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Roofing

A Quick Guide to Reading Your Roof

Did you know that there’s such a thing as “reading” your roof? Reading means being able to detect signs of roofing issues by looking out for things that look, feel, or even sound out of place. As the leading roofing contractor in the area, we’re here to give you a brief rundown on the things you need to keep an eye out for.

residential roofing

Cracks on Shingles

A roof may seem fine at first glance, but there are smaller cracks that are more visible if you take a closer look. This is normal for shingle roofs as they age due to wear and tear. However, you read this as a sign that your roof is already getting old and due for a replacement. Otherwise, the cracks can get bigger, causing gaps where water can seep through and cause damage.

Blistering

Blisters or bumps could show up on the surface of your shingles. Unlike cracking, blisters tend to be caused by poor roof ventilation instead of the usual wear and tear. If a blister is left unchecked, it can expose the more vulnerable parts of the shingles which could eventually lead to a leaking roof. Unlike cracked shingles, blistered shingles have to be replaced ASAP and the roof’s ventilation has to be updated.

Buckling

Buckling is characterized by distortion along shingle rows. This is often caused by wrinkles in the roofing underlayment or individual sections of the roof deck shifting their position. This could be caused by poor installation or something more serious such as the structure weakening, so buckling should always be considered a serious roofing emergency.

Get Help From Experts

Because dealing with a damaged roof can be both dangerous and difficult, we strongly recommend hiring certified roofing experts. These experts have the right gear, experience, and training to make sure your roof is properly fixed or, if necessary, completely replaced.

Need help with your roof? Let our team of experts help. The Great American Roofing Company is the leading roofing contractor in the area. Call us at (201) 825-2955 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.