Shingle roofing is the most popular type of roof here in the Jacksonville area and if you own a home with shingle roofing, then you should know what trouble signs to identify when looking for problems with your roof. For most people, their roof is “out of sight, out of mind”, so many problems aren’t identified until it’s too late to avoid major and expensive repairs. Florida homeowners should especially take notice of shingle damage due to the hot and windy weather we experience for several months out of the year. By knowing what signs to look for right now, you can save big headaches in the future. Here are four signs to look for when examining your roof for damage or deterioration:

Shingles Missing From Your Roof

One of the most obvious signs that your shingle roof may be in trouble is seeing if your roof is missing some shingles. This is the easiest sign to identify because you should be able to see where the shingles should be, and often you’ll find the missing shingle on the ground close to your home. There are many things that can cause your shingles to become dislodged from your roof: it could be that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan so the materials around the shingles are weak enough for the shingles to become dislodged. In Florida, the intense heat from the sun can age the shingles more quickly than in other regions of the country. Also, due to our location in the heart of Hurricane Alley, Florida homes may be more prone to high winds that can pull shingles from their places on the roof. Lastly, some animals are known to pull shingles from roofs, so if you notice that critters like to make your roof their own personal stage, they may be part of the problem if you notice missing shingles. If you notice that some shingles are missing, it’s time to have your roof inspected before more serious issues arise.
 

Granules Are Showing Up Near Your Gutters

Shingle granules are the most visible part of your shingles. Certain types of rock are crushed and sized to the exact specifications needed for the shingle and added to the single itself for increased durability and protection. Some granules are dyed to make them match the shingle color, and some types of granules may offer specific kinds of protection for your roof. Shingles typically shed small amounts of granules during installation because the shingles are being handled and manipulated when applied to the roof. However, if your shingles are shedding large amounts of granular material and your roof isn’t brand-new, then there’s a problem. Many shingles will lose their granules after being exposed to ultraviolet light and high temperatures. This exposure will cause the shingles to fatigue and become brittle. Most of these granules will get washed into the gutters and collect near the splash blocks under your gutter spouts. If you’re seeing this type of granule collection, it’s time to call a professional and have your roof inspected.
 

Blistered, Curling, or Raised Shingles

If your shingles don’t look uniform and you start noticing that some shingles look markedly different from the rest of the shingles on your roof, this may be a sign that your roof is in trouble. Blisters in shingles tend to develop on aged shingles, but blistering can also be a sign of poor roofing ventilation. If you notice your shingles are curling, this is a definite sign of concern. Curling shingles can be the result of moisture permeating the shingles due to poor roofing ventilation or even poor installation practices. Once the moisture dries up, the shingles will start to warp or curl, much like a wood floor does when damaged by moisture. Raised shingles can occur due to high winds, or because your shingles were installed incorrectly. Each shingle has a certain number of fasteners needed to hold them in place. If your roof wasn’t installed using the correct number of fasteners per shingle, this can cause the shingles to be more prone to be caught by high winds and pulled away from the roof.

These serious signs of shingle damage mean that your roof needs a professional; this is not an easy DIY home improvement job. Living in the Jacksonville area, roofs are regularly exposed to intense heat, high winds and heavy rain downpours. This means it’s absolutely essential that your roof is taken care of by a licensed roofing professional. Shingle damage can be the result of an inexperienced or negligent worker, and there is no room for roofing error on the First Coast.


Call the Roofing Experts

Golden Hammer Roofing provides qualified, experienced roofing professionals who can inspect your roof and provide the very best roofing repairs or replacements. Contact us today if you’ve noticed any of these signs of shingle damage, and we’ll be happy to make an appointment to ensure that your roof remains in the best condition.