How to Fix Common Asphalt Shingle Roof Problems in Metro Detroit
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from Michigan’s heavy snow, spring rainstorms, high winds, and summer heat. Most homes across Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan use asphalt shingles because they’re affordable, durable, and come in many styles. But like any roofing system, asphalt shingles can develop problems over time.
If you’ve ever noticed missing shingles, leaks, or dark streaks on your roof, you’re not alone. These issues are common, especially in climates like Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County where weather patterns put extra stress on roofing materials.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common asphalt shingle roof problems, how to identify them, and how they can be fixed. Whether you’re a homeowner in Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, or anywhere else in Southeast Michigan, this article will help you understand your roof and make informed decisions about repair or replacement.
Why Asphalt Shingles Are Popular in Michigan
Before diving into repairs, let’s look at why asphalt shingles are so widely used in Metro Detroit:
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Affordability – Asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing materials.
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Durability – When installed properly, they can last up to 50 years.
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Variety of Styles – From standard 3-tab to premium architectural shingles, they fit every home style.
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Weather Resistance – Designed to withstand wind, snow, ice, and heavy rain.
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Easy Repairs – Damaged shingles can often be replaced individually, saving money compared to full roof replacements.
Because of these benefits, asphalt shingles remain the top choice for homeowners in Metro Detroit.
Common Asphalt Shingle Roof Problems
Here are the issues that homeowners in Southeast Michigan encounter most often:
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Missing or Loose Shingles
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Curling and Buckling Shingles
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Granule Loss
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Roof Leaks
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Ice Dams in Winter
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Algae and Moss Growth
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Cracking and Blistering
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Poor Ventilation Problems
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Damaged Flashing
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Hail, Wind, and Storm Damage
Now, let’s go step by step on how each of these can be identified and repaired.
1. Missing or Loose Shingles
Cause:
High winds are common in Metro Detroit, especially in spring and fall. Wind can lift shingles, breaking the adhesive seal and causing them to blow off.
Signs:
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Bare patches on your roof.
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Shingles in your yard or driveway after a storm.
Fix:
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Carefully lift surrounding shingles with a pry bar.
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Remove leftover nails from the missing shingle area.
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Slide a new shingle into place and nail it down with roofing nails.
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Seal the edges with roofing cement.
Pro Tip: Always replace missing shingles quickly. A single missing shingle can expose your roof deck to water damage.
2. Curling and Buckling Shingles
Cause:
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Age and heat exposure.
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Poor attic ventilation (a common problem in Oakland County homes).
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Improper installation.
Signs:
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Shingles curling upward at the edges.
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Wavy appearance across sections of the roof.
Fix:
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For minor curling: Apply roofing cement under the curled edges and press flat.
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For widespread buckling: It may be time for a roof replacement.
3. Granule Loss
Cause:
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Normal wear and tear.
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Heavy rain or hailstorms.
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Old shingles nearing end of lifespan.
Signs:
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Bald spots on shingles.
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Excess granules in gutters or downspouts.
Fix:
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If small areas are affected, replace damaged shingles.
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If granule loss is widespread, a full roof replacement is the best solution.
4. Roof Leaks
Cause:
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Damaged shingles.
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Poor flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
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Ice dams in winter.
Signs:
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Water stains on ceilings.
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Damp spots in the attic.
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Dripping during rainstorms.
Fix:
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Trace the leak to its source (start from the attic and follow water stains).
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Replace damaged shingles or flashing.
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Seal small gaps with roofing cement.
5. Ice Dams in Winter
Cause:
When attic heat melts snow on the roof, it refreezes at the edges, creating a dam. This traps water and forces it under shingles.
Signs:
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Icicles hanging from roof edges.
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Water stains on walls during winter.
Fix:
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Improve attic insulation and ventilation.
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Use a roof rake to safely remove snow buildup.
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In severe cases, install heated roof cables.
6. Algae and Moss Growth
Cause:
Humid summers in Metro Detroit encourage algae and moss. North-facing roofs are especially prone.
Signs:
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Black streaks (algae).
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Green patches (moss).
Fix:
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Use a product like Wet and Forget
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Install zinc or copper strips near the roof peak to prevent regrowth.
7. Cracking and Blistering Shingles
Cause:
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Extreme temperature changes (common in Michigan).
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Poor-quality shingles.
Signs:
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Shingles with cracks or surface blisters.
Fix:
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Replace cracked or blistered shingles immediately.
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If multiple areas are affected, consider upgrading to higher-quality shingles like CertainTeed Landmark Pro or Malarkey, which perform well in Southeast Michigan climates.
8. Poor Ventilation Problems
Cause:
Many older homes in Metro Detroit were built without proper attic ventilation.
Signs:
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Excessive heat in the attic.
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Curling shingles.
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Mold or mildew in the attic.
Fix:
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Install ridge vents or soffit vents.
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Add attic fans if necessary.
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Ensure insulation doesn’t block airflow. (intake)
9. Damaged Flashing
Cause:
Flashing is thin metal installed around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys. Over time, it can corrode or pull away.
Signs:
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Leaks near chimneys or skylights.
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Rusted or loose flashing.
Fix:
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Remove damaged flashing.
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Install new flashing with roofing nails and roofing cement.
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Seal edges for watertight protection.
10. Hail, Wind, and Storm Damage
Cause:
Metro Detroit storms bring hail and high winds. Asphalt shingles can crack, dent, or lift as a result.
Signs:
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Dents or bruises on shingles.
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Granule loss in circular patterns (hail damage).
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Shingles lifted or missing after storms.
Fix:
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Replace damaged shingles.
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File an insurance claim if the damage is widespread.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Roof
Repair if:
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Only a few shingles are damaged.
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The roof is less than 10–15 years old.
Replace if:
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Shingles are curling, buckling, and missing across large areas.
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The roof is 20+ years old.
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Leaks are recurring even after repairs.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Asphalt Shingle Roofs in Metro Detroit
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Schedule annual roof inspections, especially after heavy storms.
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Clean gutters regularly to prevent water backup.
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Trim trees near your roof to avoid debris and shade (which encourages moss).
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Check flashing and seals around chimneys and vents.
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Keep attic well-insulated and ventilated.
Why Choose a Local Roofing Company in Southeast Michigan
Fixing roof problems is not just about technical skill—it’s also about understanding Michigan weather patterns. A roofing contractor based in Metro Detroit knows how:
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Heavy snow loads in Oakland County affect roof lifespan.
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Ice dams are common in older homes in Royal Oak, Ferndale, and Birmingham.
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High winds near Lake St. Clair in Macomb County can tear off shingles.
By working with a local, family-owned roofing company, you ensure your roof is repaired or replaced with Michigan-specific knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Asphalt shingles remain one of the best roofing materials for homeowners in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. But even the best shingles can develop problems if not maintained. By understanding common issues—like missing shingles, leaks, ice dams, and ventilation problems—you can catch issues early and extend the life of your roof.
If you’re in Bloomfield Hills, Novi, Rochester Hills, or anywhere across Metro Detroit and you’ve noticed roof problems, don’t wait until small issues turn into expensive repairs. A local expert can help inspect, repair, or replace your roof to keep your home protected for years to come.