5 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
It’s not always easy to know whether or not you need a new roof. Of course, there are obvious signs, such as a leak in your home or major storm damage, but what else tells you that a roof replacement is in order?
The following five signs provide major insight into the health of your roof. By evaluating each individual component along with the assessment of a professional roofing contractor, you can know what the next best step is for your roof.
Your Roof Is Showing Its Age
The typical life expectancy of asphalt roofs is about 20 years. This depends on the quality of the craftsmanship and materials as well as whether or not the old roof was removed.
Ventilation also plays a role when it comes to your roof showing its age. If your current roof was installed over an existing roof, chances are your ventilation isn’t optimal and this could be causing excess heat in the structure of the roof.
You may need a new roof sooner if your current roof was placed over an old roof, and especially if your roof is over two decades old!
Your Roof’s Shingles Are in Rough Shape
When shingles are curled, cracked, missing, or even bubbling, it could be that your roof has reached the end of its life.
If you have shingles that are only showing wear in specific areas, investigate those areas with the help of a roofing contractor to determine the cause. If your entire roof is showing shingle wear, it’s time to consider a roof replacement.
If your roof isn’t old but its shingles are still showing damage, contact your roofing contractor or the manufacturer of your shingles, as this could be a defect and you may be entitled to a reimbursement.
Granules Are Missing
Granules help keep shingles resistant to damage and wear, thus playing a major role in the lifespan of your roof.
If your gutters contain a significant amount of granules, your roof might be approaching the need for replacement. You might even be seeing darker areas on your roof. While dark streaks can be indicative of algae, dark areas or patches could point to missing granules and therefore compromised roof shingles.
When the shingle’s granules are missing, the shingle won’t be able to properly do its job. Shingles tend to lose more granules as they age, so the amount of granules you’re seeing could help you know whether or not you need a new roof.
Your Flashing Is Damaged
Flashing around chimneys and roofing vents play an instrumental part in keeping water out of these important areas on your roof.
If your flashing is aged and consists of tar (or even cement), it might be time to consider a roof replacement that incorporates a metal flashing system, which can help create a seamless barrier and prevent leaks.
Your Roof’s Structure Is Compromised
If your roof feels spongy or bouncy while walking on it, the underlying structure might be damaged from moisture.
You can investigate your attic to see if daylight is coming through the roof boards or to check for moisture in the insulation. If your roof’s structure is compromised, this is unsafe for your home and should be promptly evaluated by a professional roofing contractor.
Are you seeing these signs on your home’s current roof? If so, it might be time for a new roof. An assessment from a professional roofing contractor can help you know for sure. Get in touch with your local roofing professionals to evaluate the status of your current roof!