Damaged, missing, or cracked roof shingles and leaks are signs you need a new roof. Discover additional signals that it’s time for a roof replacement.
As a homeowner, in addition to having your roof inspected by professionals periodically, you should do a roof inspection each spring and fall, and after major storms come through the area. But while carefully looking, what indicates you need a roof replacement? Read on to discover the signs.
7 Signs that Indicate You Need a New Roof
1. Sunshine peers into your attic
When looking for hints that you need a new roof, begin in your attic. You shouldn’t be able to see the sun through the attic roof (except in spots specifically designed to let light in, such as an attic window). If you can see the sun’s rays making their way into your attic space through holes, you’ve got a roof leak, and it’s time to contact a reputable roofing company and have it professionally inspected. Your roof either needs to be repaired or replaced.
2. Water stains show up in your attic
If you notice moisture stains or streaks in your attic, that’s evidence you have a roof leak. Attic insulation may also be moist, and wood beams inside your attic may be infiltrated with moisture due to the roof leak. You may even smell mold and mildew in the space, indicating a roof leak.
3. Your roof shingles look damaged
Asphalt shingles are installed in an overlay pattern to protect your home from the elements. If they become damaged, moisture penetrates your home — causing leaks, rot, mold, and mildew. If left unaddressed, your home’s structural integrity can even become damaged.
As a homeowner, when you inspect your home’s protective layer for signs of damage, look at your roof shingles carefully. They should lie flat against your roof without signs of cracking or buckling. There shouldn’t be bald spots or missing shingles (indicating your home’s defensive layer is compromised). If you spot misaligned shingles, call a roofer and schedule a professional inspection.
4. Your gutters are not working properly
Your gutters are made to drain water away from your home. When they get clogged, water overflows them and pools at the base of your home, which can damage your home’s structural integrity. Water can also get under your roof shingles and create rot and damage, leading to roof leaks if they go undetected. This can become a severe issue if you don’t address it early.
5. Your roof sags
If your roof looks warped or sagging, you need a replacement in a hurry! The root cause is likely moisture infiltration over a period of time that caused rot and made your roof sag. Inside, you may see more evidence that your roof leaks. You may have water dripping inside your home when it rains, or you may see (and smell) signs of unhealthy mold and mildew. Don’t put off dealing with moisture damage; it can spread and cause even more problems.
6. Your roof is old
If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, make plans to replace it. Go over your records and see when your roof was installed. Research how long that roofing type should last. Roofing wears out over time as it is exposed to rain, snow, hail, sun, and wind. The older your current roof is, the less effective it is at resisting leaks and other damages that can cause trouble in your home.
Asphalt roofing typically lasts 20-25 years. Metal roofing lasts even longer—up to 70 years. Based on their 24/7 exposure to the elements, roofing systems can sometimes wear out before they should.
7. There are water stains on your ceilings
Your roof’s job is to protect your home from the elements; when its components are compromised, it leaks. If you spot water stains on the ceiling of your second floor, contact a roofing contractor to have your roof inspected promptly. It may be time for a roof replacement.
Signs Your Current Roof Is Weakening
If the following items are left unaddressed, they can contribute to the need for a roof replacement.
Granules show up in your gutters and downspouts
After a storm, do you find a pile of granules at the base of your downspouts or in your yard? That indicates that your roof shingles are weakening, and you may need a roof inspection.
The seals on your flashing leak
Flashing is the metal piece placed over seams in your roof to seal them and prevent water intrusion. Flashings around your vents, skylights, and chimneys keep moisture from damaging your home. Leaks occur when their seals weaken, crack, or break.
You have moss growing on your roof
Trapped moisture can ruin your roof. Green moss, black algae stains, and other indications of moss growing on your roof are signs that your roof is absorbing moisture. It’s unsightly and indicates moisture may be lurking under your roof shingles. If you spot moss on your roof, have it inspected by a professional who can get down to the cause of the problem and remove the moss from your roof.
Reliable Roofing for Your Home
If you see signs that you need a roof replacement, contact our dependable team for an inspection. We’ll help you determine if roof repairs will take care of the problem or if it’s time to invest in a new roof.
At Preferred Home Improvement, we install only the finest roofing materials, including customizable and cost-effective asphalt shingles and long-lasting, stunning metal roofing. We’re an Owens Corning Preferred contractor, so you can rest assured that your roof will be installed correctly and you’ll get the long-term performance you deserve.
Take a closer look at our roofing service.
