It\u2019s not always easy to know whether or not you need a new roof<\/strong>. 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?<\/p>\n 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<\/em>, you can know what the next best step is for your roof.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ventilation also plays a role when it comes to your roof showing its age. If your current roof was installed over an existing roof<\/a>, chances are your ventilation isn\u2019t optimal and this could be causing excess heat in the structure of the roof.<\/p>\n You may need a new roof sooner<\/em> if your current roof was placed over an old roof, and especially if your roof is over two decades old!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s time to consider a roof replacement.<\/p>\n If your roof isn\u2019t old but its shingles are still showing damage, contact your roofing contractor<\/em> or the manufacturer of your shingles, as this could be a defect and you may be entitled to a reimbursement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If your gutters contain a significant amount of granules, your roof might be approaching the need for replacement.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n When the shingle\u2019s granules are missing, the shingle won\u2019t be able to properly do its job. Shingles tend to lose more granules<\/em> as they age, so the amount of granules you\u2019re seeing could help you know whether or not you need a new roof.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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<\/strong> and prevent leaks.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\nYour Roof Is Showing Its Age<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>The typical life expectancy of asphalt roofs is about 20 years. This depends on the quality of the craftsmanship and materials<\/strong> as well as whether or not the old roof was removed.<\/p>\nYour Roof\u2019s Shingles Are in Rough Shape<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>When shingles are curled<\/strong>, cracked, missing, or even bubbling, it could be that your roof has reached the end of its life.<\/p>\nGranules Are Missing<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Granules help keep shingles resistant to damage and wear, thus playing a major role in the lifespan of your roof.<\/p>\nYour Flashing Is Damaged<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Flashing around chimneys and roofing vents play an instrumental part i<\/em>n keeping water out of these important areas on your roof.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Your Roof\u2019s Structure Is Compromised<\/h3>\n