Types of roof shingle damage

​Shingles are a critical component of any roof and, over time, they will receive wear-and-tear damage. However, it’s critical to understand the different types of damage, particularly when discussing these items with your insurance company. Tru Contractors wants to share some helpful tips on identifying shingle damage.

Direct Strikes
This damage is usually caused after a hail or wind storm. It occurs when something hard, whether hail or rocks, pelt the asphalt shingle. These are normally identified because they look like “bruises.” The indentations are usually darker in color than the surrounding shingle and are normally round. Direct strike dents compromise the durability and protection provided by your shingles.

Cracking
Time and extreme temperatures can cause cracked shingles. Hot and cold temperatures can cause shingles to expand and contract, much like wood. Over time, the asphalt base in them becomes worn and the damaged shingle surface begins to crack. Cracking allows water into the rest of the shingle and, therefore, into the underlay. Over time, this causes many more problems.

Cupping
This kind of damage occurs when the edges of your shingles begin to curl inward, making a cup-like shape. Heat from an improperly ventilated attic is usually the main culprit for this type of damage. This issue is particularly bad, because the little “bowls” lead to pooling water, which can significantly damage your roof by allowing water to seep into your attic.

Blistering
If you encounter blistered shingles, which look exactly as they sound, this problem is caused by a combination of poor workmanship and excessive heat. Fly-by-night companies often use unskilled labor and poor quality materials, which can cause a blistered roof.

Flaking Granules
Over time, the granules on shingles begin flaking off. This is not normally caused by anything other than time or age of the shingles (though the damage may become more advanced by falling branches, storms, or other damage). However, it does increase the likelihood of leaks and other damage over a period of time.