Common Causes Of Asphalt Shingle Failures

November 25, 2021

---

Asphalt shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials in the country. The material is also relatively inexpensive. You should know why shingles could fail so that you prepare for the right mitigation measures. Below are some common asphalt shingle failures and their causes.

Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles have mineral granules on their surfaces. The granules serve multiple purposes. For example, the granules:

• Give the shingles their distinctive colors
• Help direct water flow down the roof
• Reflects sunlight to protect the roof from heat damage
• Improves the shingles fire resistance

Granule loss has multiple causes. For example, the shingles can shed shingles:

• Due to precipitation, such as rainfall or snowfall
• As a result of repeated foot traffic on the roof
• Because of the roof’s regular sun exposure
• Due to impact from fallen debris, such as tree leaves
• Because of high-pressure washing

Prevent what you can to minimize granule loss. For example, you should trim tree branches around the roof. Other causes of granule loss, such as precipitation, are inevitable.

Curling

Shingle curling, where the edges of individual shingles turn upwards, is another damage to look out for. Shingles should lie flush on the roof. Otherwise:

• The shingle’s risk of cracking increases
• Water might penetrate under the shingles and leak into the house
• The nails or staples might loosen

Just like granule loss, shingle curling doesn’t have a single cause. The shingles might curl due to:

Inadequate Ventilation

Poor ventilation can cause moisture and heat to build up under the shingles. The heat will cause the shingles to expand and curl upward.

Aging

All roofing materials deteriorate with time. Asphalt shingles lose their flexibility as they age. Such shingles might curl due to further heat exposure.

Roof Overlay

You may save money if you install a new shingle roof without removing the old one. However, the two layers might trap heat and moisture between them if the existing roof isn’t perfectly flat. The top layer shingles might not be as secure on the roof as they should be. Such issues can cause various forms of damages, including shingle curling.

Improper Installation

Shingle installation also affects its future damages. Installation issues are not usually an issue with professional roofing contractors. However, DIY installers or nonprofessionals can make mistakes that can cause curling. For example, curling might occur if the installer fails to nail or line up the shingles properly.

Manufacturing Defects

Lastly, shingles can also curl due to manufacturing defects. For example, shingles can curl due to an improper mixture of individual materials. Such shingles might dry up and curl sooner than other shingles.

Cracking

Asphalt shingles can also crack. Cracked shingles:

• Allow water to penetrate the roof and cause damage to the house
• Call fall off the roof if the cracked pieces lose their nails or staples
• Allow damage to the underlying roof components, such as the underlayment

Shingles can crack due to multiple reasons. For example, shingles can crack:

• Due to manufacturing defects that leave the shingles more brittle than they should be
• If they form a continuous surface that prevents expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. That might be the case if the wind uplift prevention adhesive is too strong.
• Due to excessive temperature fluctuations in the area
• If the installer nailed them on the wrong parts, for example, nailing too close to a shingle’s edge increases its risk of cracking.

Cracking might occur alongside the other two defects.

Maintain your asphalt shingle roof to reduce the risk of failure. We can help you do that, in addition to roof repairs, installations, and replacements. Contact Barrier Roofs for quotes on all roofing services and benefit from our professional services.