Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing choices in Burlington and across the United States — and for good reason. They're affordable, durable, and come in a wide range of styles and colors. But like every part of your home's exterior, an asphalt roof breaks down over time, especially when it isn't cared for properly. Below we walk through the most common reasons asphalt shingle roofs fail early, and the steps you can take to get more years out of yours.
Poor Roof Installation
The number-one cause of premature asphalt roof failure is improper installation. Even the highest-quality shingles can't make up for sloppy workmanship. When a roof is installed incorrectly — wrong nailing patterns, poor flashing, inadequate ventilation, or rushed details — it develops leaks and other problems that lead to early deterioration.
That's why vetting your roofer matters as much as the materials you choose. Before you hire anyone, confirm they're experienced, licensed, insured, and willing to stand behind their work. A roof installed right the first time is the single best protection against early failure. Learn more about how we approach asphalt shingle roofing and roof installation in the Triad.
Improper Maintenance
Neglected maintenance is the next biggest culprit. Asphalt roofs need regular inspection, cleaning, and upkeep to stay sound — yet it's one of the easiest things for a homeowner to put off. Small issues like a few lifted shingles, clogged valleys, or worn sealant are cheap to fix today and expensive to ignore.
Because asphalt tends to collect damage more readily than alternatives like metal, staying ahead of it with consistent professional inspection and repair is what keeps the system performing for its full lifespan. A little proactive care goes a long way. Our team offers roof maintenance and fast roof repair to catch problems before they spread.
Weather Conditions
The weather here in the Piedmont Triad is hard on a roof. A few of the ways our climate shortens an asphalt roof's life:
- Extreme temperatures — repeated heating and cooling stresses and degrades the shingle material over time.
- Heavy rain — persistent moisture finds any weak point and turns it into a leak.
- High winds — strong gusts and storms can loosen, lift, or tear shingles right off the deck.
If your home sees a lot of severe weather, it's worth stepping up how often you have the roof looked at. Catching storm damage early prevents it from compounding into a much larger repair — and if a storm has already hit, we handle storm-damage repairs and insurance claims from inspection through final cleanup.
Warning Signs Your Roof May Be Failing
You don't have to climb up to spot trouble. Keep an eye out for any of these:
- Curling, cupping, or buckling shingles
- Missing shingles or bare patches after a storm
- Granules collecting in your gutters or at downspouts
- Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Daylight or damp insulation visible in the attic
- An aging roof that's simply reaching the end of its service life
If you're seeing any of these, it's worth having a professional take a look before the next big rain.
Thinking About an Alternative? Consider Metal.
Asphalt shingles dominate the market, but they aren't the only option. Metal roofing offers decades of added durability and performance — it shrugs off much of the damage that wears out asphalt, while delivering better energy efficiency, lower maintenance, and a longer lifespan. As with asphalt, professional installation is essential to get those benefits. If you're weighing your next roof, it's worth comparing both. See our metal roofing page to learn more.
Talk to a Burlington Roofing Contractor
If you're noticing signs that your asphalt roof is failing, the smartest move is to have an experienced local roofer inspect it before small problems become big ones. Redeem Roofing & Construction has served Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the wider Piedmont Triad since 2016, and our inspections and estimates are always free. Call us at (336) 350-1450 or request your free estimate online — no pressure, no obligation.