Your roof plays an important role in protecting your home from harsh day-to-day weather conditions, but over the years, it will gradually age until it requires a replacement.
In order to maintain your roof and make it last as long as possible, there are certain signs to watch out for in order to know when your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan. Recognizing these signs early on can save you from bigger, more expensive problems that come with an older roof.
As an experienced roofing contractor working in Tulsa and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma for years, we aim to help homeowners like you know the signs of an aging roof by covering what to look for, and more.
Sign #1: Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Missing
When your roof is aging, one of the most obvious signs is visible damage to the shingles. Shingles, especially asphalt ones, take on the full force of the weather, and over time, begin to wear out.
Curling Shingles:
If you notice that the edges of your shingles are starting to curl or cup, that’s a sign they’re no longer lying flat against the roof. This can allow water to seep underneath, leading to leaks.
Cracked Shingles:
Cracks indicate your shingles have become brittle over the years. This causes them to snap off or break apart more easily during storms or high winds.
Missing Shingles:
If you notice patches on your roof where shingles used to be, or you find pieces of shingles in your yard, this is a clear signal that your roof is nearing the end of its life.
What to do next: If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to get a roofing professional involved. Depending on the extent of the damage, they may recommend minor repairs or replacing the roof.
For example, if there are a few shingles that are curling up around the edge, then caulking them will do the job, however, if the damage is widespread you might need to remove the shingles and replace them entirely.
Also Read: Why Are My Roof Shingles Falling Off? Common Causes Explained
You Start To See Granules In The Gutters
Another sign that your roof is aging includes finding a lot of shingle granules in the gutter system of your home. You see, today’s shingles are made up of 2 or 3 layers and the top layer is coated with mineral granules. This provides the shingle with color and protection.
As your roof ages, these granules start to loosen and wash away, ending up in your gutters.
If you’re cleaning out your gutters and notice a buildup of granules, it’s a warning sign that your shingles are deteriorating.
What to do next: Granule loss is a natural part of aging, but excessive granule loss means your shingles can no longer effectively protect your home. If you’re seeing a lot of granules, have a roofer inspect your shingles to determine how much life your roof has left.
Your Roof Begins To Sag
Sagging is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as it’s found. Unlike the other problems we talked about above, this one is more internal, affecting the roof’s rafters and trusses, and occurs due to several reasons. For example, as materials weaken over time or water damage goes unnoticed for too long, moisture starts to seep into your rafters, causing them to decay. When these become weak, they tend to droop down, causing your roof to sag.
This roofing problem not only signals an aging roof, but can lead to structural issues that affect not only your roof, but your home’s overall safety.
What to do next: A sagging roof is a major concern, and you should call a professional as soon as possible. They’ll assess the damage, figure out the cause, and let you know if the sagging can be repaired, or if a full roof replacement is necessary.
Water Stains or Leaks Inside Your Home
Have you noticed water stains on your ceiling or walls? These stains are often a sign of a roof leak. There are many reasons roof leaks can occur, including damaged or missing shingles, poor flashing around chimneys or skylights, or even an old, worn-out roof that simply can’t keep water out anymore due to reaching the end of its lifespan.
If leaks go unresolved, it may lead to mold growth, insulation damage, and a rotten interior framework. Even worse, water damage tends to spread, meaning a small issue can turn into a big (and expensive) problem.
What to do next: If you’re seeing water stains or experiencing leaks, don’t wait to call a roofer. They’ll be able to identify where the water is coming from and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a small patch-up job or a larger repair. In the meantime, contain leaks with buckets and use protective tarps in order to protect flooring and furniture,
Moss, Mold, or Algae Growth
Moss is not something you want growing on your roof in Oklahoma. Moss, mold, and algae can retain moisture, keeping it pressed up against your shingles, which speeds up the aging process and increases the likelihood of leaks or rot. While most types of shingles made today are algae-resistant, it’s still not a good idea to allow this type of growth to occur on the surface of your roof.
Moss tends to grow in cool, damp areas on the roof, particularly in climates with a lot of rain or humidity.
What to do next: If you notice moss or algae on your roof, it’s important to have it cleaned off before it causes more damage. In most cases, this is not serious, but it’s best to take care of it and keep your home looking good. While there are DIY methods for removing moss, it’s often best to have a professional handle it to avoid damaging the shingles or roof surface.
Increased Energy Bills
This is a sneaky sign that many homeowners don’t immediately associate with their roof aging. If your energy bills are suddenly higher, it might be because your roof is no longer providing adequate insulation. A roof in good condition helps regulate the temperature inside your home by preventing heat from escaping in the winter and keeping it out in the summer.
As your roof ages, it can lose some of its insulating capabilities, causing your heating and cooling systems to work overtime to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
What to do next: If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills without a clear cause (like a heatwave or cold snap), it’s a good idea to have your roof checked.
What Happens When Your Roof Ages?
An aging roof can lead to quite a few issues for your home. The older it gets, the less effective it is at protecting your home from the harsh weather. Older roofs are also more prone to damage during storms, which could leave your home vulnerable to bigger disasters.
In short, as your roof ages, it loses its ability to protect your home and becomes a liability. This is why it’s so important to recognize the signs of aging early and take action before small issues turn into expensive headaches.
Need To Replace An Old Roof? Call The Experts At A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing
By keeping an eye out for these warning signals, you can make informed decisions about repairs and replacements before your roof becomes a bigger problem. The complexity of repairing and replacing an old roof calls for experts. Get in touch with the team of A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing. We are Oklahoma’s most respected roofing company. Whether you need repairs or a complete roof replacement, we are here to help. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more.
