Knowing the true age of your roof is a hard thing to do. While we can estimate the age of your roof it won’t be exact and so it is important to know what signs you can look for that show signs of aging. Here is what to look for if you have a older roof and are looking for signs of aging so you can replace it before causes damage to your home. Sometimes you need to get a ladder out and look at the gutters, or go into your attic to look from the inside out.
Blisters
During the course of natural weathering, small bubbles or raised areas known as blisters may appear on the surface of the shingles. The blisters may be small and pea-sized or as large as a quarter. The blisters may be open, exposing the asphalt, or closed. Blisters frequently result when minimum ventilation requirements are not met.
Leaks and Water Damage
If there are active leaks or water damage on the ceiling or interior walls of your top story, this is a sign that your protective layer of shingles is not doing its job along its joints.
Curled or Buckled Shingles
Shingles that have started curling or buckling are another sign. Look at parts of the roof that receive sunlight and see if they are warping and losing granules.
Missing Shingles
Singles can come loose due to damage from high winds, but can also be a sign that the underpinnings are wearing down. If you find a loose shingle, check to see if the tabs are intact.
Gutters Filled with Granules
While a small amount of granules on shingles will end up in your gutters, larger amounts can single the end of the life cycle of the roof.
Surface Cracking
Another manifestation of the normal aging process may be the development of surface cracks. As shingles age, they become more brittle, to the point where surface cracking may appear.
Staining
Over a period of time, shingles may develop dark brown or black streaks that are sometimes mistaken for soot, dirt, moss or tree droppings. In actuality, this discoloration may be caused by algae growth. A professional opinion on your roof is always a good idea if you see signs of aging or have something to be concerned about on your roof. A roofing contractor should be able to give you a good idea of how old your roof is and what it needs.
