Signs it is Time for a New Roof

Year after year, the harsh elements take their toll on your home’s most vital structural feature. Roofs suffer damage from the scorching sun, howling winds, and monsoon storms. Even though some roofs have a 25-year lifespan, shingles inevitably deteriorate, age, bend, tear, or just fall apart.

Read on for nine signs that will make it easier to assess the situation from the ground.

The Roof is Almost 25

To find out when the roof was last replaced, look through renovation records or home purchase documents. Those made of asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 25 years. Once that window has passed, the majority of homeowners can start making plans for a new roof. It should be noted that the shingles may not last as long if they were installed on top of an existing layer of shingles. These applications often last only twenty years.

Your Neighbors are Replacing Theirs

The sound of roofing nailers in the area may be a warning for homeowners in developments and subdivisions. Since most projects only add a few homes at a time, the majority of the residences in the neighborhood are similar in age. Additionally, as the materials used in these homes are frequently those that the builder acquired in bulk, the roofs should age similarly. So perhaps “keeping up with the Joneses” is a good idea!

Shingles are Missing

Missing shingles is an ominous sign. This happens when the bottom’s glue starts to separate from the course underneath and the shingle itself begins to deteriorate. In that case, a shingle can easily come off with the proper wind gust. However, it’s not the end of the world if one or two shingles are missing. Improper installation may occasionally be the culprit. A quick repair can usually solve this problem, although the new shingle color might not be an exact match.

Shingles Have Begun to Cup, Curl, or Claw

Cupping, curling, and clawing are a few warning signs that a roof is getting close to the end of its useful life. In both cupping and curling, the ends of the shingles rip away from the courses below them and start to tip upward. Clawing happens when the middle of the shingle lifts off the roof while the ends remain in place. Both of these conditions are bad signs and might be caused by high temperatures, faulty installation, inadequate ventilation, or just old age.

Gutter Grit

Asphalt shingles have grit or granules implanted in their surface; these granules act as a shield between the sun and the shingle. It’s typical for some grit to come loose and fall off (especially when the roof is new). However, if granules are building up in the gutters on a yearly basis, there may be an issue. Without the grit, the sun’s baking heat will cause the shingles to cup, warp, or otherwise degrade.

Split Shingles

It may be easy to see what appear to be cracks spread across two or three shingles from the ground. However, those aren’t cracks. In reality, they are tears caused by repeated heat expansion and contraction cycles. The shingles become larger as the roof warms up in the morning sun. They shrink when the temperature drops. These tiles eventually start to tear, making them the main source of leaks and structural damage.

Pieces of shingle in the yard

Sometimes shingles don’t come off in complete strips. Small pieces of shingles falling to the ground from a failing roof can also be common, and it’s not always clear where they came from. After several windstorms, homeowners who discover small pieces of shingles in their yards should inspect their roofs closely or hire a professional to do so.

Sagging Roof

One of the most obvious indications that you require a new installation is a sagging roof. When there is a structural problem underneath the shingles, such as significant water damage or a damaged rafter, sagging results. To find the source of the issue in either scenario, a contractor will have to take off the shingles and plywood sheathing.

Water Damage

A pretty obvious symptom that the roof is failing to do its job is apparent water damage inside the house. Ice dams, damaged roofs, degraded flashing, or improper installation methods could all be to blame for this damage. Whatever the cause, homeowners should immediately consider replacing or fixing their roofs because leaks don’t go away on their own. Mold growth and pests like carpenter ants could result from a leaky roof.

Does any of this sound familiar? If you’ve seen signs that your roof might be ready for repair or replacement, get in touch. Our team is at the ready to help you assess the best way forward.