Closeup of house roof top covered with asphalt or bitumen shingles. Waterproofing of new building.
Curling shingles? Granule loss? Learn to spot the red flags of roof failure. Discover when to repair vs. replace your asphalt shingles today.
Your home is likely your most significant investment, and the roof is the helmet that protects it.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in North America due to their durability and affordability, but they are not invincible.
Over time, exposure to sun, rain, wind, and snow will degrade the integrity of your roofing system. Ignoring the early warning signs of failure can turn a manageable repair into a catastrophic structural issue.
Understanding the condition of your roof is essential for maintaining the safety and value of your property.
While some wear and tear is normal, specific indicators suggest that your shingles have lost their ability to shed water effectively.
By learning to spot these issues early, you can make informed decisions about whether a simple repair will suffice or if a full roof replacement is necessary.
NOTE: Most asphalt shingle roofs last between 20 and 30 years, depending on the climate and quality of installation.
Identifying Exterior Red Flags
To catch problems before they cause interior leaks, you must perform visual inspections from the ground or hire a professional to inspect the roof up close. There are four distinct signs of degradation that every homeowner should recognize.
Curling or Buckling Shingles
One of the most common signs of an aging roof is the physical distortion of the shingles.
Curling occurs when the edges of the shingles turn upward (cupping) or the middle starts to come up (clawing). This distortion is often caused by excessive heat or moisture in the attic, which bakes the shingles from the underside.
Buckling appears as visible ridges that run vertically up the roof slope.
Buckling is frequently the result of the underlayment wrinkling due to moisture absorption or poor installation. When shingles are no longer flat, they cannot seal against one another effectively.
This leaves the roof vulnerable to wind damage and wind-driven rain.
Once shingles have curled or buckled significanty, they cannot be flattened out; this is a definitive signal that roof replacement is required to restore the home’s weatherproofing.
NOTE: Shingles that are curling lose their wind resistance and can easily blow off during a storm, leaving the roof deck exposed.
Missing Shingles
If you look up and see dark patches on your roof, you are likely looking at missing shingles.
High winds, falling debris, or simple adhesive failure can cause shingles to detach and fall off.
While finding a shingle on your lawn is an obvious clue, sometimes the tabs break off, leaving the top half of the shingle still attached but the protective lower half gone.
Missing shingles create a direct path for water to reach the underlayment and the roof deck. If this is not addressed immediately, water will rot the wood sheathing and leak into your attic.
If the damage is localized to one small area, you might be able to get away with a repair.
However, if shingles are missing sporadically across the entire roof, it indicates a widespread failure of the sealant strips.
In such cases, you may need expert roof repair in Saratoga Springs or a full replacement to ensure your home remains dry.
Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles are coated with mineral granules that serve a critical purpose: Granules protect the asphalt from damaging UV rays and provide fire resistance.
As a roof ages, the bond between the asphalt and the granules weakens. You might first notice this issue not on the roof itself, but in your gutters.
If you find a large accumulation of black sand or sediment in your downspouts, your roof is shedding its protective layer.
On the roof, granule loss looks like bald spots where the black asphalt substrate is visible.
Without these granules, the sun will rapidly dry out the asphalt, leading to cracking and brittleness.
Once the fiberglass mat beneath the asphalt is exposed, the shingle has completely failed and must be replaced immediately to prevent leaks.
NOTE: Some granule loss is normal after a new installation, but consistent shedding on an older roof indicates the material is reaching the end of its life cycle.
Algae and Moss Growth
Have you noticed dark black streaks running down your roof? This is caused by a bacteria called Gloeocapsa magma, commonly referred to as blue-green algae.
While these streaks are largely cosmetic and do not immediately damage the shingle, they can hurt your home’s curb appeal. However, moss growth is a significant functional threat.
Moss holds moisture against the roof surface, which can freeze and thaw in cold climates like Upstate New York.
This expansion can lift the leading edges of the shingles, allowing water to seep underneath.
Furthermore, the roots of the moss can penetrate the granules and asphalt, permanently damaging the shingle.
Removing moss requires careful cleaning, but if the growth is severe, the shingles beneath may already be compromised.
The Underlying Problems
Ignoring these exterior red flags rarely results in the problem staying on the exterior. The primary function of a roof is water diversion, and when shingles fail, water infiltration is inevitable. Water that penetrates the roof deck can saturate insulation, rendering it ineffective and raising your energy bills.
Furthermore, chronic moisture leads to rotting wood framing and the growth of dangerous mold in your attic and walls. This not only compromises the structural integrity of the house but can also pose health risks to your family. Identifying shingle damage early prevents these expensive secondary damages. By the time you see a water stain on your living room ceiling, the damage to the roof system is often extensive.
NOTE: [A compromised roof can also void your home insurance policy if the insurance adjuster determines that the damage resulted from negligence or lack of maintenance.]
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
The best way to extend the life of your asphalt shingles is through proactive maintenance. Schedule professional roof inspections twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. A certified contractor can spot subtle signs of damage, such as hairline cracks or loose flashing, that an untrained eye might miss.
Keep your gutters clean and free of debris to prevent water from backing up under the shingles—a phenomenon known as ice damming in the winter.
Additionally, trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from scraping the granules off your roof or dropping excessive debris that encourages moss growth.
If you are unsure about the state of your roof, Saratoga Roofing Co. offers comprehensive assessments.
With years of experience and certifications from manufacturers like Owens Corning and Atlas, they can provide an honest evaluation of whether your roof needs a simple tune-up or a new system.
NOTE: Proper attic ventilation is crucial for shingle longevity; it prevents heat buildup that can cook shingles from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do asphalt shingles typically last?
Most 3-tab asphalt shingles last between 15 to 20 years, while architectural shingles can last 20 to 30 years or more.
2. Can I replace just the damaged shingles instead of the whole roof?
Yes, if the damage is localized and the remaining shingles are in good condition, a patch repair is possible.
3. What causes shingles to buckle?
Buckling is usually caused by movement in the roof deck or the wrinkling of the underlayment.
4. Is it okay to pressure wash my roof to remove algae?
No, you should never pressure wash asphalt shingles. The high pressure will strip away the protective granules, drastically shortening the life of the roof.
5. Does a new roof increase home value?
Yes, a new roof offers excellent ROI. It improves curb appeal and reassures potential buyers that they won’t face a major expense immediately after moving in. It is a key selling point in real estate.
6. What should I do if I find granules in my gutters?
Check your roof for bald spots immediately. If the granule loss is minor, monitor it.
7. Can I install new shingles over my old ones?
While “overlaying” is legal in some areas, it is generally not recommended.
8. Why are my shingles cracking?
Thermal splitting occurs when shingles expand and contract rapidly due to temperature changes.
9. How does Saratoga Roofing Co. ensure a quality installation?
Saratoga Roofing Co. uses certified installers and high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers.
10. How do I know if my attic ventilation is poor?
Signs of poor ventilation include peeling paint on the eaves, higher energy bills in summer, and ice dams in winter.
