For many homeowners in Edmonton, a quiet afternoon can quickly turn into a stressful one with the realization that their roof is failing. That familiar feeling of seeing a curling shingle or a tell-tale water stain on the ceiling can lead to a sense of dread.
While asphalt shingles have been the go-to choice for decades, they simply have a limited lifespan, especially when faced with Alberta’s unforgiving climate of intense sun, heavy snow, and high winds. Waiting for a major leak to appear before taking action is not a gamble you want to take.
This guide will walk you through the most common signs that your old roof is failing and why it’s a perfect time to consult with a professional metal roofing company to explore a long-term solution.
1. Old Age and General Wear & Tear
This is perhaps the most obvious sign, but it’s often overlooked. A typical asphalt shingle roof has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years, even with diligent maintenance. If your roof is nearing this age, it’s living on borrowed time.
While it may not be showing catastrophic signs of failure, its protective layers are wearing down, and its ability to withstand the elements is significantly compromised. At this point, any repair is just a temporary fix for a problem that is going to get worse.
Investing in another short-term asphalt roof can seem appealing, but it only prolongs the inevitable and forces you to face the cost and hassle of a full replacement again in another 15 years.
2. Cracked, Curled, or Buckling Shingles
This is a clear visual indicator that your roof is in distress. Asphalt shingles are designed to lie flat and create a tight, uniform surface. When they start to curl at the edges or crack down the middle, it means they are losing their flexibility, and the seal that prevents water from seeping underneath has been compromised.
Curling shingles can be caused by heat and moisture, while cracking is often a sign of cold weather and brittleness. Buckling, on the other hand, often points to an issue with the underlayment or with moisture trapped in the roof deck.
All of these signs are a signal that the integrity of your roof is failing, making it a prime candidate for leaks.
3. Missing Shingles or “Bald” Spots
After a strong windstorm, it’s not uncommon to see a missing shingle or two on the ground. This is a red flag that your roof is nearing the end of its life. As shingles age, the fasteners that hold them in place can loosen, and the shingles themselves become brittle and are more easily torn off by high winds.
Bald spots, areas where the granular coating has worn off, are another clear sign of a failing roof. The granules on an asphalt shingle are its first line of defence against UV radiation from the sun.
Once they wear off, the asphalt is exposed and begins to deteriorate rapidly, accelerating the roof’s demise.
4. Granules in the Gutters
The granules that protect your shingles from the sun don’t just disappear; they get washed off by rain and often end up accumulating in your gutters. A small number of granules is normal, especially on a new roof.
However, if you are noticing a large amount of sandy, black material in your gutters after a storm, it’s a sure sign that your shingles are losing their protective layer.
This leaves the underlying asphalt exposed and vulnerable to the elements, drastically reducing the roof’s lifespan and leaving your home open to damage.
5. The Most Obvious Sign: Leaks or Water Stains
This is the most undeniable sign that your roof has failed. Water stains on your ceiling, walls, or a drip from a light fixture are all symptoms of a significant leak. Water can enter through damaged shingles, flashing around chimneys or vents, or compromised underlayment.
By the time you see a stain, the leak has likely been happening for a while, and the damage to the underlying structure could be more extensive than what is visible. A leak is not a problem to be ignored; it requires immediate attention and is a definitive sign that your old asphalt roof is no longer performing its most important function.
The Permanent Solution: Why Metal Is the Right Upgrade
Recognizing the signs of a failing roof is only the first step; the next is choosing a permanent solution. While you could opt for another asphalt shingle installation, you’re just resetting the clock on the same problems you’re currently facing. Instead, a residential metal roofing installation is a long-term investment that provides a true and lasting solution.
Metal roofing is designed to outlast and outperform asphalt shingles in every category. It has a lifespan of 40 to 70 years or more, meaning you may never have to worry about a roof replacement again. It is incredibly durable, resistant to high winds, fire, and rust. It sheds snow and ice easily, preventing the costly damage caused by ice dams in winter.
Furthermore, modern metal roofs are highly energy-efficient, with reflective coatings that can lower your cooling costs in the summer. Making the switch from a failing shingle roof to a permanent metal one is an investment that pays for itself in avoided repair costs, energy savings, and most importantly, peace of mind.
Stop Patching, Start Protecting
Your roof is the most important element of your home’s defence against the elements. Ignoring the signs of a failing asphalt roof is a gamble that could lead to extensive, expensive damage. Instead of spending money on temporary fixes or patching a roof that is at the end of its life, consider investing in a long-term solution. A new metal roof, from Stahl Roof Systems, provides unmatched durability, longevity, and a return on your investment that traditional materials simply can’t match.
Don’t wait for the next storm to reveal just how vulnerable your home is. If you’ve noticed any of these five signs, it’s time to take action. Contact Stahl Roofing today for a free consultation and let us help you find a permanent solution to protect your home for decades to come.
