s structure and makes it prone to breaking.
Cause: Often caused by strong winds lifting shingles and folding them back. Creased shingles are a common indicator of storm or wind damage.
Recommendation: Replace creased shingles as soon as possible to maintain the roof’s water-tight seal and wind resistance.
Cupping Shingles
Explanation: Cupping occurs when the edges of shingles curl upward, creating gaps. This is noticeable in uneven rooflines or when shingles appear lifted at their edges.
Cause: Cupping is typically caused by moisture imbalance, inadequate ventilation, or the natural aging of roofing materials.
Recommendation: Replace cupping shingles to restore the roof’s protective function and prevent further water intrusion.
Curling Shingles
Explanation: Curling shingles lift, twist, or curl, which compromises their ability to protect the roof. This is usually visible as irregular shapes across the roof’s surface.
Cause: Poor attic ventilation, moisture buildup, or the aging process of shingles. Curling may also result from storm-related wind damage.
Recommendation: Inspect the roof thoroughly and replace curled shingles to prevent leaks and structural damage.
Damaged Flashing
Explanation: Flashing is the material used to seal roof junctions, such as around vents, chimneys, or skylights. Damaged flashing often appears as cracks, corrosion, or gaps in these areas.
Cause: Usually caused by wear and tear from aging or poor installation. However, heavy storms can dislodge or damage flashing, making it vulnerable to water leaks.
Recommendation: Repair or replace the damaged flashing to reseal gaps and prevent water intrusion.
Granule Loss
Explanation: Shingle granules wear off over time and often collect in gutters or around the base of the home. This is visible as bald patches on shingles or granules in the drainage system.
Cause: Granule loss is typically caused by aging or UV exposure. Severe weather, such as hail or strong winds, can accelerate granule erosion.
Recommendation: Replace worn shingles to maintain the roof’s UV protection and structural integrity.
Lifted Shingles
Explanation: Lifted shingles are visibly pulled up, exposing the roof’s underlayment. This can occur due to loose nails or adhesive failure.
Cause: Commonly caused by strong winds or improper installation. This is a sign of storm-related damage if accompanied by missing or creased shingles.
Recommendation: Reseal or replace lifted shingles to restore the roof’s protective barrier.
Missing Shingles
Explanation: Missing shingles leave visible gaps on the roof, exposing the underlayment and decking to the elements.
Cause: Frequently caused by high winds, storms, or aging roofs. Missing shingles are often a direct result of severe weather events.
Recommendation: Replace missing shingles promptly and inspect the surrounding area for additional damage.
Moss, Algae, and Lichen
Explanation: Moss, algae, and lichen appear as green growth, dark streaks, or white crusty deposits on the roof. They can erode shingles and detract from the roof’s appearance.
Cause: These growths thrive in damp, shaded areas and are common in moist climates like the Pacific Northwest.
Recommendation: Schedule professional cleaning and apply algae-resistant treatments to restore and protect your roof.
Rotting Shingles
Explanation: Rotting shingles feel soft, appear damp, and may crumble when touched. This is a severe sign of water damage and compromised structural integrity.
Cause: Typically caused by prolonged moisture exposure or poor maintenance. Rotting shingles can result from storm damage if water penetration was recent.
Recommendation: Full roof replacement is often necessary to address widespread rotting and restore protection.
Sagging Roof
Explanation: A sagging roofline features dips or uneven areas, which are visible from both inside and outside the home. This is a clear indicator of serious structural issues.
Cause: Moisture damage, compromised sheeting, or excessive weight from debris, water pooling, or snow. Sagging can also result from storm damage that weakened the roof’s supports. Typically caused by poor attic ventilation or substandard roofing materials
Recommendation: Schedule a professional evaluation to determine whether repairs or a full roof replacement is needed for safety.