Sometimes it’s the older, less flashy roofs that hold up just because someone actually gets up there and gives them a once-over every year.
Funny thing is, I’ve seen some of those “old-timer” roofs outlast brand new ones, but I wouldn’t give all the credit to maintenance. Sometimes it really does come down to how the roof was put on in the first place. I’ve torn off 30-year-old three-tabs that were nailed right and still hanging on after hurricanes, while fancy architectural shingles next door peeled off like a bad sunburn. Around here (Gulf Coast), starter strips and how well the decking’s nailed seem to matter more than anything else when the wind picks up. Ridge vents do go flying, but I’ve also seen valleys leak first if they’re not flashed right. Maybe it’s just luck... or maybe it’s just who had the better roofer on install day.
Maybe it’s just luck... or maybe it’s just who had the better roofer on install day.
I keep wondering about this too. My house is only a few years old, but after the last storm, I noticed a couple shingles curled up while my neighbor’s 25-year-old roof looked untouched. Is there any way to tell if my roof was installed right without pulling it apart? Or is it just a waiting game until something leaks?
Is there any way to tell if my roof was installed right without pulling it apart? Or is it just a waiting game until something leaks?
You can spot some signs from the ground—look for uneven shingle lines, exposed nails, or missing flashing. Curled shingles on a newer roof are a red flag, honestly. Sometimes it’s poor installation, sometimes just cheap materials. I’ve seen 30-year-old roofs outlast brand new ones just because the crew took shortcuts. It’s not always luck, but you won’t know for sure until you get up close or something fails.
You can spot some signs from the ground—look for uneven shingle lines, exposed nails, or missing flashing. Curled shingles on a newer roof are a red flag, honestly.
That’s mostly true, but I’d add a few more things you can check without tearing into anything. First, grab a pair of binoculars and look for shingle tabs that aren’t laying flat or seem to be lifting at the edges. That’s usually a sign they weren’t nailed right or the adhesive didn’t seal. Also, check your gutters for a lot of granules—if you see piles after a storm, that’s not a great sign for a newer roof.
If you’ve got attic access, poke your head up there after a heavy rain. Look for any damp spots or daylight peeking through around vents and chimneys. Sometimes leaks show up there before you ever see a drip inside.
Honestly, even if it survived a hurricane, that doesn’t always mean it was installed perfectly. I’ve seen roofs hold up in one storm and then fail in the next because of hidden shortcuts. If you’re really worried, a roof inspection by someone who knows what to look for is worth the peace of mind. But yeah, sometimes it is just a waiting game...
I get what you’re saying about checking for granules and peeking in the attic—makes sense. But how much granule loss is actually “bad” for a roof that’s only a couple years old? I noticed some after the last storm, but it wasn’t like handfuls or anything. Also, if you see a little daylight around vents, is that always a leak risk or just normal? I’m still figuring out what’s worth stressing over and what’s just part of having a roof in Florida.
