Shingles are an important part of any roof and they represent the most common roofing materials used in the United States.
They protect the roof from weather damage and help keep your home or business dry.
Shingles are often chosen because they are affordable and easy to install.
While shingles are generally a durable material, they can sometimes become damaged, which can lead to several problems for your roof, including water damage, leaks, and even structural failure.
This article will discuss how to identify damaged shingles, why they may lift or curl, and how to address the issue.
We will also provide tips on preventing this from happening in the first place! So, let’s get started.
What are Shingles?
Shingles are a type of roofing material that is made up of overlapping pieces of wood, asphalt, or other materials.
The material used to make shingles will depend on the climate and the roof’s intended purpose.
For example, asphalt shingles are often chosen in areas with a lot of snow because they are good at shedding snow and ice.
Shingles are usually installed in a staggered pattern so that each row overlaps the one below it.
This overlap helps to keep water from seeping through the cracks and causing damage to the roof.
Shingles can be found on residential and commercial buildings since they are affordable and durable.
In addition, they are also easy to install, so they are a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses.
However, this isn’t something that you can install on your own since it requires special tools and training.
Hiring a professional roofing contractor to install your shingles is always better.
How to Know if Your Roof has Damaged Shingles?
Now that you know what shingles are, you might be wondering how to tell if your roof has damaged shingles.
There are a few signs that you can look for that will indicate that your shingles are no longer in good condition and need to be repaired or replaced.
One of the first things you should do is take a look at the condition of your shingles from the ground.
If you see any that are cracked, missing, or damaged, this is a sign that your roof needs to be repaired.
You should also look for any bald spots on your shingles.
This is where the granules have worn away, exposing the underlying asphalt.
Bald spots signify that your shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.
Another way to tell if your shingles are damaged is by looking for any signs of water damage on your ceiling or in your attic.
If you see any stains or damp spots, this could be a sign that water is leaking through your roof and causing damage.
You should also be on the lookout for any mold or mildew, as this can also signify water damage.
In addition, if you notice shingles lifting on the new roof, it can also indicate that they are damaged and need to be replaced.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional roofing contractor immediately so they can assess the damage and determine whether your shingles need to be repaired or replaced.
Why Shingles Lift?
There are several reasons why shingles might lift on a new roof.
One of the most common reasons is that they were not installed properly.
If the nails or staples that were used to secure the shingles were not driven in far enough, they can come loose over time, causing the shingles to lift.
In addition, if the shingles were not nailed down in a straight line, this can also cause them to lift.
Another reason why shingles might lift is because of severe weather conditions.
If there is a lot of wind or hail, it can cause the shingles to become loose and lift off of the roof.
Finally, if the roof is old and the shingles are beginning to deteriorate, this can also cause them to lift.
Why Shingles Curl?
Shingles can also curl for a variety of reasons.
Similar to lifting, one of the most common reasons is that they were not installed properly.
If the nails or staples that were used to secure the shingles were not driven in far enough, they can come loose over time, causing the shingles to curl.
In addition, if the shingles were not nailed down in a straight line, this can also cause them to curl.
Another common reason for curling shingles is because they are old and have reached the end of their lifespan.
Shingles are designed to last for a certain number of years, after which they will start to degrade and may curl as a result.
In most cases, if your shingles are curling, it is a sign that they need to be replaced.
How To Fix Curling or Lifted Shingles
If your shingles are lifting or curling, it is important to call a professional roofing contractor immediately.
They will be able to assess the damage and determine whether your shingles need to be repaired or replaced.
In some cases, they may be able to simply re-nail the shingles that are loose.
However, they may need to replace the entire roofing section in other cases.
Replacing shingles is a relatively simple process, but it is important to leave it to a professional.
They will have the tools and experience necessary to ensure that the job is done correctly and that your roof is safe and secure.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof Shingles?
Most shingles are designed to last for 20-30 years.
However, this can vary depending on the type of shingle and the quality.
In general, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional every few years to ensure that it is in good condition and does not need to be replaced.
