Top 6 Signs Your Home Needs a Roof Replacement

Caring for your home starts from the outside in. The exterior of your home should be beautiful, but more importantly, it should protect your interior. That starts with your roof. A well-kept, properly installed roof can last for years and keep your home in its best shape. But your roof also faces an onslaught of weather conditions, changes in temperature, and debris from trees or wind. So, no matter how well you care for your roof, eventually, it will need to be replaced. As a professional roofing contractor, our team wants you to be aware of the signs that indicate you may be in need of a roof replacement.

Signs of Roof Decay

Proper roof care entails clearing your roof and having it professionally inspected at least once a year if not twice. A professional roofing contractor will be better able to assess damage and give you an idea of remediation solutions. However, you should continually inspect your roof for signs of damage, especially after storms or harsh weather.

1. Broken or Curling Shingles

Dented, cracked, or curled shingles are some of the most obvious signs of roof deterioration. As weather and physical impact from tree branches or other debris take their toll on your roof, your shingles start to give way or experience loss of granules. The larger the area of damage, the more likely your roof will require a full replacement. Have a professional assess your roof if you notice shingle damage. A contractor can more accurately judge if repairing the problem will suffice or if a full replacement will be necessary for proper property protection.

2. The Age of Your Roof

Time is a good indication of needing a roof replacement. Depending on the material your roof is comprised of, a typical roof lasts upwards of 20 to 30 years. Over that time, your roof may need repairing, but as your roof ages and experiences issues, a full roof replacement will become necessary. The older your roof is, the more likely that replacement will be. Know your manufacturer’s guidelines so you can ensure you’re protecting your home with the best roof possible. Different roofing materials are expected to last for a certain number of years. Here’s our brief reference guide:

• Asphalt shingles— 15 to 30 years
• Synthetic shingles— 20 years
• Wood shakes/shingles— up to 30 years
• Clay tile roofing— 50 to 100 years
• Metal sheets— 40 to 70 years

These timeframes are not set in stone. The lifespan of a roof should also factor in wear from weather, home location, and both external and internal conditions.

3. Sagging or Bowing

If your roofline has a slight bow or sag to it, then the structure of your roof might be failing. It could be the shingles themselves or something even more severe, like the roofing beams or overall structure.

4. Moss Growth

Moss growing on roof shingles can be a clear indication of moisture damage. It may indicate where a roof is not properly draining and water is settling, or it may indicate moisture has penetrated to the barrier layers of your roof. Have areas of moss growth thoroughly inspected and treated.

5. Interior Water Stains

Because your roof’s job is to protect your home’s interior, the signs of wear are not limited to your exterior. Problems can manifest inside your home. Water stains on the ceiling or siding indicate that exterior moisture is making its way into your interior. You should contact a professional immediately at signs of interior water damage.

6. Sparse or Missing Shingles

Looking from the inside out, your attic can tell you a lot about the state of your roof. If you notice areas where light can penetrate into your attic space, you likely have missing shingles. Check areas around your chimney, skylights, or roof valleys.

What’s the Worst that Can Happen?

As we mentioned before, having your roof professionally assessed can help you determine if a roof replacement is necessary for your home. Sometimes, roof repairs can provide a sound roofing solution, but nothing can beat a full roof replacement. Avoiding a replacement when it is needed can lead to even greater home damage, costing you more in the long run. Not replacing your roof at the appropriate time can allow or even trap moisture in your home, leading to structural water damage, wood rot, or potentially even health concerns.

Benefits of a Roof Replacement

While replacing your roof keeps your home from even greater damage, it also:

• Protects your home’s interiors from moisture damage
• Adds protection for your siding and foundation
• Keeps your home looking its best
• Adds value to your property

Take the Stress Out of Your Replacement

Your roof does not have to be a source of worry. You have too much on your plate to stress about the state of your shingles. With the right roof tune-up or replacement, you can go back to loving your home. Our team wants your replacement process to be simple. We won’t just give you a quote and leave. We take the time to explain the process so you can know what to expect from start to finish. If you’re considering a roof replacement, get more information on our roofing services today.