3 Things You Should NOT Ignore On Your Roof

Hey y’all, Sean here at Kingdom Roofing. During a roof inspection in Bloomington, Indiana, I came across several issues on an older roof that I think every homeowner should be aware of. These are not uncommon problems, but they are ones that need immediate attention if you want to avoid costly repairs down the road.

1. Lifted or Loose Shingles

One of the most common roofing issues, especially with older roofs, is lifted shingles. On this roof, we noticed a row of shingles that weren’t sealed properly, which is due to wind damage over time. The nail beneath the shingle had completely pulled through, meaning the shingle is no longer securely attached. This happens as the sealant on older, builder-grade shingles starts to give way.

Think of it like a sticker that’s been peeled off and reapplied multiple times—it just doesn’t stick as well anymore. Once shingles are lifted, they’re vulnerable to wind, water, and further damage. If your shingles are loose or lifted, it’s time to consider a new roof because they won’t reseal themselves. These shingles were at the end of their life, and replacing them was necessary.

2. Cracked and Worn Pipe Boots

Pipe boots are the rubber seals around the pipes that ventilate air and moisture from your bathroom or kitchen. Over time, these boots dry-rot and crack, especially if your roof is 20 to 30 years old. The pipe boot I found on this roof was from 2007, and it was falling apart.

At Kingdom Roofing, we use lifetime silicone pipe boots that fit so tightly around the pipe that they come with a package of lubricant to help them slide on. They’re designed to last as long as your roof—up to 50 years with the platinum protection warranty. If you’re upgrading your roof, it only makes sense to install pipe boots that will last just as long.

3. Improper Chimney Drainage

Another major issue we found on this roof was improper water drainage around the chimney. This was a wide, five-foot chimney that didn’t have a cricket, which is a small peaked structure that redirects water away from the base of the chimney. Without a cricket, water pools around the chimney and eventually causes rot and leaks.

The misconception many homeowners have is that shingles are completely waterproof—they’re not. Shingles are designed to shed water, not to hold standing water. When water pools around a chimney or other areas, it seeps into the structure and causes extensive rot. On this roof, the damage was so bad that we had to replace the plywood beneath the shingles.

Final Thoughts

These are all issues that we encounter every day at Kingdom Roofing. Whether it’s lifted shingles, cracked pipe boots, or poor chimney drainage, addressing these problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s much cheaper to fix these issues now than to wait until they cause even more extensive damage.

If you’re noticing any of these signs on your roof, or you’re unsure about the condition of your roof, give us a call. We offer free inspections, and we’ll give you an honest assessment of what needs to be done. Whether it’s a small repair or a full roof replacement, we’re here to help you protect your home with a 50-year roofing system.