Top 5 Signs You Need A New Roof
Your roof protects your biggest asset – your home, working hard against the elements year after year. Despite their importance, they are often forgotten until a major crisis happens. A damaged roof can lead to major problems with other parts of your home, often leading to leaks, mold and even structural issues.
By learning the signs of an aging roof, you can plan ahead to have your roof replaced before it reaches the crisis point. Take a look at our list below to learn the top signs your roof needs replacing.
- Your roof is getting old
Traditional asphalt shingle roofs typically have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. If your roof is nearing this age, you should plan on having it replaced in the near future. Roofs constructed of other materials will have different lifespans, but the message is the same: Plan ahead.
Knowing your roof’s history and how it was built can help you determine your timeline for replacement. If the last time your roof was replaced the shingles were installed over your old shingles, the lifespan of your current roof will be significantly diminished. Since overlaying new shingles over old shingles doesn’t address underlying issues, many roofing contractors recommend a full tear-off and replacement. Proper ventilation also leads to a longer roof life because a well-ventilated roof increases air flow and leads to less moisture build-up.
If you have a “young” roof but it is already showing signs of damage, you may be able to get away with repairing it instead of having to do a full replacement. JR Roofing Service can help you make the decisions to give you the best coverage to protect your family.
- Your shingles are old, damaged or just worn out
Look carefully at your shingles. If you notice cracked shingles, or if they are curling, buckling or missing altogether, they have probably reached the point where they can no longer effectively protect your home.
Be extra vigilant after storms with heavy wind or rain, and especially with hail. Do you notice any shingles on the ground around your home? Are there bare spots on your roof? A missing patch of shingles is like having a hole in your jeans: it can’t protect what lies underneath it.
Another sign of aging is granule shedding. Granules are embedded into asphalt shingles as protection against sun damage. Your shingles are exposed to the elements, and some of these granules will be washed off into your gutters. A small amount of granules is normal, but an excessive amount is a problem. Patchy, inconsistent color across your roof is another sign your shingles are loosing too many granules.
- You notice leaks in your home
Leaks often are your first sign that your roof is damaged and needs repair or replacement.
Leaks are often easy to spot because they generally cause visible damage inside your home. Water stains, peeling or bubbling paint, and streaks on the walls are all classic signs of a roof leak.
If you home has an attic, you should climb into the attic on a regular basis to do an inspection to catch any leaks before they damage the interior of your home. Also, be sure to look for shafts of sunlight coming through the roof, since this indicates there are holes in your roof.
Water damage can be catastrophic to even the sturdiest of homes, not to mention very expensive to repair. If you notice leaks or water damage, you should schedule to have repairs done or a replacement roof installed as soon as possible to minimize any damage.
- You have mold or mildew on your walls
Mold often goes with roof leaks; it is an indication of a build-up of moisture. Mold often appears as dark splotchy stains on your walls or wood trimming. Mold caused by roof leaks often grows on the ceiling or high up on the walls of your home because the source of the water originates from the top of the house.
If your home has an attic, take your flashlight up there and do a thorough visual inspection. Be sure to note any unusual smells, also, because mold smells like must or mildew. Just because you can’t see mold doesn’t mean it’s not there.
In addition to visible signs of damage within your home, you may notice moss or algae growing on the shingles themselves. This could be the sign the shingles are too old and are beginning to rot. Old, rotten shingles do not offer protection to your home.
- Your roof is beginning to sag or buckle
If your roof is sagging or buckling, it may be suffering from serious structural problems. This could compromise the whole stability of your home and the safety of your family.
A visual inspection will be your first check for your roof’s structural health. Stand in your driveway, or out on the street in front of your house, get a clear and unobstructed view of your roofline. If the roofline is anything except very, very straight, you may have a problem on your hands. Visible curves, dips and sways are all evidence of a structural issue.
A second inspection in your attic can give you information, also. Look up to where the rafters meet the ridge line (the tip of the triangle). If the shape is anything but a crisp triangle, this could be a sign that the rafters are bowed or the ridge line is dipping. Neither is a good thing.
If you notice any issues such as described above, call JR Roofing Service. We will come out and give you’re a free inspection and estimate of what it will take to get your protection back onto your home. We will assess your roof and let you know if you need simple repairs or a full roof replacement.