Roof Health Score

7 Signs Your Roof Is Aging

The visible signs an asphalt roof is aging — granule loss, curling, brittleness, algae streaks, and more — and what they mean for preservation vs replacement.

Quick answer

Common signs of an aging roof include granule loss (bald spots, granules in gutters), curling or cupping shingles, brittleness, dark algae streaks, exposed mat, and aging flashing. These don't automatically mean replacement — many point to a roof that's a candidate for preservation. An inspection tells you which.

The signs

  • Granules in gutters / bald shingle spots
  • Curling or cupping edges
  • Brittle, cracking shingles
  • Dark algae streaks
  • Exposed black mat
  • Aging or lifting flashing
  • An aging-looking roof that still isn't leaking

When it applies

If you see several of these on a roof in its teens, it's a strong moment to get a Roof Health Score before assuming you need replacement.

What to watch out for

Missing shingles, sagging, or active leaks point toward repair/replacement, not preservation — be honest about which you're seeing.

Common questions

Do these signs mean I need a new roof?

Not necessarily — several point to preservation candidacy. An inspection gives the honest answer.

Can I check from the ground?

You can spot some signs safely from the ground; an inspection confirms condition without guessing.

When to call for an assessment

If your roof is aging and you're weighing preservation, insurance, or replacement, the honest next step is an inspection. We measure your Roof Health Score, document the findings, and tell you the truth — preserve or replace. Get a free roof assessment or learn how documentation may help with insurance.

Free roof assessment

Find out if your roof can be preserved.

Start with an honest inspection and a Roof Health Score. If preservation is right for your roof, we'll show you. If it isn't, we'll tell you that too.