It is natural for your roof to age.  The process begins as soon as your shingles are installed, and exposed to the harsh elements of nature.  The sun can raise rooftop temperatures as high as 50-70 degrees above ambient temperature, and the excessive heat will inevitably take its toll.  Ultraviolet radiation from the sun has also been shown to degrade and accelerate the aging of the shingles' asphalt layers.  Other factors such as pollution, hail, snow loads, tree limbs, and people walking on your roof also contribute to the natural aging process.

 

Asphalt shingles will undergo accelrated aging during their first year on your roof.  And while the process slows dramatically after this initial curing phase, the visible effects will become more noticeable over time.  Minor curling, surface cracking, blisters, algae stains, granule loss, and buckling are all signs of aging.

 

 

Curling is the most common phenomenon in some shingles and is not a defect.  It is natural for asphalt to age and asphalt layers to shrink with time.  This shrinkage may result in the slight curling of the edges of the shingles.

 

 

While minor cracks may not be noticeable from the ground, you might spot them whle hanging your Christmas lights.  Intense heat from the sun often allows protective asphalt oils to deplete, causing minor cracks.  Keep in mind that these normal weathering characteristics are not cause for alarm as long as your shingles are still providing the intended protection.

 

 

Occasionally, naturally occurring small circular raised areas known as blisters may appear on your roof.  These pockets may vary in size and be open (exposing the asphalt) or closed.  Blisters are often a direct result of underventialted attics or excessive use of plastic cement.  Closed blisters are not reason for concern as long as your roof is providing the intended protection.  However, open blisters do mean asphalt is exposed and immediate attention is required.

 

 

In moist, humid areas, dark brown or black patches may appear on the roofs.  These streaks result in a dirty rooftop, often more visible on lighter colored shingles.  This naturally occurring stain is caused by algae growth and will not affect the protective qualities of your shingles.  Algae discoloration should not be confused with moss or tree dropings, which typically produce only localized discoloration.