Is your asphalt shingle roof on the older side? Does it have problems or leaks and now you're trying to figure out if it's time for a roof replacement?
A roof replacement is the only solution for an asphalt shingle roof at the end of its lifespan. The problem is that it’s hard to keep track of your roof’s age if you weren’t around when it was originally installed.
Unfortunately, this leads to many homeowners waiting too long for a replacement. Even worse, they only realize they need a new roof after roof leaks caused damage to their home’s interior.
So, how are you supposed to know when to replace your asphalt shingle roof to prevent leaks or interior damage?
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in providing transparent and honest roofing advice. So, let's identify the signs that it's time for an asphalt shingle roof replacement.
This article breaks down the following signs you need to replace your asphalt roof:
An asphalt shingle roof that has continuous leaks is either failing due to improper installation or it has reached its maximum lifespan. If your roof is 20-25 years old (architectural shingles), it’s simply time for a replacement because the asphalt shingles have maxed out.
But if your roof isn't older and has constant leaks, the only solution may be replacing the asphalt shingles. Now, this isn't for simple leaks like nail pops or a cracked pipe boot.
There are even situations where the same leak is hard to find and repair. However, frequent leaks in different roof areas are a sign of larger problems.
So, the only solution for a failing asphalt shingle roof with continuous leaks (especially an older one) is a complete replacement.
Curling, cracked, and/or missing shingles are clear signs that your roof is starting to fail and needs replacing. If they reach this point, the shingles have maxed out their lifespan.
Unfortunately, improper installation and/or inadequate attic ventilation lead to asphalt shingle degradation much quicker. If this happens, your roof will fail prematurely and need replacing well before it should.
Wind damage is also a common cause of missing shingles, but you’ll have an insurance claim if this happens.
Curling and cracking are one thing, but shingle delamination is a huge sign that your asphalt shingle roof needs to be replaced. Delamination is simply the separation of the individual shingle layers, which leads to the loss of structural integrity, protection, and adhesive properties.
Obviously, shingles can’t perform their function correctly if they’re separating or peeling. So, shingle delamination is always a clear sign that it's time to start preparing for an asphalt shingle roof replacement.
Granules are pieces of asphalt embedded in shingles for fire resistance, color, and UV ray protection. They are crucial to the longevity of an asphalt roof, and a roof loses them naturally as it ages.
However, severe or widespread granular loss is one of the biggest signs that you need to replace your asphalt shingle roof. If it’s bad enough, you’ll find a lot of granules on the ground by downspouts and/or in your gutters.
Just know hail also causes granular loss, whether it’s one large storm or multiple.
Moss or other vegetation growing on your roof is a sign that your asphalt shingle roof is getting older, and it’s time to start considering a replacement. Moss shortens shingles’ lifespan, which is why manufacturers have special granule formulas to prevent moss growth for as long as possible.
Now, you may not need a roof replacement immediately, but moss on your asphalt shingles damages them. So, if you have an older roof with moss or other greenery growth, you need to start budgeting for a new roof.
You may also see black streaks on your asphalt roof caused by algae on a 10-15-year-old roof, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. You can actually clean algae off your roof, but do your research, avoid power washing, and hire a professional roof cleaning company.
Roof decking is the wooden foundation that your entire roof system is installed on. Whether it’s from a prolonged leak or inadequate attic ventilation, the wood holds excess moisture.
Holding on to the excess moisture causes the decking to become wavy, which is a clear sign that a roof is failing due to improper installation and/or poor attic ventilation. However, the decking also loses its ability to hold nails and load-bearing capacity if it’s left to sit too long.
This causes severe sagging once the weight of the roofing materials starts to bear down on the compromised decking. If it gets to this point, you're most likely looking at complete roof failure, which means a replacing your asphalt shingle roof.
Waviness and sagging are clear signs of a failing roof, but you can catch it early by checking the decking in the attic. Finding discoloration on the bottom of the decking in your attic means has water soaked through the wood, which means the roofing materials are failing.
Unfortunately, this means you need an asphalt shingle roof replacement or at the very least extensive repairs. It could be from improper installation or the shingles maxing out, but either way, the structural issues we just talked about will happen if left to sit.
On top of all this, the wetness creates a perfect environment for mold, mildew, and termites to thrive.
While not always a sign, it's a good bet it's time to replace your asphalt shingle roof when other houses in your neighborhood are getting replacements. This is especially true if the homes in your neighborhood were all built around the same time.
This obviously won’t apply to you if your neighborhood is much older or the houses were built at different times. However, potential storm damage is another reason you should pay attention to if other homes in your neighborhood are getting a new roof.
If your neighbors are getting their asphalt shingle roofs replaced after a strong thunderstorm with hail or straight-line winds, they had a viable insurance claim. While there’s no guarantee that your roof specifically has damage too, you should contact a roofer and your insurance company for an assessment.
Now you know the 8 signs that you need to replace your asphalt roof. Remember, you won’t truly know if your asphalt roof needs to be replaced until it’s inspected.
But if your roof shows any signs mentioned here, you need to start preparing for your new roof investment. The problem is you can’t prepare without knowing the budget you need, the decisions you’ll make, and more.
This lack of information is one of the main reasons homeowners get taken advantage of by bad roofers. I don’t want this to happen to you.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the seven things every homeowner needs to consider before starting the roof replacement process.
Check out 7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement to help you prepare for your upcoming roof replacement.