Signs of an Aging Roof

There are quite a few factors that can affect how long your roof will last. These can include the type of shingle that was installed, exposure to sun, wind, rain and snow and general maintenance of the roof. If your roof is more than 10 years old, it is generally recommended that you start having a professional roofer assess your roofing system so problems can be identified early, and the appropriate measures can be taken.

So what are some signs that your shingle roof is aging?

DEGRANULATION: when a shingle is made, granules are embedded in the asphalt to provide protection from UV rays and increase their fire resistance. Some of these granules will come loose during packaging, shipping and the original installation process. Over time, prolonged exposure to harsh weather will cause more of these granules to come loose. The bond between the granules and the shingle will also become weaker over the years and is a sign of an aging roof. If you start to see granules collecting in your gutters, it may be time to replace your roof. However, sometimes the damage will only show up in certain areas so if it is caught early, you may be able to extend the life of your roof by replacing just an isolated area.

MISSING SHINGLES: High winds can cause shingles to pull loose – particularly if they are sustained because of the location of your home, or as a result of repeated windstorms. As a roof ages, you may need to have your roof repaired more frequently because the seals are failing.

CURLING: if the shingles on your roof are curling, it could be because of inadequate ventilation. Heat rises and can collect in your attic. Proper roof ventilation allows cool air from your intake vents to be drawn into your attic and the hot air pulled out through the exhaust vents. If this doesn’t happen the heat can cause your shingles to age prematurely and curl. Another reason for curling shingles is if the shingles were installed over top of old ones. This can result in the newer shingles not sealing properly and curling over time.

CRACKING: When shingles are installed on a surface that is not flat, such as a ridge or hip, the stress of being installed at an angle can cause the shingles to crack. Regular inspections can identify these issues before any leaks result. However, if you notice the shingles all over your roof are cracking, it is possible that you have organic shingles installed. These shingles age prematurely and have since been discontinued.