Asphalt shingle roofs rarely fail all at once. Most of the time, they show warning signs long before water starts coming inside — but those signs are easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for.
In Trenton, many homes and cottages have aging asphalt shingle roofs that are reaching the later years of their lifespan. Spotting problems early can help prevent interior damage and give homeowners time to plan next steps.
Below are five common signs your asphalt shingle roof may need attention.
1️⃣ Sections of New Shingles Mixed With Older Ones
One of the clearest warning signs is when part of the roof has been repaired while the rest remains original.
In the photo shown, a section of the roof has new shingles installed next to much older shingles. This usually means:
Leaks were repaired in one area
The roof is aging unevenly
Other sections may soon start failing
While spot repairs can help temporarily, mixed shingle ages often indicate the roof is nearing the end of its service life.
2️⃣ Curling or Lifting Asphalt Shingles
As asphalt shingles age, they can begin to curl or lift at the edges.
This allows:
Wind to get underneath
Rain to penetrate the roof system
Faster deterioration of surrounding shingles
Curling shingles are a strong indicator that the roofing material is breaking down.
3️⃣ Granule Loss on Shingles
Asphalt shingles are coated with protective granules that shield them from sun and weather.
If you notice:
Smooth or bare spots on shingles
Granules collecting in gutters
Shingles appearing darker or worn
the roof may be losing its protective layer, increasing the risk of leaks.
4️⃣ Repeated Minor Leaks or Water Stains
Water stains on ceilings or walls — even small ones — shouldn’t be ignored.
Repeated leaks often suggest:
Multiple weak points on the roof
Aging materials rather than a single failure
A roof that’s no longer shedding water effectively
Over time, these leaks can lead to interior damage.
5️⃣ The Roof Is Simply Old
Many asphalt shingle roofs installed 20–30 years ago are now past their expected lifespan.
Even if leaks are occasional, age alone can mean:
Reduced protection
Increased maintenance needs
Higher risk during heavy rain or wind
At this stage, planning becomes just as important as repairing.
What to Do If Your Roof Shows These Signs
Not every situation requires immediate roof replacement — especially if renovations are being planned or timing isn’t right.
In some situations, homeowners choose temporary roof protection to prevent further damage while planning long-term repairs.
Protecting the Interior While Roof Issues Are Addressed
Roof problems don’t just affect the exterior. Ongoing leaks can eventually lead to interior issues that require drywall repair near me once the roof is stabilized.
Ceiling damage often appears first around fixtures or penetrations, leading to repairs similar to this ceiling drywall repair in Belleville.
Roof Assessments and Temporary Protection in Trenton
At Comfort Property, we help homeowners in Trenton assess aging asphalt shingle roofs and choose practical solutions — whether that means monitoring, temporary protection, or planning ahead.
Addressing issues early can prevent emergencies and reduce the risk of costly interior repairs.