Leaking is the most common (and talked about) roof repair. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that only surfaces once the damage has been done. Many factors contribute to roof leaking, a reason why you need an inspection at least once a year. During an inspection, a roofer will look for many types of damages, including those highlighted below.

Shingle Replacement

Shingles can get damaged in various ways. Thankfully, they are inexpensive to repair or replace. Here are a few characteristics of damaged shingles.

• Loosening—shingles not firmly fixed to the roof can lead to leaking and leave the roof exposed should a strong gust of wind lift or blow them off;
• Blistering—shingles blister when too much moisture gets trapped in the asphalt or the roof is not being properly ventilation (hot spots);
• Shrinking—when the roof’s membrane shrinks, its shingles and flashings pull apart, leading to cracks, blisters, splits;
• Curling—the edges of your shingles can start to roll up if the attic is improperly ventilated, if new singles are installed on top of old ones or if the shingle has simply reached the end of its lifecycle;
• Cracking—also known as thermal splitting, asphalt can split due to defects, improper installation conditions and/or extreme environmental conditions.

Flashing Problems

Flashing, the aluminum wrap along the roof’s protrusions, helps divert the flow of water and prevent leaking, rotting and pooling. Over time, flashing can loosen. Like shingles, flashing maintenance is paramount to the overall roof’s health, as bad flashing can lead to much more substantial damage to the roof, attic and gutters.

Installation Failures

When a roof is not properly installed, all aforesaid repairs can come about early. Common installation problems include over/under-driven nails, too much caulking or tar and incorrect materials selection or placement. Thankfully, installation failures are often covered under warranty.

Punctures and Collapses

In bad weather, all sorts of things can get blown onto a roof. From piles of snow to full tree branches, your roof must withstand a decent amount of weight. However, a weakened roof may crumble under a heavy load or get punctured by sharp objects. These are structural concerns that need immediate attention.