Your home is likely a source of pride and joy.
You know how much work you put into getting it, so you want to keep it in excellent shape so everyone can see your effort.
However, with all that focus likely going toward the facade and interior decorating, you may be missing some of the most common signs of asphalt shingle aging.
Tiny Cracks
These are the small fissures in your house’s armor that eventually give way to bigger problems.
Cracks in the shingles can allow water to seep into the structural components of your home, which could fester and lead to premature rot.
If your shingles are new, it could take a few years for these to show up, but keeping an eye out for them anyway is the simplest way to avoid more extensive damage.
Dark Marks
Greenish-blue clusters might be what you picture when you think of algae on a roof, but you should also look out for large dark streaks.
These are the result of Gloeocapsa magma — an algae that thrives in hot and humid environments and feeds on the minerals making up your roof.
This makes them break down much faster than usual, which can also result in water damage.
They can even cause your space to be less energy-efficient.
Dark colors absorb more heat from the sun than lighter ones, making the inside of your home hotter.
You may think your air conditioning isn’t doing its job, but your aging shingles are actually the culprit.
Blistering
Bubbles in the shingles are another indicator that it’s time to give your roof a refresh.
These raised areas indicate that moisture is getting trapped under the surface, causing interior damage.
The broken water seal will only make your shingles age faster.
Granule Loss
Granules on your shingles are those small, rock-like mineral particles that sit on the surface.
They protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and promote fire resistance and durability.
So, if you start to see bald patches on your roof or notice granules shedding into your gutters or on the ground, it’s time to call a professional.
Curling or Cupping
Cupping happens when the center of the shingle gets a deep indent that forms a cup.
Curling is when the edges turn up or down, regardless of how the center looks.
You might be able to see this problem from the ground if it’s significant enough, but it’s worth conducting an up-close inspection regularly to make sure.
Several factors could cause shingle cupping or curling — moisture, thermal shock, UV damage or even defective manufacturing.
It can even happen due to old age.
What Can Make Your Roof Age Faster?
Multiple natural occurrences and maintenance errors can cause asphalt shingles to age much faster than they should.
Poor Ventilation
The first thing to check when you’re experiencing roof trouble is to see if moisture may be the problem.
Most issues are due to water damage, which could be caused by bad ventilation.
Go into your attic to see if there are any damp rafters, peeling paint or moisture stains.
All are solid indicators that your shingles are no longer standing up to the elements.
This is also a sign that the ventilation system in your house isn’t working properly and is trapping heat in the upper level, enabling algae to spread and rot to take hold.
It could also be causing the blistering or cupping.
Intense Sun Exposure
Manufacturers make your shingles able to withstand what the sun throws at them, but intense, repeated UV exposure naturally starts to wear them down.
The radiation will speed up the oxidation process on your roof, which starts deteriorating the plasticizers and volatiles in the asphalt.
That makes the shingles brittle, so they’re more likely to crack.
The faster aging process will also cause your roof to lose granules earlier than expected.
Severe Weather
If you live in an area with extreme weather events, you know how they can affect your roof’s stability.
Regular intense rain, rapid wind and large pieces of hail are much more than your shingles bargained for.
They can withstand a lot, but constant damage from the weather will cause faster degradation.
For instance, you’ll likely have to deal with roof repairs more frequently if you live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes.
Additionally, temperatures may fluctuate rapidly, causing yesterday’s downpour to become today’s ice dam.
You’ve Spotted the Problems — Now Fix Them
Algae buildup is a good candidate for do-it-yourself fixes.
To eliminate it, you can mix one part chlorine bleach with three parts water, spray it on the algae, wait about 20 minutes and rinse your roof with a garden hose.
You could also mix a cup of trisodium phosphate with a gallon of warm water and scrub at the streaks with a soft-bristled brush or low-pressure sprayer.
There are oxygen-based cleaners available that may work, or you can power wash your shingles.
You may also be able to resolve small issues like blocked vents, but most often, you’ll want to defer to contacting a professional.
Cracks, curling and cupping, granule loss, algae infestation, and blistering aren’t small blemishes you can slap a bandage over.
These signs of aging typically indicate that the water seal on your roof has broken, meaning expert work is necessary to restore it or replace your roofing entirely.
Plus, if moisture has caused significant damage, someone experienced in the trade knows what to look for and who to recommend to remedy it.
While it may be more expensive, they can diagnose the problem faster and offer industry-certified solutions that keep your space secure from external threats.
Be Proactive About Your Aging Asphalt Shingles
Once you notice widespread issues with your shingles, more pressing challenges may already be starting to take hold.
Water damage could necessitate extensive and expensive repairs, so be proactive about your property’s envelope.
Check your roof regularly for these telltale signs of asphalt shingle aging and take action before they become larger.
By doing so, you can avoid the more costly dilemmas and maintain pride in your stunning home.
