The roof over our home is something that we often overlook because it is above eye level and for the most part, it can do its job even when it has minor issues. Carolina’s Best Roofing knows that you might not be checking your roof enough and when you do, you might not know exactly what you’re looking for. For these reasons, we have put together a list of ways to determine if you have bad shingles easily.

1. Missing Granules

This is one of the most common and most obvious tells if you need to replace your shingles. Granules play a very important part in protecting your home, they protect the asphalt coating against harmful UV rays and also provide resistance against fire.

Just by looking at your roof, you might notice some bald spots that appear darker than the rest of your roof. You also want to take a look at the bottom of your downspouts that allow water to run off the roof. If you notice small dots on at the base of the downspout, your roof is most likely suffering from granule loss.

2. Warped Shingles

There are a few ways that you can easily tell if your shingles are starting to warp. The corners and edges will start to curl up or even start to tear off. If you think they are starting to tear, you can also take a look around your yard to see if there are torn off pieces scattered about.

3. Discolored Shingles

Generally, discoloration is caused by algae and fungus due to a humid climate. This can be easily taken care of with a 50:50 water and bleach mix and then rinsing, but be sure to use a low volume garden hose so that you don’t hurt those protective granules. Discoloration from algae won’t cause immediate harm but over time it can cause major issues since it holds moisture.

Pressure washing is one way to clean the algae and fungus from your roof that many homeowners decide to do. Be sure to check the pressure though pressure as it could damage granules in the process. You may want to consider soft washing alternatives to preserve your roof while protecting it.

4. Moss

Moss usually grows on shingles that are often covered in shade. Moss can be troublesome because it holds moisture, which can eventually lead to rotting. Moss can be easily taken care of and in the event of shingle replacement, you can limit the replacement to one area instead of replacing the entire roof.

5. Your Roof Is Getting Old

If your roof is 20 years old or more, the items listed above are most likely happening or they are more likely to happen. If you notice that some of your neighbors are getting their roofs replaced you might consider doing the same because they are most likely similar in age. If that’s the case, contact Carolina’s Best Roofing so we can give you a free inspection and estimate to determine what is best for your roof.