Is It Time For Home Roof Replacement
Knowing when to replace your roof isn’t always obvious. When it comes to home roof replacement, sometimes the subtler signs can reveal the most information about your roof’s current condition. During your roof’s lifetime, look for the signs that go deeper than the age of your roof and reveal whether or not it’s time for home roof replacement.
If your roof is nearing 20 years old and showing its age, look for the following warnings that home roof replacement could be necessary!
Dark Stains May Mean Time For A New Roof
We’ve all seen those dark stains on the roofs of homes. These stains are unsightly and are often more than just an ugly surface—they’re actually algae that grows on roofs that reside in shady places. Any roof can fall victim to these stains, however. Although these marks by themselves aren’t often problematic enough to warrant a new roof, the moisture that the algae encourage can lead to the need for home roof replacement.
Although you can remove the algae with a cleaning solution, the growth will still return. Talk to your professional roofing contractor about preventing this algae—there are algae-resistant shingles that contain granules made out of metal that will help prevent the growth. Your roofer can help you decide if shingles that repel algae are right for your next home roof replacement!
The Shingles Are Cracked
Cracked shingles are never a good sign—they can make your roof susceptible to leaks. Over time, the temperature changes that your roof experiences can often cause shingles to expand and tear as they age, therefore leading to what you see as “cracking”. This problem could also be traced back to other causes, but regardless of the reason, you may need to consider home roof replacement if you see cracked shingles.
The Edges Are Curling
If the edges of your shingles are curling, this is a sign that your roof is reaching its maximum age and you should start thinking about a home roof replacement.
Curling shingles are problematic because they’re more susceptible to cracking or tearing, therefore allowing water inside during your next rainstorm. They may also be indicative of a problem with ventilation, meaning you have a deeper issue that’s causing the problem. When your shingles are curling, whether inward or outward, it could be time for home roof replacement.
Missing Granules
Granules on a roof’s shingles prevent damage from the sun’s rays. Extra granules are often shed after a new roof replacement, but they’re also commonly shed as the roof ages. However, if you’ve had your roof for upwards of 20 years and are seeing more and more granules with each gutter cleaning, it’s time for home roof replacement.
Granule loss happens for a variety of reasons. The most common is just aging of the roof and natural wear and tear from the roof doing what it’s supposed to do—protect your house and keep it dry. Moss on your roof can actually promote moisture which can damage granules as a result of freezing over time. Granule damage is indicative that a home roof replacement may be needed.
Regularly inspecting your roof for signs of damage is an important part of knowing when it’s time for home roof replacement. By evaluating your shingles as well as their granules, you can tell if your roof has reached the end of its life. Also be on the alert for moss or algae, both of which can cause moisture retention and roof damage over time. Is it time for your home roof replacement? Consider these signs!
