Roofing’s Most Common Questions

The five most common roofing problems we see in the Shreveport and Bossier City area are:

• Shingles — When shingles curl, crack, or fall off, rainwater gets in. This often starts with improper ventilation or poor installation, which causes rot in the wood decking and can lead to mold, mildew, and ceiling leaks.
• Flashing — Vents, pipes, and chimneys create holes in your roof that are sealed with metal or plastic flashing. Damaged or missing flashing lets water into your home.
• Gutters — Blocked or detached gutters cause water to accumulate near your foundation or back up under your shingles. Even though gutters are not technically part of the roof, they are critical to your roofing system.
• Fascia — These wooden panels frame your roof and face outward. Heavy winds and rain can jar them loose, creating another entry point for moisture. Drip edge along the top edge helps prevent rot.
• Soffit — The underside of your roof’s overhang. As your home ages, birds, squirrels, and other animals find or make holes in the soffit, gaining access to your walls and ceilings.

The climate in the greater Shreveport area makes these problems especially common. Some may require only a simple roof repair, while others can become costly if left unaddressed.

Flashing is the material — usually sheet metal or copper — that your roofing contractor uses to seal the holes where chimneys, exhaust pipes, skylights, and other features exit through your roof. It tightly connects these features to the roof, making them watertight.

Over time, heavy winds, hail, and sun exposure can damage flashing, especially plastic flashing. Damaged or missing flashing means moisture can enter your home, leading to rot, mildew, and mold in your ceilings and walls.

What to do: Schedule regular roof check-ups with a professional roofing contractor. They will spot small problems and weak spots before any serious damage occurs. If you notice evidence of water damage in your home, call Alpha Roofing right away — the longer you wait, the more costly the repair.

1. Installing shingles on low-slope roofs — Roofs with a pitch of 2:12 or lower should not be shingled because shingles shed water, they do not waterproof. Water can wick up under shingles on low slopes. Use single-ply materials like TPO or PVC instead. Alpha Roofing prefers not to install shingles on anything under a 4:12 pitch.
2. Not installing drip edge — Drip edge is required on eaves and recommended on rakes. This small metal trim repels pests, prevents rain from getting through the roof’s edge, channels water to prevent fascia rot, and stops sagging shingles.
3. Using an improper starter course — Using the manufacturer’s starter material (not upside-down three-tab shingles) ensures proper adhesion and wind resistance at the roof’s most vulnerable edge.
4. Ignoring leak barriers — Leak barriers (ice and water shield) should be installed in all valleys and around all skylights, pipes, and chimneys.
5. Nailing issues — Nails inserted at an angle tear fiberglass shingles. Over-driven nails can tear the mat. High nailing on dimensional shingles can cause the bottom ply to separate. These mistakes lead to premature failure and leaks.

Hail is typically a widespread event affecting an entire neighborhood. Look for these signs:

• Dents on cars, outdoor furniture, or other items around your home
• Small round-shaped divots on the edges of shingles
• Indentations where granules are missing
• A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout (a small amount is normal, especially on new shingles)
• Hail damage on metal vents, flashing, or other roof components

Hail can bruise a shingle, creating an indentation that may be hard to see but can crack the shingle over time, allowing water to infiltrate. You may need a professional roofing contractor to determine the full scope of the damage. If you have hail damage, you will need to file an insurance claim.

Significant wind can blow shingles off your roof or break the adhesive seal that provides the water-shedding surface. Look for:

• Missing shingles
• Horizontal creases in shingles
• Curled shingle edges
• Missing granules
• Cracked shingles

All manufacturers publish a wind warranty on their shingles — it is important to compare wind coverage when selecting shingles for a new roof. If the winds exceeded the manufacturer’s rating, you will need to file an insurance claim. If they did not, contact the shingle manufacturer directly.

During storms, tree branches or other debris can land on your roof. Small items usually will not cause damage, but larger items may crack shingles, dislodge flashing, or create other problems. Use your best judgment — if you are concerned, have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. If debris has caused damage, you will need to file an insurance claim.

Signs of debris damage include visible debris on the roof, missing or cracked shingles, and excessive granules at the end of your downspout.

In Shreveport and Bossier City’s hot, humid climate, proper roof ventilation is critical. A well-vented roof lets hot air escape from the attic, reducing cooling costs and preventing moisture buildup that can cause mold, mildew, and premature shingle deterioration.

How it works: A properly designed ventilation system uses intake vents near the bottom of the roof (at the soffits) and exhaust vents at the top (ridge vents). This creates natural airflow that continuously moves hot, moist air out of the attic. The attic ceiling must be airtight and well-insulated for the system to work effectively.

Standards: The International Code Council and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development require one square foot of net-free ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic floor space, or 1:300 if half the vents are at the top and half at the bottom.

Improper ventilation can void your shingle manufacturer’s warranty. Always hire a credentialed contractor who understands these requirements.

Choosing a shingle color is one of the most important decisions in your roofing project — it changes the appearance and curb appeal of your entire home. The CertainTeed Landmark line offers dozens of popular colors including Georgetown Gray, Weathered Wood, Moire Black, Cobblestone Gray, Colonial Slate, and many more.

Use the CertainTeed ColorView tool to upload a photo of your home and preview different shingle colors before making your decision. Your Alpha Roofing project manager can also help you select a color that complements your home’s exterior.

Keep in mind that lighter-colored shingles reflect more heat (important in Louisiana’s summers), while darker colors can give your home a more dramatic appearance. CertainTeed’s Premium Cool shingle line offers energy-efficient options in select colors.