Is your home showing signs you need a new roof?
Many people don’t spend too much time worrying about their home’s roof. Considering most roof damage happens during a storm, it never surprises us that the classic out of sight, out of mind mentality takes over. Unfortunately, neglecting your roof for too long can cause significant problems for your roofing system and the rest of your home.
Now before you start dialing up your local roofer for a full roof replacement, it is best to make sure it is necessary. That’s why we are breaking down the top warning signs you need a new roof!
Signs You Need a New Roof
1. Your Roof is Past its Prime
Considering most asphalt roofs only last around 20 years (assuming there has been no serious storm damage), the age of your roof is the most obvious sign to look at. If you suspect there has not been a new roof put on your home for over 20 years, it is probably best to start considering replacement.
When a roof gets closer to the end of its life, you will start to see signs of age like missing, curling, or cracked shingles. You may also find dark or dirty streaks and areas on your roof. If you are seeing some of these signs on your roof, your time is up for replacement.
2. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles is typically something you see after a severe storm, however it is possible for shingles to loosen up and fall off over time. Granted, that is only if the shingles are extremely old and worn out. If this is the case, it would be best to call your local roofer for an inspection.
3. Water Stains and Signs Of Water Damage Inside Your Home/Attic
Water damage is the greatest fear of most homeowners and we can’t blame them. With water damage comes mold, rot, and high repair bills. This is why it is crucial to take action the moment you see any signs of water damage.
The most common signs of water damage from the outside are dark areas on the roof, wrinkled shingles, and the obvious cracks or dents letting water in. From the inside, you will notice water stains on the ceiling and upper portions of the walls. If you suspect water damage, it is also good to check your attic. Here you can find more stains, rot, and any mold or mildew that could have been growing due to insufficient roof ventilation.
If you find water damage in your home, it is crucial to bring in a roofing professional as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from being done.
4. Granules in Your Gutters
Have you ever noticed a bunch of coarse granules or sand in your gutters? Odds are you have. While this is normal considering asphalt shingles are designed to have more granules packed onto the shingles to extend their life, an excessive amount of granule loss is concerning.
Excessive granule loss is typically found following a severe storm. If there has not been a severe storm recently and you’re finding a decent amount of granules in your gutters, it could suggest your roof is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
5. Your Roof Is Sagging
A sagging roof is one of the most obvious signs of a major problem. If your roof is sagging, there is a clear structural issue that is either caused by rot, poor craftsmanship, or excessive weight.
Most commonly we see it being causes by the excessive weight of snow and ice. If this is the case, call a professional to remove the snow and ice from your roof as soon as possible.
If it is in the middle of summer and your roof has a serious sag to it, there could be a major structural problem in your roofing system and you should call a professional to ensure it is safe.
6. Popping Shingles and Exposed Nail Heads
One of the most classic signs of an old roof is exposed nail heads and popping shingles. The main problem with this is these exposed nail heads leave holes and small spaces where the nail used to be. This leaves your roof susceptible to leaks if left unattended too.
7. Odd Looking Shingles
As we have mentioned earlier, old or damaged shingles have a tendency to curl, blister, and crack. These are signs are often accompanied by dark spots on the roof and granule loss.
Some of these signs can be tricky to see from the ground, we have seen customers use binoculars or of course the classic ladder will do the trick too. Just make sure to be safe when going up on your roof and if you’re worried about doing it, call a professional for a roof inspection.
9. Missing or Damaged Flashing
One of the most classic cheap roofing tricks out there is to reuse old flashing. While this is obviously bad for a wide variety of reasons, the main issue is there are going to be holes that will let water in. If the flashing was skipped all together, there is ample opportunity for water to seep in the edges of your roof, around vents, or any skylights.
If you suspect there is missing or damaged flashing on your roof, it is best to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent any damage.
10. High or Increased Heating/Cooling Bills
If you just moved into a home and you notice fairly high heating and cooling bills, or maybe your bills just took an unforeseen increase, it is possible there could be an issue with your roofing system. If you suspect the roofing system to be the culprit, the first place you should look is the insulation in your attic. While you are up there, check for any gaps in insulation, what type of insulation is applied (does it look to be enough), are there any signs of leaks, any sign of mold, and finally check if there is enough ventilation.
If everything looks good, the problem could be with your windows, doors, or insulation elsewhere in your home. While high or increased utility bills can be caused by your roof, it is always good to check all the bases before you start shoveling out cash.
Making the Best Choice for Your Home
If you are seeing any of these signs on your roof, it could very well be time to replace it. While it is always tempting to let it go just a little longer, you could be risking more damage and a higher cost in the long run.
If you suspect your roof is at the end of its life, give our team a call at Durashield. We are always at the ready to provide a comprehensive inspection to offer you a solution that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn more!