Roof aging can happen because of the age of the roof, weather, ventilation, hail damage, or shingles wearing out. These are the first signs of roof aging to consider.
How Old Is Your Roof?
A regular dimensional shingle is probably going to last between 20 and 25 years, but that depends a lot on your climate.
A dimensional shingle may not last that long because of harsh sun, dry air, and regular hailstorms.
If your roof is older than 20 years, there’s a good chance it’s probably showing some signs of wear, and it’s probably time to start saving for a new one.
Is Your Roof Showing Signs Of Aging? We Can Help!
If it’s not cracking, it’s not breaking down, and it’s not allowing leaks in the house, it just might be able to last a few more years.
If the roof is around 20 to 25 years old and it should be replaced, that may be the right recommendation.
Shingles Wearing Out
Even if the roof hasn’t reached the 20-year mark, it could be wearing out. The weather could be a big factor, and whether or not the roof has the correct ventilation can also play a big role.
The biggest indicator of a shingle that’s wearing out is if the majority of the granules have come off. The granules are there to protect the asphalt surface of the shingles. If the granules are gone, then the asphalt is going to start to break down faster.
Excessive granular loss can also be a manufacturer’s defect. If the shingles have a lot of cracks or blisters, that could be a sign that there is not enough ventilation. If this is caught early and sufficient ventilation is added, it can prolong the life of the roof.
If the shingles are compromised, it is time to replace the roof. Shingles can also fall apart at the edges. The fiberglass becomes exposed, and the shingles may actually start falling apart.
If the shingles start curling up at the edges, that is another indicator that they are probably past their usable lifespan. If these problems are spread across the whole roof, it may be time for a new roof.
Shingles Become Brittle
If the shingles have lost their flexibility and have become brittle, that may mean the roof should be replaced. It probably means the shingles are old.
Regular repairs become challenging because removing shingles in one area can break or crack other shingles around the affected area.
If the roof has a pattern of needing repairs regularly, and those repairs are challenging because of the condition of the shingles, it may be better to replace the roof.
Shingles Lose Their Seal
If there is a widespread problem of shingles that are not sealed, that is a strong indicator that a new roof may be needed.
A bad windstorm can cause shingles to separate. Once they have separated, they might not ever seal on their own again. It could also be because of an installation issue if the roof was installed when it was too cold.
Leaks in Several Areas
A leak here and there is not a reason to replace the whole roof. If leaks are a problem in several areas, there may be a deeper reason.
Leaks over a long period could mean damage to the decking. The decision to keep repairing the roof or replace it depends on whether repeated repairs continue to be needed.
If replacing the roof makes more sense than continuing with multiple repairs, replacing the roof may be the better option.
Hail Damage
Hail damage depends on several variables. Ask to see photos to understand how bad the damage is. Check whether the hail bruises penetrate the asphalt and reach the fiberglass mat.
Check how wide the bruises are. If the damage is superficial or small, the roof may continue to perform as needed for a long time. Minor hail damage may not require replacing the roof.
House for Sale
If the house is for sale and there is storm damage on the roof, there is a strong chance it will be noted during the home inspection.
If any of these conditions exist while the house is for sale, the roof problem may need to be addressed before the sale.
FAQs
What is the first sign of roof aging?
If the majority of the granules have come off. The granules are there to protect the asphalt surface of the shingles. If the granules are gone, then the asphalt is going to start to break down faster.
How do shingles show roof aging?
Shingles can fall apart at the edges. The fiberglass becomes exposed. If the shingles start curling up at the edges, that is another indicator that they are probably past their usable lifespan.
Can ventilation affect roof aging?
If the shingles have a lot of cracks or blisters, that could be a sign that there is not enough ventilation. If this is caught early and sufficient ventilation is added, it can prolong the life of the roof.
Do several leaks mean the roof should be replaced?
A leak here and there is not a reason to replace the whole roof. If leaks are a problem in several areas, there may be a deeper reason. Leaks over a long period could mean damage to the decking.
Does minor hail damage always require a new roof?
If the damage is superficial or small, the roof may continue to perform as needed for a long time. Minor hail damage may not require replacing the roof.
