Jami Wright

How to Spot Aging Signs in Shingles



Posted: Friday, May 08, 2009

by Jami Wright

If you are like or family budgeting is super important. Knowing what expenses are coming up and being prepared for these expenses make you a good budgeter. You can't think of everything but that is why you always have a slush fund of some sort. But replacing a roof barring any natural disaster can become an item line on your household budget and planning ahead can help you save money and pick the right options when you do need to replace that roof.

Knowing how to recognize aging signs in shingles can help you do just that. Below is a breakdown that will be able to help you identify a time line of when you may need to be prepared to replace that roof.

Signs of aging:

1. Blistering is generally harmless causing no real damage to the roof shingles until the blister bursts and exposes the inside of the shingle. Once the protective granules are lost on an area of the roof shingle it opens the shingle up to being exposed and erosion can quickly deteriorate the shingle.

2. Thermal splitting or cracking is wear and tear from sun and erosion. Once the shingle is split it weakens the shingle and allows for more damage with each large storm.

3. Curling (not to be confused with cupping) is when the two ends curl under. This generally happens before cupping and is probably a good time to start researching on new roofs. If it is in your budget starting your saving here would be the best time.

4. Cupping (this looks like the shingles are curling up on each side) is a definite sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their life. By this point,if you haven't already, you want to make sure you have added a new roof into the budget. A simple act of walking on this roof can destroy these shingles.

5. Mineral granule loss can indicate the end of a shingle's life. The mineral compound that is placed on the shingles is a form of sun reflection and protection from wear and tear. Once this is rubbed off the shingle is bare and subject to the natural effect of erosion.

Things to be aware of:

It is good to go green but not by allowing moss and lichen to grow on your roof shingles. This can cause excess wear and tear and cause your roof to degrade quicker. Use power wash or chemically treat roofs that have this issue.

Fishmouth curling, where the center of the shingle is raised and resembles a fishmouth is an indication of possible water damage not of age and wear.

Always remember walking on a roof can cause more damage than good. If you already have aged shingles walking can break them further.

These are the biggest indicators that you will need to replace your roof soon. I hope these help you in planning your household budget for incidental expenses.

Jami Wright is a successful stay at home housewife and online writer.  She has published on mutlipe sites and enjoys writing about anything and everything.  She is also working on two paranormal romance series that will be published within the next two years.  I write at other sites and would be happy to recommend you if you send me an email request.  jcoolcash11@gmail.com Thank you for taking the time to read my work.
 
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Sandra E. Graham
 3 years 10 days ago.
247 fans.
Good article, Jami. Our biggest problem with roofing shingles is the high wind. We had to have our shingles replaced just a few months ago due to high winds--of course, we live in Tornado Alley, so that doesn't help--our shingles don't have time to get old.
 
Thanks for sharing.
 
Sandra
» left by Jami Wright 3 years 10 days ago.
8 fans.
Yea tornado alley is troublesome and the winds are always harsh.  Thanks for taking the time to read, rate and comment on my article... it always makes a writer feel good when they hear the audience's voice as well!
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