How do I know if my asphalt shingles are bad?

Cracking, wavy edges and curling are all signs of shingle damage. Another sign is pieces of roofing shingles located along the gutters of the home and spread along the roof's surface. Cracking and blistering roof shingles is a primary sign that the residential roof is starting to fail and requires immediate attention.

What do worn out shingles look like?

Missing Granules or Dark Spots

As a roof wears, the granules can come off the surface, weakening the shingle. Dark spots on the shingles may indicate that granules have worn away. Large amounts of granules in the gutter or downspouts may indicate that the roof is wearing prematurely.

What do bad asphalt shingles look like?

There are dark/dirty areas on your roof.

Darker areas usually appear when granules begin to fall off shingles. This means your shingles have aged and should soon be replaced. Dark patches could also signal algae or moss growth on your roof, which should be removed as soon as possible.

How do you know when a shingle roof needs to be replaced?

A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturer's life of the roof. For example, you should consider replacing a 25-year roof around the 20-year mark.

What is the average lifespan of a typical asphalt shingle roof?

Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.

Signs You Might Need A New Roof - Common Roof Problems

Can you put new roofing shingles over old ones?

Installing a new roof over shingles takes less time than tearing off the old roof. Looks just as good and lasts as long. As long as it's done right and under the right conditions, installing new shingles over old ones can last as long and look just as good as a complete re-roof. Has the same manufacturer's warranty.

What causes roof shingles to curl?

Both curling and buckling are most often caused by moisture of your roof decking or underlayment. Buckling shingles appear as if they are being pushed upward from beneath. It can be the result of a lack of insulation or poor attic ventilation, as well as improper installation.

What does a sagging roof mean?

What is a sagging roof? When a roof has a curved or wavy appearance as opposed to a straight one it often points towards a sagging problem. Sagging is a common roofing problem that appears in homes with roofs that haven't been replaced in a long time due to a deteriorated structure.

How does it cost to replace a roof?

The national average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, with most people spending in the range of $5,500 to $11,000. The two largest variables you'll deal with on a job like this are the square footage of your home (and thus, your roof), and the type of roofing material you choose.

How long should a roof last on a house?

Slate, copper and tile roofs, which are on the upper end of the price spectrum, can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.

How do I know if my roof is in good condition?

Check Shingles

Keep an eye on your rooftop to make sure its in ship-shape, especially after heavy storms. Shingles should lie flat against the roof; if you find patches that are cracked, damaged, or buckling, then repairs are in order.

How do you know if your roof is rotten?

What does it mean when roof shingles turn black?

Roof experts say black streaks are caused by an algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Airborne spores deposit it on your roof, where it soaks up plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis and munches on the limestone filler in your shingles.

How often should shingles be replaced?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.

What causes granule loss on shingles?

Granule loss which is uniform across the roof is usually a result of normal weathering. Over time, the bond between the granules and asphalt deteriorates, and granules will be loosened and carried away by runoff. Prolonged exposure to hail can also loosen granules.

What is the best time to replace roof?

Typically, late spring to early summer is the best time of year to replace a roof since the rain has stopped and the extreme heat and humidity of late summer haven't settled in.

How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 2500 square foot house?

When it comes to asphalt shingles (one of the more basic and affordable roofing options), figures generally range from $3.50-$5.50 per square foot installed. A new asphalt roof for a typical 2,500 square foot single-story ranch house can range in price from $9,000-$20,000 installed.

Why does my roof feel spongy?

Spongy Texture

If there are areas of your roof that feel spongy or soft while you are walking on it, it is time to call the professionals. A spongy feeling means that the decking that lays under the roof has suffered damage from moisture and has become weak or rotted.

How do you strengthen a sagging roof?

To correct the sagging itself, angled braces can be installed to shore up the rafters. Another approach is to give more support to the walls by installing chains attached to the wall plates and linked in the middle with a turnbuckle.

What causes dips in roofs?

A leaky roof might cause the sheathing to rot and collapse, partially making the area to dip. In most cases, a roof dip due to a leak occurs near the dormer or the chimney. It is easy to identify collapsed sheathings from below. They tend to be dark and discolored and with mold growth.

Can curled shingles be fixed?

One of the easiest roof shingle repair tips entails uncurling a curled shingle. All you need to do is apply roofing sealant or cement beneath the curled edges. Press down the curled areas in place.

What causes shingles to ripple?

If the sheathing is not well spaced, the gaps might close due to expansion causing the rippling effect on the shingles above it. Lack of adequate ventilation could lead to moisture being trapped in the roofing system. The sheath absorbs this moisture causing it to ripple.

How do you fix roof shingles that curl?

Carefully lift the curling or cupping shingle and gently sweep away any loose debris using a dry paintbrush. Next, spread a layer of roofing cement over the area below the shingle with a putty knife and then firmly press the shingle flat.