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Shingle Problems |
| We have found that many homes with
newer asphalt composition shingles installed, are experiencing problems in three major
areas. . .
- Premature cracking
- Blistering
- Loss of gravel on
the appliqué layer
Some of the "problem shingles" I have seen, are
(or should be) under some type of a manufacturer's warranty. Much confusion appears
to exist as to what to look for, and what really constitutes a significant defect. I
hope the following information is useful in helping shed light on this issue.
WHAT TO
LOOK FOR. . . .
Premature
cracking - Look for cracking in your shingles that extends deeper than just "surface
cracking". If you notice cracking that extends through the shingle matrix (not just
the upper appliqué), then there is the possibility that the waterproof integrity of the
shingle has been compromised. While the cracks may not extend fully through the tabs and
the roof may not be experiencing any active leakage now, this type of premature cracking
can lead to shortened shingle life. |
Photo's
of Typical Premature Cracking |
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(Click on
the thumbnail to enlarge)
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Cracks that are
restricted to the upper decorative appliqué layer, generally do not pose a serious
immediate concern (other than cosmetic), but should be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. However, if the cracking extends deeper, into the reinforcement (as per
diagram on the left), then the long-term performance of the shingle may be compromised. |
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| bLISTERING
- Can take the form of "bubbling" just under the surface of the colored
granules. Typical blisters can range from pea-size up to the size of a quarter, or even
larger. Some blistering on shingles can be due to things like improper ventilation, etc.,
but sometimes may be attributed to a manufacturing defect. The problem with blistering on
shingles is that when one of them "pops", the granular material that was
protecting the underlying asphalt is now gone. It has been shown that UV (ultraviolet
radiation), will tend to degrade and accelerate the aging process. Shingles that have open
blisters in which the asphalt becomes visible, are at greater risk of premature failure. |
Photo's
of Typical Blistering |
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(Click on
the thumbnail to enlarge)
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Even small
areas of gravel loss can put your shingles at risk of premature failure due to UV
penetration, and subsequent deterioration of the asphalt layer. |
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"Cracking through the reinforcement, and granule loss
that exposes the asphalt layer are serious shingle defects. . . .requires immediate
attention." - Certainteed Shingle Corp. |
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| Loss
of gravel on the appliqué layer
- The decorative appliqué layer
is bonded to the reinforcement layer underneath. The appliqué layer
can provide differences in color and height that provide some of the
esthetic appeal of many newer shingle styles. This top layer has
been known to wear off prematurely, in some cases, leaving the underlying
reinforcement layer visible. The most likely cause for this is a
defect in the manufacturing process, which by the way, can be exacerbated
by external impact (hail), abrasion (walking on the shingles), etc.
While this type of problem by itself, doesn't necessarily place the house
at risk of leakage, it certainly does present an esthetic concern. The
value of your home may be affected, when you go to sell it.
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Photo's
of Typical Premature Gravel Loss On The Appliqué Layer |
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(Click on
the thumbnail to enlarge) |
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| Premature cracking, blistering,
and premature gravel loss can
lead to decreased shingle life expectancy and can present an issue when you
are selling your home. If you notice any of these problems with
the shingles on your roof, you should contact your shingle manufacturer, and (or) your
shingle installation contractor. |
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