Updated 10/10/23
How Do You Know When To Replace Your Roof?
As a homeowner, one item on the top of your housing to-do list (no pun intended) should be making sure your roof is in good condition and fully protecting your home. If you know your roof is aging, you should replace it as soon as possible. So, how do you know when yur roof needs replacing?
There are several signs that can signify that your roof is no longer healthy. However, if you’re not sure what condition your roof is in, here’s a list of warnings to look for when evaluating your roof.
Sign #1: Missing Shingles
If you see that your roof is missing shingles, your home is being exposed to the elements such as rain, snow, and pests. Over time, your shingles do not hold up to the wind and other weather elements and if they are not properly secured, they will detach from the roof. Depending on how many are missing, it may be best to replace the entire roof.
Sign #2: Shingles Lifting
Shingles can also bend or curl up on the edges or in the middle. If your shingles are not properly secured by nails, the nails could begin to lift, causing your shingles to lift as well. If your shingles are lifting, they are not properly protecting your home from rain, and water damage could occur over time if this problem is not taken care of. You should replace your roof before any more damage occurs.
Sign #3: Cracked Shingles
With the drastic changes in temperature in our area, the shingles can also begin to crack. If your shingles are cracked, they are not properly protecting your home. If you see a handful of your shingles cracked, you may be able to replace them, but if you discover this problem to be happening throughout your roof, it’s best to take action and replace your entire roof.
Sign #4: Shingles Missing Granules
It’s a possibility that your roof may also be deteriorating and one sign of this is noticing bald spots on your roof shingles or granules that are coming off and ending up in your gutters. When you are cleaning your gutters, you may notice a “sand-like” material building up and that is from your shingles. Granules are used to help maintain and protect your shingles, but if they continue to deteriorate, this leaves your roof vulnerable to damage from outside elements. If that’s the case, it’s time to replace your roof.
Sign #5: Streaking
If you start to see dark blue-green build-up on your roof, it’s because your roof has developed algae growth from the weather cycle. It develops a hard, outer coating on your roof, which in turn leaves black stains and feeds on the limestone of your shingles. It only worsens as time passes; the algae traps moisture and causes aging in your shingles along with granule loss. If it continues to be a serious eyesore, your entire roof may need replacement.
Sign #6: Flashing Damage:
Some of the most common leakages that may not be too visible from where you’re standing are metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions. You may have noticed a thin metal material strapped to the wall, chimney, or valley of your roof. That material is crucial to prevent water from entering your home. It is important to keep a close eye on the flashing because even though it can be easily repaired, it can require a tremendous amount of service and repair if not taken care of right away. Further damage could potentially lead to you having to get an entirely new roof.
Sign #7: You Have Stains or Water Marks On The Ceiling
Staining or water marks on your ceiling are a sure sign that your roof is actively leaking. In this case, you’ll want to replace your roof as soon as possible. Signs of moisture include paint pealing, water marks, brown, yellow, or gray stains. You can also check your attic to look for damp rafters or leaks.
Sign #8: A Roof Evaluation Determines Repairs Aren’t Enough
You’ve done your part by having regular roof evaluations and gutter cleanings, but sometimes a roof just wears out and is beyond repair. In these cases, your roof needs replacing.
Signs that Your Roof Needs Replacing
Once you’ve done your part to look for all the warning signs, you can easily determine if it is time to replace your roof. Our experts at Volpe Enterprises are always here to help with any of your roofing needs. Give us a call at 610-539-6730 to schedule your free estimate!
Is your roof damaged? It would be best if you acted quickly. Otherwise, your home belongings could suffer severe structural damage. Learn more about a roof replacement.
