Shingles are often the most aesthetically important part of your roof, but they're only one part of a multilayer protection system. The shingles (and the tiny granules of sand and gravel on them) provide the majority of your roof's water resistance, allowing rain and snow to flow into your gutters rather than seeping into the more vulnerable underlayment and decking below.
Since your shingles are your roof's first line of defense, they're usually the first areas where you'll see signs of wear and failure. Sometimes, shingles can begin to look worn or even break off when your roof is still relatively new and in good condition. However, any of these three warnings may mean that your failing shingles are a sign that you'll need to replace your entire roof.
1. Widespread Granule Loss
Your shingles will begin losing granules before you even install them. The process used to attach granules to asphalt shingles will leave some granules better secured than others, so some loss will inevitably occur. You'll often see the most loss early on as the installation process disturbs these loose granules, but the issue will stabilize over time.
Still, you will notice more granules falling off as your shingles approach the end of their useful lifespan. You may notice your shingles looking faded or flatter, and you may even notice bare asphalt on very old shingles. If you see these problems across your entire roof, the shingles are no longer providing adequate protection, and it's probably time to start thinking about a full replacement.
2. Significant Blistering or Hail Damage
Blistering and hail damage are two problems that can look very similar, although they have very different causes. Hail marks are effective "bruises" on your shingles from direct impacts, and they will usually cause significant granule loss. The impact can also loosen the shingle's connection to the roof. Blistering looks similar but results from ventilation problems causing bubbles in your roof shingles.
Both issues are cosmetic problems when minor or limited in area but a cause for serious concern when more widespread. Widespread blistering or hail damage can weaken shingles across your roof, increasing the chance of leaks. Repairing this damage across your entire roof is rarely cost-effective, so a replacement is often the best choice.
3. Frequent Shingle Loss
Severe storms and heavy wind can knock shingles loose. Unfortunately, this problem can occur on relatively new roofs if the storm is severe enough. However, older roofs will lose shingles more often as nails rust and adhesives break down. Older roofing may even have water-damaged or warped decking, compromising its hold on your shingles.
Frequently replacing shingles isn't just expensive; it also puts your home at greater risk of water damage from leaks. These repairs should be extremely rare, and replacing shingles too often is one of the most solid signs that your home probably needs a new roof.
Contact a local roofing company to learn more.
