This is what a damaged climbing rope looks like...

This is what a damaged climbing rope looks like...

Apart from the fraying, you can feel a kink within the rope, and also see a slight kink.

While it would still probably be fine for certain types of climbing/rigging for a bit longer, best practice is to cut out the damage - potentially giving you two shorter ropes; or a rope that has dropped from 50meters to 40/45meters; depending where the damage is.

A Guide For Climbing Rope Lifespan:

Intensive Use = Less Than 1 Yr

(Sport Climbing/Everyday Climbing/Mountain Guide)

Regular Use = 2 Yrs

(Year Round Weekend Use)

Irregular Use = 3 Yrs

(Seasonal Weekend Use)

Occasional Use = 4/5 Yrs

(Monthly Use)

Unused Rope = 10 Yrs Max

When not in use keep rope cool, dry, shaded and uncoiled; so flaked loosely into a paper bag or wardrobe is good.