Signs You Need a New Roof

While roofs are a major investment, most of them can last for several decades, depending upon the type of roofing material you use. An asphalt shingle roof can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. The life expectancy of a wood shingle roof could be up to 40 years. 

Roofs are built to last but there comes a time when you’ll need a new roof. A roof can sometimes naturally reach the time when it needs to get replaced. In other circumstances, you might experience a roof failure. 

It’s important to know the signs when you need roof replacement or repairs. This guide will discuss the top signs to pay attention to so you know when it’s time for a new roof. 

Your Roof Is Damaged

Even if your roof was installed in recent years, it’s still good practice to visually inspect it. Major weather events and other factors can cause damage to your roof. Some examples of damage might include:

• Buckling or curling shingles
• Missing shingles
• Cracked or thin shingles 
• Areas that are worn or dented 

Look for areas of your roof that are more susceptible to getting damaged. This might include your roof slopes that are exposed to direct sunlight. Damage to valleys in your roof might make it more likely to leak. 

You should also inspect your downspouts and gutters. If you notice any obvious signs of wear and tear, you’ll want to get in touch with a team of reputable roofing contractors. 

Your Roof Has Reached the End of Its Lifespan

As we mentioned earlier, how long your roof lasts depends upon its material. In addition to wood and asphalt shingles, roofs can be made from the following materials:

• Concrete or clay tiles
• Slate 
• Metal

A clay tile roof has the longest lifespan, with some roofs lasting up to 100 years. If your roof is reaching the end of the average lifespan for the material, you might want to get in touch with a local roofing company. You might need a full roof replacement or roof repair. 

If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, you can overlay your current roof. Overlaying refers to when a new layer of roof shingles gets installed over the previous ones. This option tends to be less expensive than a complete roof replacement. 

Keep in mind that most roofing contractors will recommend tearing out the old roof.

Your Neighbors Are Getting New Roofs

We don’t recommend replacing your roof just because your neighbors are. However, if you live in a subdivision or development, your home might’ve been built at the same time as the ones around it.

Most of these houses use the same type of roofing materials. That’s because the builder probably purchases the materials in bulk. 

If the homes around you are starting to replace their roofs, it might be time to contact local roofers. They can determine if it’s time for you to replace yours as well. 

There’s Grit in Your Gutters

There are granules or grit embedded in the surface of asphalt shingles. These substances form a barrier between the shingle and the sun. 

A little bit of the grit will loosen up and slide off over time, especially when the roof is freshly installed. If you start to notice more granules gathering in your gutters every winter, you might have issues with your roof. Your shingles will get backed by the sun and start to warp without the granules. 

Your Roof Is Drooping or Sagging

Saggy or droopy spots in your roof are a sign that your decking is starting to weaken. A roof’s decking usually starts to give out if it’s been exposed to moisture. You’ll need to look into replacing a roof if this happens. 

If it’s safe for you to do so, try to walk on your roof. If your roof feels bouncy or spongy, get off of your roof and contact a contractor. 

Daylight Is Peeking Through 

An obvious sign that your roof is having problems is if you can see daylight while in your attic. Sunlight shouldn’t stream through the roof boards. 

Look for signs of moisture in the attic as well. Wet insulation or water stains might indicate that you have a leaky roof. 

Vegetation Is Growing on Your Roof

Moss and other green materials growing on your roof don’t always mean it needs to get replaced. It does mean that you need to get your roof cleaned. 

Plant life can result in serious damage to your roof. It can also encourage other things, like pests, to move up to your roof. 

You only need a few things to clean your roof:

• Cleaning solution 
• Hose
• Broom
• A ladder

There Are Shingles In Your Yard

If your roof is starting to deteriorate, you might begin to notice little chunks of shingles in your yard. Shingles don’t usually come off in one big strip. It’s not always straightforward to figure out where the shingle pieces are coming from. 

If you’ve recently experienced a couple of windstorms and found small pieces of roof shingles, you might need to inspect your roof. 

Your Shingles Are Curling 

Your shingles might being to tell you that it’s time for a roof replacement. The shingles might be starting to:

• Claw
• Curl 
• Cup

Curling and cupping look almost the same. It means that the shingle edges are starting to peel away and point upward. Clawing is when the middle of a shingle begins to lift. 

None of these phenomena are a good sign. They could get caused by:

• Age
• Poor ventilation 
• Faulty installation 
• Extreme temperatures 

Partner With a Reputable Roofing Contractor for a New Roof

A new roof is a major investment, but not one that you’ll have to do very often. Roofs are designed to withstand the elements and last for many years. Protect your home, your loved ones, and your belongings by contacting an experienced roofing contractor. 

Did you find this article helpful? Check out one of our other blogs for more tips and tricks for your upcoming home improvement projects.