READ THE CLUES
Signs your roof is aging
Roofs can't talk, but they leave clues. One homeowner found a shingle in the yard and joked, "I don't remember planting that." Here's what the clues mean, from least to most urgent.
- Granules in the guttersThe protective grit washes off as shingles dry out. A sandy layer in the gutter or at downspout exits is the earliest common sign.
- Fading and uneven colorUV bleaches dried shingles. South-facing slopes usually fade first because they take the most sun.
- Bald spotsPatches where granules are gone expose the asphalt mat to direct UV. Aging speeds up from here.
- Brittle or curling shinglesEdges that lift, corners that curl, shingles that crack underfoot: the flexibility is going. Wind grabs these first.
- Shingles in the yardBrittle shingles lose grip and let go in wind that a flexible roof would shrug off.
- Streaks and mossAlgae streaks and moss hold moisture against the surface. Common near trees and in humid Hampton Roads air.
What the signs add up to
None of these mean your roof is failing today. They mean it's drying out, and drying out is the stage where a rejuvenation treatment can still do its best work. Caught early, flexibility may be restored and the roof's life extended. Caught late, the options narrow to repairs or replacement.
What to do next
Do the ground check above, then get real eyes on it. The inspection is free, comes with photos, and ends in a straight answer. If your roof doesn't need anything yet, that's the answer you'll get.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
I found a shingle in the yard. How bad is that?
It's your roof leaving a clue. One shingle after a storm can be a simple repair, but shingles letting go in normal wind usually means the mat is drying out and losing grip. Either way, it's time for someone to look. The look is free.
Can I check my roof without climbing on it?
Yes, and please don't climb. Check the gutters for granules, look at the roof from across the street for fading and uneven color, and scan the edges with binoculars for curling. Then let us do the on-roof part.
Seeing one of these signs?
Get a free inspection before small clues become big bills.