Roof Problem Types
Roof Problem Identification & Repair Guide.
No matter if they are obvious or unforeseen, roof problems are always a pain and undoubtedly a significant expense.
We examined which problems are the most common and the conditions that can either cause or be the result of them.
Unfortunately, problems are inevitable as the roof ages. Without proper and routine maintenance, these minor problems can even become catastrophic.
This is not meant as a self-diagnostic guide, but rather an informative list of some of the problems most often battled by home owners and our professionals.
Roof Leaks & Moisture: 
95 percent of leaks occur at flashing details – anywhere the membrane itself is terminated or interrupted. With any roof – no matter what type – if you’ve got roof leaks, then you’ve got a problem.
Built-up roofs might experience leaks due to flashing details that weren’t fastened properly during installation.
Blistering: Also seen as ridging, splitting, and surface erosion, all can eventually lead to bigger problems.
While blisters are not always worth fixing, one of significant size should be addressed. According to C.A.R.E., inadequate attachment of hot bituminous roof systems due to asphalt heated to an improper temperature which can cause blistering, along with the slipping of felts, and accelerated aging.
Bad interply integrity and dry laps can also result in the appearance of blisters.
Cracking: Also called Thermal splitting, which in fact is in most cases actually a tearing of the shingles and is considered by experts to be the principal current problem with fiberglass-based shingles.
Horizontal, diagonal or vertical cracks may appear across multiple shingles. It’s possible that shingles made by some manufacturers do not meet the ASTM Standards for tear resistance.
Likely other causes may include thin fiberglass mats becoming brittle after exposure to heat, sunlight and large temperature changes. Also using “laddering” vs. “staggered” Nailing or placement pattern of the shingles.
Curling: Usually happens on the corners of shingles, where the ends appear to be bent. They can curl either upwards or under themselves.
If not adhered properly to the substrate, single-ply roofs are at risk for blow-off and billowing.
Due to moisture or an improperly ventilated attic space. However, there are other causes including High or improper Nails, Lack Of Back Coating, and Lack Of Ventilation.
Poor gravel embedment and the use of an inadequate number of fasteners in the base sheet during application of both hot bituminous and torch-applied mod bit roof systems can also have similar consequences.
Buckling: Shingles can actually buckle (rise) up themselves without anything actually pushing them up from underneath.
Improperly applied felt and/or underlayment, Roof deck movement, Spacers not used in between roof deck boards, Poor roof ventilation, and New shingles applied over old, rough shingles are common causes.