3 Major Warning Signs Of An Aging Roof

Katelyn Lewis • April 27, 2022

If not, here are three big signs you should look for to tell if you have an aging roof.

  • roof shingles

    Signs of An Aging Roof

    How does your roof fare?

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  • Shingle roofs

    Curling Shingles

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  • roof shingles

    Granule Loss

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  • Image of an old asphalt shingle roof in Richmond, VA 23235.

    Excessive Staining

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1. Curling shingles. The edges of the shingles start to curl because the asphalt is starting to dry out, which means the shingles are losing their flexibility. When this happens, wind storms have a much higher chance of lifting those curling edges and blowing the shingles off.


2. Granule loss. Granules are the little tiny pebbles that coat the shingles to keep the asphalt and fiberglass protected from the sun’s UV rays. The best way to check for granule loss from the ground is to look for them collecting at the bottom of your gutter downspouts. (This photo also shows sun spots, which can lead to pin-sized holes in your roof!)


3. Excess staining. Over time, almost all shingles will show some staining from algae and other plant life, but an excess amount can be a strong indicator of an aged roof. These algae, mosses, and lichens can lead to huge granule loss, causing the shingles to age faster.


An asphalt shingle roof will typically last about 20 to 30 years, depending on its sun exposure and other weather conditions. Keeping an eye out for these aging signs will enable you to schedule a replacement before your roof starts to leak, keeping your overall costs to a minimum.

Seek a professional if you have any concerns or questions. If you're a Richmond, VA homeowner looking for an assessment of your roof and/or home exteriors, we are here to help!


Give our Retex team a call at 804-442-3314 or click the button below to tell us more about your project.

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