Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material because they are the most inexpensive of them all. The easy installation and low maintenance cost also make them the favorites of the homeowners. However, it always pays to know about the common problems that can happen to your asphalt shingle roof and their remedies.
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1. Broken shingles
Exposure to various forces of nature like wind and sun can cause damage to the shingles. A strong wind can break pieces from the shingles and blow them away. The gaps and holes that form as a result of this phenomenon can be detrimental to the general health of your roof. Remove these broken shingles at the earliest and replace them with new ones.

2. Curled and buckled shingles
The intense summer will take a toll in the form of damages shingles. The extreme heat causes the shingles to curl at the edges and buckle in the middle. The UV-rays of the sun affects the asphalt layers of the shingles cracking them up. These shingles that are damaged are potential causes of roof leaks in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you notice one or more of such damages, you should straighten the curled and buckled shingles. You would do well in applying roofing cement underneath them to stick them properly in place. However, see that the cracked shingles are replaced if the cracks are deep. If they are just shallow fissures, fill them with roofing cement.

3. Missing shingles
Asphalt shingles are light. So, a strong gale can blow them away. Sometimes it only affects a few shingles here and there but sometimes an extensive portion of the roof will have lost shingles after a violent storm. If they are few, you can do it by a DIY job but if it is a large portion of the roof, it is better to seek the help of a professional. Whatever is the case, repair it on an emergency basis to save the underlayment of your roof and the structures beneath from serious water damage.

4. Hail damage
Hail storms are highly detrimental to your roof. Make arrangements to inspect your roof and assess the damage soon after a hail storm. The hails will loosen the porcelain granules that are embedded in the asphalt. Losing these granules weakens the shingles considerably and makes them soft. Thus softened shingles are likely to let water seep in. Once you assess the damage, take immediate measures to replace these shingles. If your roof has passed its prime, the granule loss can be very serious and you will have to replace the roof partially or completely.

5. Moss infested shingles
During the rainy season the continuous rain and the persisting dampness cause moss and lichen to grow in the shingles. This bio-growth rots the shingles and causes their premature aging. So, as soon as you notice these growths, clean your shingles before they can harm the shingles. Scrape off the moss and lichen and spray the area with a mixture of 5% white vinegar and soap. After two days, when the growth is dead, brush it off and wash your roof with clean water

6. Damages caused by accumulated debris
Wind and rain bring in a lot of leaves and other parts of the surrounding vegetation. Some of these flying tree limbs are likely to penetrate the shingles. If you find such holes seal them immediately using roofing cement. Also, remove the accumulated debris from your roof and clean it thoroughly. The debris build-up will cause water pooling on your roof. It will soon grow into a potential roof-leak source. Inspect your asphalt shingle roof as often as possible to remedy the problems then and there. It will prolong the service life of your roof considerably.