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

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Last updated on  Apr 23, 2025