We had a question regarding a post we made last Monday. In it we posted a before and after picture of a home where we recently installed a new roof. The question essentially was “My roof looks like that, but its only 12 years old and seems to be holding up pretty well. How can I tell the difference between a roof that shows a little wear and tear, but is basically good, and a roof that needs to be replaced?”
It’s a good question. Here is the roof in question. Let me explain what we look at when we inspect a roof like this:
Looking at this aerial photo of the roof, there are several warning signs that suggest it may be approaching the end of its service life or need a new roof installed soon even though there are no missing shingles or major damage:
1. Widespread granule loss / discoloration
- The roof surface shows uneven dark streaks and lighter areas. This is often a sign that the protective granules on asphalt shingles have worn away, exposing the underlying material to UV damage.
- Loss of granules shortens shingle life and reduces water resistance.
2. Streaking and algae growth
- The visible dark vertical streaks are consistent with algae or mildew, which thrive in Florida’s humid climate.
- While staining itself doesn’t mean structural failure, it indicates prolonged moisture retention and an aging roof surface.
3. Potential vent and penetration issues
- Several vents are visible on the main slope, but a closer inspection revealed potential problems with the seals.
- As roofs age, flashing and seals around penetrations often deteriorate, leading to leaks during heavy rain.
4. Shingle aging and uniform wear
- The roof doesn’t show isolated damage, instead the wear is consistent across most of the roof.
- This uniform deterioration suggests the entire roofing system is aging rather than a localized issue that can be spot-repaired.
5. Evidence of prior work or patch repairs
- The difference in shading near the ridge may indicate prior patching or sections replaced at different times.
- This can indicate there are other areas of the roof which, while not damaged enough to require repair, may have minor damage which cause the roof to age more quickly than normal.
Why roofs like this may need replacement soon
To be clear, many roofs like this one may not be leaking or in danger of imminent failure. In Florida, asphalt shingles typically last 15-20 years unless they’ve been through some major storms. Discoloration, granule loss and algae streaking start to become more evident at or past the shingles’ mid-life. The key is to replace your roof before a leak occurs. Leaks are bad news. They can damage the decking of the roof, cause mold, damage ceilings, drywall and floors. When your roof begins to show signs of serious aging, it’s a good time to begin planning to replace it.
If you have any question about your roof, Give Eave & Gable Roofing a call. We have very knowledgeable and friendly roof inspectors who can climb on your roof or get into your attic to let you know the condition of your roof. If it has a few more years left, or only needs some spot repairs, they’ll let you know. If it’s getting to the end of its life, they can give you a free, no-obligation quote and discuss financing options with you. Call today at (407) 309-7007 or complete the form on this page.
FAQs
Q: What are the warning signs my Florida roof needs to be replaced?
A: Look for widespread granule loss, dark algae streaks, curled or missing shingles, and uniform wear across the roof. These signs suggest the roof is nearing the end of its life.
Q: How does Florida’s climate affect roof lifespan?
A: Florida’s intense sun, heavy rains, humidity, and hurricane-force winds accelerate roof aging. Asphalt shingles may last only 15–20 years compared to 25–30 years in milder regions.
Q: Should I repair or replace my aging roof?
A: Minor leaks or isolated damage may be repairable, but if wear is widespread, a full roof replacement is usually the safer, more cost-effective choice in Central Florida.