Why Do Asphalt Shingles Fail and How Roof Savers® Can Help
Asphalt shingles remain one of the most common roofing materials across North America. They are attractive, affordable, and simple to install. However, like any exterior surface that faces constant exposure, they eventually begin to weaken. Once shingles start to break down, small issues can quickly turn into leaks or even structural damage.
This guide explains the main reasons asphalt shingles fail and how Roof Savers® can extend your roof’s life through advanced preservation solutions.
1. Age and Natural Wear
Most asphalt shingle roofs last about 15 to 25 years. Heat, sunlight, rain, and temperature shifts slowly dry the shingles out. As they age, they lose flexibility and become brittle. Typical signs include curling edges, cracked shingles, and bare spots where granules have worn away. Once shingles reach this stage, they are more likely to lift in strong winds and allow moisture to get underneath.
2. UV Degradation and Granule Loss
Granules are the tiny mineral coatings that protect shingles from UV rays. Over time, they loosen and wash into gutters. Once the asphalt underneath is exposed to direct sunlight, it dries out and becomes more fragile. The asphalt-to-oil ratio inside the shingle then shifts, and this change makes the shingle harder and more prone to cracking.
Signs include dark patches on shingles, faded color, or large amounts of granules found in gutters.
3. Water Infiltration
When shingles crack, curl, or lose granules, they cannot shed water the way they should. Moisture begins to work its way under the shingles and into the roof deck. Over time, this can lead to soft decking, mold growth, and leaks inside the home. Even small gaps around nails, vents, or flashing can allow water to slowly break down the roofing system.
4. Thermal Degradation
Roofs expand during hot days and contract when temperatures drop. This cycle repeats constantly, and over time it causes cracking, splitting, and loss of flexibility. Poor attic ventilation makes the issue worse because heat becomes trapped under the shingles and speeds up aging.
5. Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Storm Damage
In colder regions, water can freeze inside tiny cracks, expand, then thaw and repeat the cycle. This widens gaps and weakens the structure of the shingles. Hail, high winds, and debris from storms can also bruise, crease, or tear shingles, causing sudden or long-term damage.
6. Installation and Ventilation Problems
Even high-quality shingles fail early when installed incorrectly. Common issues include improper nailing, poor flashing, inadequate underlayment, and limited attic ventilation. These mistakes create weak spots where wind and water can get under the shingles.
How Roof Savers® Can Help Extend the Life of Your Roof
Many aging roofs still have years of life left. Roof Savers® offers solutions designed to protect and strengthen your shingles without requiring a full replacement.
1. Comprehensive Roof Inspections
Every service begins with a detailed inspection to identify UV damage, granule loss, water infiltration, soft deck areas, ventilation problems, and storm or impact issues. This helps determine whether the roof can still be preserved or if replacement is needed.
2. Advanced Roof Preservation With Renueit17®
Here is where Roof Savers® stands apart. Many products on the market only address one or two of the causes behind shingle failure. Roof Savers® uses Renueit17®, a solution designed to target multiple failure mechanisms at once.
Renueit17® includes chemistries that correct the imbalance in the asphalt and oil ratio that develops as shingles age. This helps the shingles maintain flexibility and reduces brittleness. It also contains components that grip the granules and lock them in place, slowing future loss and protecting the asphalt layer underneath.
Automotive grade UV blockers are part of the formula as well. These are the same high-performance inhibitors used in car paint, which allow it to withstand long-term sun exposure. When used on a roof, they help slow UV damage and surface breakdown.
Renueit17® also penetrates into micro cracks that form on aging shingles. It fills these tiny openings, helping reduce the chance of moisture entering and causing water-related damage.
Combined with repairs, sealing, and ventilation improvements, Roof Savers® can add significant life to an existing roof without the expense of full replacement.
3. Clear Guidance When Replacement Is the Better Choice
If a roof is past the point of preservation, Roof Savers® will communicate that clearly. The goal is always to provide the most cost-effective solution for the homeowner.
Protect Your Home and Your Investment
If you are noticing curling shingles, granules in the gutters, or water stains inside your home, it may be time to have your roof assessed. Roof Savers® can identify the causes behind shingle deterioration and determine whether your roof can be preserved with Renueit17® before considering replacement.
Ready to understand the condition of your roof? Schedule a professional assessment with Roof Savers® and get a clear plan to protect your home for years to come.