Identify seven types of roof shingle damage, as well as how to prevent it (if possible) and how to treat it once it appears.

1. 7 TYPES OF ROOF
SHINGLE DAMAGE

2. DAMAGE #1:
BLISTERS

3. Blisters are caused by the expansion of volatile gasses
escaping from the asphalt layer. The gas migrates to
the shingle’s surface, where eventually the top will
erode and cause blistering.
BLISTERS

4. Prevention:
Make sure your roof is properly ventilated and that
shingles are not installed over wet surfaces, such as
wet felt paper or roof decking.
Treatment:
There is no way to stop blistering once it starts to
occur. Eventually, the roof will need to be replaced.
If blistering is severe, where it opens up and exposes
the mat of the shingle, then the roof will need to be
replaced right away.

5. DAMAGE #2:
CRAZE CRACKS (THERMAL)

6. Craze Cracks are a result of the mat of the asphalt
shingle drying out over time which causes the mat to
shrink and results in surface cracking. Shingles that
exhibit this within a few years of being installed may
indicate a manufacturer defect with the shingle.
CRAZE CRACKS (THERMAL)

7. Prevention:
Craze cracks occur due to normal age and wear, so
they are difficult to prevent.
Treatment:
Craze cracks are very common on roofing shingles
and are usually harmless. When shingles exhibit
craze cracks, they don’t necessarily need to be
treated or replaced.

8. DAMAGE #3:
CURLING

9. Curling is when roof shingles start to lift and curl on
the perimeter of the shingle.
CURLING

10. Prevention:
Ensure your roof is properly ventilated. Roofs that
have an additional layer installed over the top of the
pre-existing layer are more susceptible to curling.
Treatment:
You can apply additional sealant to the underside
of the shingles on the corner where the curling is
occurring to reseal it to the roofing surface.

11. DAMAGE #4:
CUPPING

12. Cupping is when shingles start to concave from the
middle causing waves or cupping in the appearance of
the shingle. Cupping is usually due to age-related wear
to an asphalt or organic shingle roof.
CUPPING

13. Prevention:
Make sure your roof is properly ventilated and
shingles are replaced when their useful life has
been exceeded.
Treatment:
When cupping occurs, it means that it’s time to
replace the roof.

14. DAMAGE #5:
FLAKING

15. Flaking is the deterioration of the roofing surface,
which is usually caused by weathering of the shingle
due to extreme age.
FLAKING

16. Prevention:
Replace your roof when its useful lifetime is over.
Treatment:
When flaking occurs, it’s a sign that the roof should
have been replaced many years ago. It’s time to
replace the roof.

17. DAMAGE #6:
HAIL BRUISE

18. A Hail Bruise occurs when a hail stone damages the
shingle surface and mat which compromises the
shingle’s water shedding ability.
HAIL BRUISE

19. Prevention:
Besides living in an area where hail storms are less
common, there’s no way to prevent this.
Treatment:
Replace the damaged shingles or the entire roof,
depending on the amount of damage. This type of
roof damage is covered by most standard
homeowners insurance policies.

20. DAMAGE #7:
MANUFACTURER DEFECT

21. A Manufacturer Defect is an issue caused during the
manufacturing process of the shingle which causes a
defect in the shingle.
MANUFACTURER DEFECT

22. Prevention:
Unfortunately, this just happens sometimes.
Treatment:
You can contact the manufacturer of the shingle to
learn about their policy for handling manufacturer
defects. Some companies may be willing to reimburse
you for the prorated life of the shingle if there’s a
warranty and it’s covered by the manufacturer’s policy.

23. CHOOSE A ROOFING
CONTRACTOR
Do your research! Find a licensed or
bonded roofing contractor who has
been in business in your area for
several years. This will help ensure
that if you have problems with
the installation of your roof, the
contractor you chose will be here to
correct the problem.
Don’t be afraid to request references,
read online reviews or look for Better
Business Bureau (BBB) complaints.

24. A GOOD ROOFING
CONTRACTOR WILL:
• Have certificates of insurance for
liability and workers’ compensation
• Provide you with a detailed, written
estimate, including approximate
start and end dates, materials
needed and labor costs
• Give you a labor warranty for the
installation of the roof

25. You could also ask your independent
insurance agent for a recommendation
on a roofing contractor in your area!

26. NEED AN INDEPENDENT AGENT?
Find yours at grangeinsurance.com/find-an-agent
Please contact a local independent Grange agent for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions in this slideshow
conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. Insurance policies are offered through Grange Mutual Casualty Company,
Columbus, OH, and its affiliated companies. Grange products not available in all states.