An asphalt roof properly installed by a professional and maintained with a good level of care can last around 20 years. However, over those 20 years, your roof and shingles are going to get put through a lot. Wind, rain, snow, hail, branches, sun, hot, cold – and that is just one year in Indiana!

20 years of the elements are naturally bound to put some wear and tear on your roof’s shingles. But what crosses the line from being normal wear to significant damage to shingles that should warrant repairs or replacement?

For many folks, it can be a tricky thing to tell, but it is important. After all, you don’t necessarily want to panic yourself into thinking your roof is ruined when there isn’t anything to worry about or the even worse alternative of shrugging off major concerns as “no big deal.”

We want to help bring you a little bit of clarity by giving you the symptoms, verdicts, and the best course of action for five very common shingle conditions that you may be OK to just keep an eye on or need to address soon.

Fading Color: Normal Wear

You might notice your asphalt shingles start fading or losing some of their color over time, especially if they are a darker shade. This can be caused by heavy exposure to direct sunlight, but even still should take quite a bit of time to develop. While faded shingles may appear weaker, they are more of a visual concern than a protective one. Faded shingles typically won’t lose protective qualities and shouldn’t put your roof at any additional risk. You should still keep a close eye on them because it is likely that they are approaching the end of their lifespan.

Lifting and Curling: Replace Them

Any shingles that are lifting, curling, or buckling are showing signs of damage and should be replaced as soon as possible. This kind of shingle damage can be caused by a variety of things from high winds, cold weather, damage caused by hail or branches, or excessive moisture. Warping of any sort means any seal keeping water from leaking through your roof is no longer secure. Lifting or cracking shingles put your roof at a much higher risk of water damage and replacement should not be put off.

Cracked: Replace Them

Much like warping shingles, cracked shingles need to be replaced as soon as possible as well. Shingles cracking can be caused by damage from storms, hail, tree branches, animals, or by age and weather conditions. Cracks create more vulnerable avenues for water damage, making them more vulnerable to blowing off in heavy winds, and creating new entrances for moss and mold to grow. Cracked shingles are both unsightly and a major threat to the condition of your roof.

Dark Spots: Normal Wear

Have you ever noticed the tiny rock-like objects covering your shingles? These granules are there to add an extra layer of protection to your shingles but do have a tendency to fall off naturally, as we’re sure you’ve noticed, when they are handled, during installation, and by wind and rain. As the granules fall off over time, darker spots on shingles where they once were will form. While this does mean your shingles are losing a little bit of protection, this is a natural process for your shingles and doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced immediately unless there are multiple large dark spots forming across your roof.

Moss Growing: Replace Them

Moss growing on your shingles may give your home a fairytale quality, but in reality, it is a nightmare for your roof. Moss growth can damage the integrity and security of your roof by helping collect water and leading to water damage as well as mold or mildew damage to your roof. Moss is also a common reason for shingles lifting and also makes working on your roof more treacherous as moss doesn’t offer idea footing. Moss most often grows on roofs that are located in forested areas or on roofs by overhanging trees, so a good way to prevent moss from growing is to keep surrounding trees trimmed and maintained.

Roof in need of repairs to help protect your home? Lathrop Contracting is Indianapolis’ roofing experts! Call (317) 783-6929 or schedule service online today!