A section of shingles on the right-side roof plane shows cut damage to the surface
What we found
At the center of the right-side roof plane, the inspector observed localized knife damage to the shingle surface — meaning cuts or gouges were visible through the outer layer of the shingles.
Why it happens here
Asphalt shingles work by layering granules (the small mineral particles on top) over a fiberglass or organic mat (the structural core of the shingle) to form a continuous waterproof surface. When cuts penetrate that mat, the protection is gone in that spot, and the surrounding material can weather more quickly as well.
What it means for you
The damaged area no longer sheds water the way an intact shingle does, which raises the possibility of water reaching the roof deck — the structural boards underneath — or eventually the interior.
What to do
Have a qualified roofing contractor evaluate the damaged shingles and carry out any repair needed to restore the weatherproofing at that section.
How common is this
Mechanical damage to shingles is something inspectors routinely look for on every roof, and localized shingle repair is a standard roofing task.
A roofing contractor can assess exactly what the damage involves and let you know what the repair looks like.
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