Often, homeowners ask our A.O. Roofing team how to tell if their Central Florida home’s roof is too old. Once we show them what to look for, they quickly notice the visual red flags themselves. To help you easily find them at your residence, here are the signs your roof is nearing the end of its life.
Visual Red Flags of an Old Roof
A home’s roof will always show you any structural irregularities due to aging. Whether it’s recent or long-term decay, this checklist can help identify any red flags. To determine if what you found is an isolated issue or part of a larger problem, a professional roof inspection is recommended.
Granule loss – Widespread granule loss signals UV damage and faster aging. Look for bald spots or piles of colored debris in gutters and at downspouts.
Curling or cracking shingles – Edges that curl, tabs that split, or fish-mouth blisters are signs that the shingle has dried out and lost its flexibility.
Exposed mat or fiberglass threads – Finding black mats or shiny fibers means your roof’s protective layer has worn away. The shingles must be replaced.
Soft or spongy decking – The area under a roof’s shingles is the decking. If it sinks slightly or feels soft when you step on it, you may have layers separating, splitting, flaking, peeling, or blistering.
Widespread flashing fatigue – Check for cracked rubber boots, loose counter-flashing, missing kick-outs, dried sealant, or rusting around your roof. Step, counter, chimney, and pipe-boot flashings often wear out before the shingles do.
Timeline to Take Action
- Week 1: Prioritize safety and documentation. Get a photo-rich inspection (roof + attic).
- Week 2: Decide repair vs. replace and request an itemized scope either way.
- Weeks 3–4: Collect 2–3 comparable bids (same materials, flashings, ventilation, and code items). Confirm lead times for materials and schedule.
Is Your Central Florida Roof Near the End of Its Life?
A.O. Roofing Services offers advanced recovery solutions to restore and protect your property. Contact us today for expert service that streamlines the process and ensures long-term durability.
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