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| Deteriorated Asphalt Shingles |
1. Inspect your roof by getting a pair of binoculars and looking closely at the shingles. Asphalt shingles will begin to curl up around the edges when they worn. If many shingles on your roof are showing this sign of heavy wear, it's time to call an expert roofer to talk about a new roof.
2. Inspect your shingles for loss of mineral granules. Severe loss of these granules can mean that your roofing shingles have deteriorated, are defective or have suffered from hail damage. But either way excessive granule loss can indicate that it's time for a new roof. The mineral granules protect the asphalt coating on the shingles from UV deterioration. Once the shingles lose an excessive amount of granules, the asphalt coating will most certainly deteriorate. Once the asphalt deteriorates, it is no longer waterproof and can no longer prevent water from entering through the shingle and seeping into the home.
3. Look for bare patches on the shingles where both the granules and the asphalt coating have worn down. If you see these "bald" patches over any part of your roof, it is definitely time for repairs or even a completely new roof.
4. Inspect the shingles for tears, cracks, buckling or areas where the asphalt is showing through. Any tears or cracks will allow more water to penetrate the shingles and because of changing temperatures the asphalt will most certainly deteriorate. Buckling up of the shingles can allow water to enter under the shingle and penetrate the roof. Any spots where the black asphalt is showing is also a sign that the shingles are in need of replacement.
5. How old are the shingles? The normal lifespan for the flat, "3-Tab" asphalt roofing shingles is 20 years. For multi-dimensional, architectural shingles the lifespan can go up to 30 years or longer. If your roof has not been replaced in over 20 years, its expected lifespan may be coming to an end and the time for a roof replacement could be close at hand.
