Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their home’s roof. Unfortunately, neglecting it can cause significant problems for the rest of your house and lead to costly repairs. So how do you know when it’s time for a new roof? Keep an eye out for these warning signs.
1. It’s Old
Most roofs only last between 15 and 20 years. When a roof gets close to the end of its life, you may start to see subtle issues like missing shingles, curling shingles, or dark/dirty areas on it. If your roof is older or you are witnessing these subtle warning signs, get an inspection ASAP to determine how much life it has left.
2. You See Dark/Dirty Areas On Your Roof
Darker areas usually appear when granules begin to fall off shingles. This means your shingles have aged and should be replaced. Dark patches could also signal algae or moss growth on your roof, which should be removed as quickly as possible.
3. You’re Seeing Missing Shingles
This could be due to storm damage, or it may be because your roof is past its prime. When shingles become loose or fall off, the area becomes exposed and this often leads to roof leaks. This is when it’s time for a new roof.
4. You’re Seeing Signs Of Water Damage Inside Your Home/Attic
If you have water leaking into any parts of your home or attic, there’s a good chance that your shingle underlayment is inadequate or flashing on your roof has deteriorated. Mold and mildew can result from insufficient ventilation and can lead to health problems and costly repairs.
If you are seeing water stains on your ceiling or attic, it’s best to call a professional ASAP to find the source of the problem and get it fixed!
5. You’re Seeing Granules or Sand In Your Driveway
If you have gutters on your home, they can help you spot early roof problems if you know where to look! When shingles are damaged or are beyond their useful life, they will start to lose the granule covering that helps protect your home. These granules can and will wash into your home’s gutters and into your yard or driveway.
If you’re seeing these granules, you should call a professional ASAP. When these granules are gone, your roof’s ability to protect your home is limited.
6. Shingles Popping Up / Exposed Nail Heads
If nails begin popping out of place, the holes and spaces around the nails that remain are susceptible to water penetration and can lead to leaks in the roof. The damage this moisture causes might force you to get a replacement sooner than expected.
7. Roof Shingles Look… Funny
Old shingles start to curl, crack, or blister. That’s often hard to determine from the ground level of your home! If your shingles are damaged, you may start to notice that your roof just looks weird. Some areas may look highly textured compared to others. Your roof may even look “bumpy” from the ground. Either way, if you are seeing these warning signs, you need to call a professional ASAP!
8. Your Roof Is Sagging
A sagging roof could mean several things: it could be weak and deteriorating, it could have been installed improperly, or it might be supporting too much weight (snow, ice, added layers, etc.). Whatever the case, roof sagging is a clear sign that it’s time for a replacement.
If you don’t act soon, it could collapse.
9. You Notice Missing Flashing
Flashing is placed around projections that intersect with your roof, such as your chimney. If the sealing around these structures is broken or damaged, water can easily leak into your home.
10. Increase In Energy Bills
An increase in energy costs could mean many different roofing issues. For starters, moisture in your attic from a leak can quickly ruin your insulation. The destruction of insulation causes heat loss during the winter or cold air to escape during the summer. This disruption is sure to skyrocket your energy bill if left unchecked. Also, it could mean your home has bad attic ventilation, meaning a damaged/leaky roof is letting bad air in and good air out.
Are You Seeing Any Signs?
If your roof is showing any of these signs, it’s time to get an inspection! Contact us today at 855-369-1004 or visit our website to schedule one.
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