As we discussed in the previous few paragraphs, if you notice that your shingles are lifting, curling, or showing signs of water damage, it is important to check them.
These are all signs that your roof is in need of repair or replacement.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Them?
If you don’t fix damaged shingles, it can lead to a variety of problems.
First, if the shingles are not properly secured, they can come loose and blow away in strong winds. This can leave your roof exposed and vulnerable to water damage.
Imagine if a strong storm came through and your roof was not properly secured!
In addition, if the shingles are old and in need of replacement, not fixing them can lead to leaks.
Water can seep through the cracks and holes in the shingles and cause water damage to your home.
This can be a very costly repair.
Finally, if you have damaged shingles, it can make your home look unkempt and run-down.
This can lower your property value and make it harder to sell in the future.
So, as you can see, it is very important to fix damaged shingles as soon as possible.
What Should You Do If You Notice Damaged Shingles?
If you notice that your shingles are damaged, you should first call a professional roofing contractor.
They will be able to assess the damage and determine whether your shingles need to be repaired or replaced. In most cases, they can fix the problem quickly and easily.
You should never attempt to repair or replace your shingles yourself.
This is a job that should always be left to a professional.
They have the tools and experience necessary to ensure that the job is done correctly and that your roof is safe and secure.
Can This Be Prevented?
Yes, you can do a few things to prevent your shingles from becoming damaged.
First, you should have your roof inspected by a professional every few years to ensure that it is in good condition.
This will allow them to catch any problems early on and fix them before they become serious.
In addition, you should make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris.
This will help to prevent water from pooling on your roof and causing the shingles to become damaged.
Next, you should trim any trees or branches that are close to your home. This will prevent them from falling on your roof and causing damage.
Finally, you should make sure that your home is properly insulated.
This will help keep the temperature inside your home consistent and prevent the shingles from damaging due to extreme heat or cold.
Taking the necessary precautions can prevent your shingles from becoming damaged and needing to be replaced.
What Are Some Other Roof Problems?
In addition to lifted or curled shingles, you should be aware of a few other common roof problems. These include:
Missing Shingles:
If you notice that some of your shingles are missing, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. When shingles are missing, your roof is more vulnerable to water damage.
Granule Loss:
As shingles age, they can start to lose their granules. This is not necessarily a problem, but it can make your roof look old and worn. If you notice a lot of granule loss, it may be time to replace your shingles.
Leaks:
If you notice any leaks in your roof, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to water damage and mold growth.
Mold can be a health hazard, so it is important to address leaks right away.
Roof Damage:
If you notice any damage to your roof, such as holes or cracks, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Roof damage can lead to leaks and other problems.
If you are concerned about any of these problems, it is important to have your roof inspected by a professional.
How Can I Address These Problems?
If you are concerned about any of the problems listed above, the best thing to do is call a professional roofing contractor.
They will be able to assess the damage and determine whether your shingles need to be repaired or replaced. In most cases, they can fix the problem quickly and easily.
However, there are also some things that you can do on your own but it is important that you are careful when doing so.
For example, if you notice that some of your shingles are missing, you can replace them yourself.
However, it is important to ensure that you buy the correct type of shingles and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
In addition, you can also clean your gutters and trim any trees or branches that are close to your home. You can do these things on your own, but it is important to be careful.
If you are uncomfortable doing these things, it is best to call a professional.
When Should I Get Roof Inspection?
It is generally recommended that you have your roof inspected by a professional every three to five years.
However, if you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected more often.
This will help ensure that your roof is in good condition and can withstand the elements.
Luckily, there are many companies that offer roof inspections, so you should be able to find one that is affordable and convenient for you.
It is important that you do a quick search online to find a reputable company. You should also make sure that you read reviews from past customers before making your final decision.
If you notice any damage to your roof, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible.
Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, and it could eventually lead to the need for a new roof.
If you are unsure how to fix the problem, you should contact a professional.
They will be able to come to your home and assess the situation.
Once they have determined the cause of the problem, they can provide you with a solution.
In most cases, they can repair the damage without having to replace the entire roof.
