Asphalt roof shingles are one of the most popular roofing styles throughout Ontario. They’re visually appealing, durable, and offer maximum flexibility when it comes to repairs over the years.
Like any style of roof, shingles don’t last forever, and eventually, you’ll need to replace them to maintain the integrity of your home.
Regularly performing a visual inspection of your roof can help you discover when your shingles are in distress. There are some telltale signs to watch for that will indicate when it’s time to call in the professionals to replace your roof shingles.
Your roof is an integral part of your home, and damaged shingles can wreak havoc if missed. If your shingles are no longer able to do their job effectively, it could lead to a leaking roof, structural damage, and expensive repairs!
This article will help you better understand your roof and how to know if your shingles need to be replaced.
7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof Shingles
Asphalt roof shingles are one of the most affordable options and will typically last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Whether your home is new, you’re on the market for the perfect house, or you have been in your home for many years, assessing the health of your roof is essential.
Here are seven common signs to watch out for that will tell you if your shingles are worn down and need to be replaced.
1. Your Shingles Are Curling
If your roof shingles have begun curling at the corners or edges, it’s a surefire sign it’s time to get them replaced.
Shingles usually begin curling for one of two reasons:
- Old age
- Heat exposure, often from a poorly ventilated attic or crawl space
Curled shingles can retain water and snow on their curved edges, allowing moisture to seep underneath them, causing damage to your roof’s underlay that could lead to leaks in the future.
2. They’re Missing Granules
Each asphalt shingle on your roof has small granules covering the entire surface that protects it. Over time, these granules can deteriorate or be washed off, leaving you with bare spots.
These areas that have missing granules are weakened and more susceptible to being damaged by the sun, resulting in them wearing down more quickly or causing splitting or cracking.
If you’ve noticed you have darker spots on your roof shingles or have an abundance of granules in your gutters, it’s time to consider replacing them.
3. Shingles That Are Covered in Moss
If you’ve noticed patches of moss beginning to form on your roof, your shingles are likely retaining moisture in those spots. This is commonly seen in houses that spend an extended period of time in the shade throughout the daytime.
Once moss develops, it’s likely it’ll continue and can spread to other areas of your roof. Moss is a dense plant that thrives in moist climates, which means your roof will be subjected to water for extended periods of time, often leading to leaks, or additional moss developing underneath your shingles and lifting them.
4. You’re Missing Shingles
This is one of the most easily recognizable signs of roof damage and will need to be replaced immediately.
Missing shingles usually occur during storms, especially those with high winds. We recommend always assessing your roof after any storm to verify it’s still in good condition and that no repairs need to be made.
If you’ve discovered missing shingles, you should schedule an emergency repair right away to temporarily manage the situation until you can have a full inspection done to assess the cause and extent of the damage.
The good news is, missing shingles don’t always mean you need a full roof replacement. If the missing section is small and there is no additional damage, you may be able to simply have this section of the roof repaired.
5. They Have Cracks
Your roof shingles are exposed to constant temperature fluctuations, causing them to expand and contract as the weather changes each season. Over time, this can cause them to crack, leaving open fractures in their surface for water to pool and seep underneath them.
This can cause water damage to your roof’s underlay and lead to leaks developing if not caught early.
6. They’re Buckling
If your roof has developed buckling, it’ll look like there is a bubble or wave under your shingles.
Buckling often happens when shingles have been installed too tightly and don’t have room to expand with the changing temperature. It could also be a sign of poor ventilation, trapping heat from the attic underneath the shingles.
This is a telltale sign that your roof needs to be inspected and replaced. When shingles are raised up like this, they’re less likely to withstand high winds and won’t be able to properly protect your roof from damage.
If you notice buckling in your roof, schedule a professional to assess the problem immediately.
7. Your Roof Leaks
If your roof has begun leaking, it’s likely your shingles are compromised. Damaged shingles can quickly lead to water damage and damp sections of the roof in your attic or crawlspace.
If you’ve noticed any leaks in your roof, schedule an emergency repair to quickly manage the situation before any additional damage is caused.
Once it’s been repaired, you’re roofing professional will schedule a time to complete a full roof inspection to diagnose the root cause of the problem and discuss a solution with you.
What Should You Do if You Find Damaged Shingles?
Contact a professional roofing company to have them come and inspect your roof. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and give you some suggestions on the next steps, whether that be replacing the roof or making any repairs where it’s necessary.
Get Your Shingles Checked By a Professional Roofing Service
If your shingles are damaged and need to be replaced, our professional team of roofing experts can help.
At 123 Roofing, we take pride in offering our clients in Aurora and the GTA exceptional service, ensuring we work together to find a solution that meets their unique needs.
Contact us, or request a quote to get started!
