Most asphalt shingle roofs last for 15 years. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a roof that can last as long as 20 years, and even 25 are not unheard of. But it remains a fact of life that for every season change and every year that passes, your roof gets weaker and weaker, until it’s time to replace it completely.
Fortunately, asphalt roofing shows distinct signs of aging, which—if you’re paying attention—can give you a heads-up when to replace them. Here’s how to spot these signs.
Edge Curling
Modern asphalt shingles are composed of several layers; the most basic is a two-layer system. Normally, when an asphalt shingle ages, these edges curl up, due to repeated exposure to moisture and heat. The alternating contraction (due to cold) and expansion (due to heat) will cause the layers to peel away from each other at varying rates, with the topmost layer giving out first. This takes the form of curling on the corners as the shingle appears to “dry up.”
Granule Loss
It’s expected for an asphalt shingle roof to lose granules over time. You might even see some of these granules wash out after a particularly heavy rain shower, especially when it’s new (you can inspect your gutters for them). However, heavy granule loss that makes your roof look like it has “bald spots” are signs of aging, especially if the granule loss is uniform or random throughout the roof.
If the roof is still new, however, and the heavy granule loss is concentrated on one part, your roof might be damaged. Leaks will inevitably happen in this case, so it’s best to find a roof repairs contractor to take a look.
Dark Spots or Discoloration
Dark spots or stains are not harmless at all, but the severity of the problem depends on the material. For example, a dark spot on some roofs may indicate algae or moss growth, which means your roof is admitting some degree of moisture. This, in turn, may lead to leaks, or even render your attic insulation useless. Old roofs will inevitably have more dark spots or discoloration due to algae, so if you find your roof looking like it has liver spots, it might be time to replace it.
Learn why Roofer Chicks® is the trusted roof replacement contractor in Texas. Contact us today at (830) 627-7663. You can also fill out our form to get started. We serve San Antonio, TX, and nearby areas.