Roof Shingles

There are many types of composition shingle roofs, typically made from asphalt or fiberglass materials embedded with mineral granules that help protect against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Manufacturers generally warrant these roofs to last between 20 and 30 years, while installers often provide a leak guarantee for 2 to 5 years. However, the actual lifespan of a roof can vary significantly based on several factors beyond material quality and installation methods. Poor maintenance is the leading cause of roof failure, but other contributors include prolonged southern exposure and the practice of installing new shingles over an existing layer.

roof shingles cupping

One of the first signs of significant roof wear is the loss of granules, which results in pockmarks or dark spots on the shingles. This process, known as primary decomposition, indicates that the roof is beginning to deteriorate and may become vulnerable to leaks. It typically starts with the hip and ridge shingles, as well as field shingles on the south-facing side. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the roof needs immediate replacement, the underlying causes of deterioration should be addressed promptly. Regular shingle maintenance can extend the life of the roof and help prevent leaks, which often go unnoticed until they’ve caused interior damage.

Please note that, in accordance with home inspection industry standards, my inspection does not include a guarantee against roof leaks. For such assurance, you would need a roofing contractor to perform a water test and provide a roof certification. That said, the sellers or occupants usually have the most detailed knowledge of the roof’s condition, so I recommend asking them about its maintenance history.

If you’d like your roof shingles to reach their full expected lifespan, I recommend following the guidelines outlined on the following web pages.

ROOF MAINTENANCE

ROOF VENTILATION

Share:

Here is what my clients have to say about my home inspection services:

Press F5 (on your keyboard) for additional testimonials

Hi Dave,

I just wanted to write a quick thank you for your work inspecting 43 1/2 Bartholomew Street in Peabody yesterday. As a buyer in the process of trying to purchase my first home, it's been difficult to know who to trust. I honestly cannot believe some of the stuff I've run into, so I had to write & let you know that I found you professional, competent, & all around above par. In all of the people I've had to deal with up to this point, you were one of the few that actually took the time to explain things in a way that an inexperienced first time home buyer would understand. I never once felt rushed or talked down to.

Based on your inspection, I've decided not to purchase the home at 43 1/2 Bartholomew Street. I will however, continue to look & will hopefully find a house more suited to my needs in the near future. When that happens I will be calling on your expertise once again. In the meantime, I will certainly recommend you to any of my family & friends that may need a home inspection.

Thanks again,

Lisa G.