How Do You Know if Your Roof Is Too Old?

It’s easy to ignore your roof if it’s not showing signs of obvious problems. Most good-quality roofs, such as modern metal roofing systems, are so reliable that it might take years before you notice any damage. But a roof is exposed to the elements 24/7, and everything from UV rays from the sun to extreme weather events can gradually wear it down. So if you look closely, even a roof that’s only a year old might look very different from a brand new roof.

Over the years, your roof will take a beating and have the battle scars to show for it. How do you know that your roof is getting too old? Here are some of the signs to look out for.

Granule Shedding

Asphalt shingle roofs are common in the U.S. Asphalt shingles have special granules that protect the shingle tabs from deterioration due to the sun’s heat. When a new roof is installed, it’s normal to find a bunch of granules falling off the tabs and ending up in the gutters and in your yard. Those are excess granules and not a cause for concern.

However, if your roof is no longer new and you notice more of the granules in your gutters and elsewhere, that means your roof is way past its prime. It doesn’t have the protection from the sun’s rays that the granules once gave it. This means it’s time to call your contractor and discuss your roof replacement plans.

Algae Streaks and Discoloration

A kind of blue-green algae is responsible for those unsightly stains and discoloration on your sloped or flat roofing system. Though this might signify that your roof is getting on in years, the presence of the algae itself is not a cause for concern. It’s only an aesthetic problem.

Curling or Cupping Shingles

Your shingle tabs are supposed to lay flat; they shouldn’t be curling or cupping. If you see curling or cupping, there might be a problem with your attic ventilation (the roof gets too hot), or your roof is simply old and due for replacement.

Missing Shingles

A few missing shingles might not signify a big problem, but you still have to replace those shingles. If there are many missing shingles, however, that’s often a sign of wind damage and old age. It’s time to call your contractor.

Leaks

If your roof is leaking, then the problem has been present for a while. Old roofs might benefit from repairs, but not for long. There comes a time when it’s more cost effective to replace an aging roof than pour more money into repairing it.

A note on roof maintenance: sign up for regular maintenance by a professional roofer to extend the life of your roofing system. If you fail to maintain your roof and it sustains any damage, your insurer might refuse to give you a check or they might increase your premium. It’s a good idea to take care of your roof.

Get in touch with Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. for roof repair and replacement services. Call us today at (905) 875-2888 or tell us about the service you need here.