Most roofs are designed to last for many years, but extreme weather conditions and lack of preventive maintenance can shorten their lifespan dramatically. Regular inspections, however, can help you identify issues early on, preventing them from becoming extensive enough to leave you without a roof above your head. Look out for these warning signs to know if it’s time to replace your roof shingles.

How to Know When to Replace Roof Shingles

1. Missing, Cracked, & Curled Shingles

Wind damage, weathering, and age are some of the reasons that can cause roof shingles to crack, curl, or go missing. It’s better to replace the shingles when only a small section of the roof has been damaged; extensive damage that cannot be resolved with patching or spot repair may merit a full roof replacement.

2. Granules in the Gutters

Asphalt shingles have specially designed granules to reflect sun rays, minimizing the amount of heat that gets absorbed into the home. When the shingles start to get old, the granules deteriorate and often end up in the roof gutter. If the roof already surpassed its 10-year mark, significant loss of granules means it’s fast approaching the end of its lifespan and will need replacement any time soon.

3. Roof Age

The expected lifespan of a roof usually depends on the material used. For asphalt roof shingles, it is somewhere between 15 to 20 years. Newer variants, however, are made to last longer and can be good for up to 30 years with routine maintenance and frequent inspections. Consider replacing yours when it’s nearing the end of its service life—even if it still looks good at a glance.

4. Visible Gaps

If you see sunlight coming through the roof, it means that rain and snow can get in as well. When water seeps through the gaps underneath the roof shingles or beneath loose flashing around chimneys, it can lead to leaks inside your home. Pay particular attention to brown water stains on the ceilings and walls as signs of water intrusion. Larger leaks can result in structural damage, which is evident when your roof sags or feels bouncy when you walk on it.

If your roof shingles are in disrepair, get in touch with the professionals at Action Roofing Services to replace them. As one of the leading roofing contractors in and around Anchorage, AK, they’ve offered exceptional roofing services to residents and businesses for over 35 years. Call (907) 677-6969 to request an estimate or inquire via their website.