Why Do Shingles Go Bad? (And How Much Does a New Roof Cost?)
- Logan Donahue
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home—but let’s be honest, most homeowners don’t think about it until there’s a leak, missing shingles, or visible damage. At BMG Exteriors, we get a lot of calls from people wondering:
“Why are my shingles cracking, curling, or falling off?” “Do I need a new roof—or just a repair?” “How much will a new shingle roof cost?”
This guide breaks it all down, so you know exactly what to look for and when to call in the pros.
Why Shingles Fail Over Time
Even the highest-quality shingles don’t last forever. Here are the most common reasons your roof may start to fail:
1. Age & Sun Exposure
Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 30 years. Over time, UV rays from the sun dry out the materials, causing shingles to crack, curl, and lose granules. If your roof is nearing 20 years old, it’s time to start keeping an eye on it.
2. Poor Attic Ventilation
Your roof needs to breathe. Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture build up in your attic, which can:
Cook the shingles from underneath
Cause your roof deck to rot
Lead to mold and moisture damage
Tip: If your attic feels hot, damp, or musty, your ventilation system may need attention.
3. Wind, Storm, and Tree Damage
We get plenty of wind and heavy storms in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. High winds can:
Break the seal on your shingles
Tear shingles right off the roof
Push water under the shingles, leading to leaks
Hail, heavy rain, and overhanging branches can also speed up wear and tear.
4. Shoddy Installation
Sadly, we see this a lot. A brand-new roof can fail early if it’s installed poorly. Common mistakes include:
Using the wrong nails
Skipping essential flashing
Failing to install underlayment
Ignoring proper sealing techniques
A roof is only as good as the crew installing it, which is why hiring an experienced, reputable roofing company matters.
5. Algae, Mold, and Granule Loss
Those black streaks you see on shingles? That’s algae. And if you notice bald spots where the protective grit is missing, your shingles are breaking down. Without those granules, shingles lose their weather resistance fast.
How Much Does a New Shingle Roof Cost?
We believe in transparent pricing—no gimmicks, no surprises. The cost of a new shingle roof depends on factors like:
Home size and roof pitch
Number of existing layers to remove
Type and quality of shingles
Here’s a general pricing guide for full roof replacements:
Home Type | Estimated Cost |
Small homes | $6,000 – $8,000 |
Average-size homes | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Larger/steep roofs | $12,000 – $18,000+ |
All estimates include tear-off, dumpster, underlayment, flashing, new shingles, ridge venting, labor, and full cleanup.
How to Know If It’s Time for a New Roof
You don’t have to wait for leaks to take action. Call us if you notice:
Missing, lifting, or curling shingles
Granules collecting in gutters or around downspouts
Roofs over 20 years old
Water stains on ceilings or attic walls
Visible sagging or soft spots on your roof
When in doubt, a quick inspection can give you peace of mind.
Why Homeowners Trust BMG Exteriors
For over 30 years, we’ve been helping homeowners across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware protect their homes with quality roofing, siding, and window solutions. Here’s why our customers keep coming back:
Honest assessments — We show you exactly what’s going on
Transparent pricing — No surprise fees or hidden costs
Top-quality workmanship — Installed right the first time
Local expertise — We understand the roofing challenges unique to this region
Most of our business comes from referrals, and that’s something we’re proud of.
Call Mike — He’ll Take Care of You
When you call BMG Exteriors, you won’t get a pushy sales pitch—you’ll get real answers. We’ll:
Inspect your roof
Show you what’s happening
Give you straightforward options
Whether you need a few simple repairs or a full roof replacement, we’ll walk you through every step.
Comments