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Roofing shingles endure a lot throughout their lives, from scorching UV rays to torrential precipitation and fallen tree branches. Shingle roofs typically last 20 to 25 years and exhibit numerous warning signs when they need to be repaired or replaced. Educate yourself on these signs, so you can avoid problems such as leaks, underlayment rot, and mold and mildew infestations.

What Are the Signs of Asphalt Shingle Issues?

Curling & Buckling Shingles

Shingles frequently start to buckle and curl when there is too much moisture on their undersides from poor attic or crawlspace ventilation. They also buckle and curl when they were not installed correctly or are breaking down due to age. Curling, buckling, and lifting shingles all leave your roof vulnerable to the elements and problems such as leaks or inefficient insulation.

Missing & Cracked Shingles

roofingMissing shingles are another common sign indicating the roof has hit its expiration date. If your roof is regularly losing shingles during storms, the asphalt may be compromised due to age. Schedule an inspection with a roofing contractor, who will assess the problem and recommend either replacing damaged sections or replacing all of your shingles.

As with missing shingles, an abundance of cracked shingles on an older roof generally benefits from replacement. It saves you money over time because you will not pay for repairs only to have the roof replaced in a year or so.

Algae Growth

Dark spots or streaks typically indicate excessive roof moisture, which encourages algae growth. Algae is more likely to form on shaded sections of roofs in humid environments. Repairs may be all you need if you properly ventilate your attic and the roof is fairly new, as the moisture will dry up and the algae will die. However, if algae is one of many issues, schedule a replacement as soon as possible. If you keep your existing roofing, have it professionally cleaned to remove any remaining algae.

Missing Granules

Shingle granules start to wear off after years of elemental exposure. Excessive granule deposits in your gutter system tell you the roof is aging rapidly and requires replacement to avoid leaks. Not only are shingles with missing granules weak and susceptible to water damage, but the granules also clog gutters, which causes rainwater and melting snow to back up.

 

Schedule roofing repair or replacement services with Highmark Exteriors to maintain your most important investment: your home. The Savage, MN-based exterior remodeling company proudly serves the Twin Cities and offers 24/7 emergency restorations among many other services. Call (952) 882-8904 today for a free inspection, and visit the team online for a complete service list. See their latest projects on Facebook.

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