Extreme weather conditions such as hot sun, high winds, ice and snow, and driving rain all take their toll on this vital defense barrier. Some roofs can endure as long as 25 years, but shingles inevitably wear out and break down. From the ground, these indications will assist you to determine whether or not your roof needs to be replaced.

In some cases, a roof’s usable life can naturally terminate without a roof breakdown. You’re undertaking preventative maintenance on your home since it looks old and worn.

However, if a roof replacement is put off, it could lead to more serious issues in the future. So, keep an eye out for these warning signs that you need a new roof. 

You See Light Shining Through Roof Boards 

Inspecting the attic for signs of roof damage is a no-brainer. A problem has been discovered if you can see daylight coming through the roof board’s slats. While you’re up there, keep an eye out for any signs of water damage. It is common for roof leaks to show up as water stains on the roof or in the insulation.

Sagging Roofline

You can tell if your roof needs to be replaced simply by glancing at it. The rooflines of your home must be straight and sturdy. Investigate the cause if you see any sinking, curving, or noticeable sagging. A water-saturated roof deck can create a sagging roofline in addition to construction issues. There is no other choice than to get a whole new roof installed if this is the case.

The sooner you address a drooping roofline and any associated shingle damage, leaks, or water damage, the better. It is possible to have a partial or total cave-in due to saggy roofing.

Curling or Missing Roof Shingles and Tiles

Shingles begin to deteriorate as they get older. The most common symptom is when wood and asphalt shingles have reached the end of their lives that the edges curl. For those who see this happening to more than just one or two straggler shingles, a new roof will be required in the near future.

When a few shingles fall off, it’s a sign that the rest of the shingles are also deteriorating.

Missing tiles on a tiled roof may be an indication of a more severe problem. Whether there are leaks, check to see if the sealants, flashing, and nails need to be replaced. Deteriorating components can cause tiles to move or even tumble out of position.

Rust is the most significant threat to metal roofs, but they can survive an extended period. If you see any signs of rust on your metal roof, you should cure the rust rather than simply paint it. Rust will easily form pin holes if left unchecked for an extended period of time.

Tip: Find out when the roof was last replaced or resealed by looking at your home improvement records. A roof’s lifespan can be determined by its age and the material it is composed of. For example, a conventional asphalt shingle roof lasts between 20 and 25 years, while a roof over an existing shingle layer should be replaced after 20 years of service.

Interior Water Damage

When a roof leak is apparent, it isn’t the only sign. When a roof leaks, water damage can often be seen in the interior of a home. This may appear as streaks, stains, or wet spots on your home’s attic ceiling, walls, or insulation. Other problems, such as a burst pipe, a leaking appliance, or a defective faucet, might result in water damage. You may have a leaky roof if you see it in the attic, on the ceiling or towards the tops of your walls.

Employ a roofing professional to evaluate your roof and determine if it is the source of the leak. Experts can establish how much of a problem there is and the best course of action to fix it. In most circumstances, a new roof will be required.

Debris in the Gutters

Asphalt shingles begin to lose their embedded granules in their final few years of life. Granules and shingle fragments build up in your gutters as your roof nears the end of its useful life. Replacement should be considered sooner if there are more granules. For this reason, it’s critical to get your gutters cleaned at least once every year.

The gutters of clay roofs are clogged with pieces of mortar that have fallen off the tiles and are no longer doing their job of protecting the tiles from the weather.

Storm Damage

Roof replacements are frequently necessitated by storm damage. Storms may wreak havoc on roofs, no matter how well they were maintained prior to the storm. Ice storms, rainstorms, tornadoes, and even derecho storms are all examples of extreme weather.

Homes in places prone to tornadoes or hurricanes are particularly vulnerable to this menace. For example, strong winds can entirely remove shingles off a roof, or lift them and split them. The roof is vulnerable to leaks and UV damage as a result. In the event of heavy rain or snow following a windstorm, moisture can quickly seep through the roof, causing water damage. Wind-borne debris can potentially penetrate the shingles on your roof.

There are a number of reasons why it’s crucial to get your roof checked out as soon as you notice signs of damage or wear and tear. Even though roof damage can be remedied if discovered early, it will worsen quickly if left unattended! The easiest approach to find out if a repair will suffice or if you need a new roof is to get an inspection from a residential roofing company. Free and non-binding inspections are the norm here.

Roof Leaks

The attic is the first place to go if you’re concerned about the need for a new roof. So grab a flashlight and ascend to the roof’s eaves. You can tell whether your roof is leaking by looking for beams of light coming from the top of the home or stains and streaks.

Roofing leaks are one of the most visible symptoms that your roof is nearing the end of its life span. Go up to your attic often, ideally shortly after a rain, to check for roof leaks. Be on the lookout for any symptoms of water incursion in your home, since significant leaks are most likely to start here.

You should also check your roof for ice jams from the outside. Your eaves may become frozen over after the snow on your roof has melted and then re-freeze. Water can run beneath your shingles and into your home as the ice dam continues to build up on your roof.

Even if the leaks are isolated to a single area, you should still have your roof inspected by a professional. Waiting to get your roof fixed could lead to more expensive and time-consuming repairs if the problem worsens. Keep in mind that skilled roofers typically provide low-cost roof inspection services.

Moss 

Temperature and moisture conditions are ideal conditions for moss to thrive on roofs that aren’t exposed to much sunshine. There may be more to moss growth than just a cosmetic problem. The granules on the top of the shingles might be damaged over time in freezing climates due to moss adhering to the roof surface. Remove the moss, but be careful not to damage the shingle surface; the moss will come back.

Contact Paragon Remodeling to learn more about the signs you need a new roof

Roofing is a critical part of your home’s infrastructure and, if neglected, can lead to more costly repairs down the road. By removing moss, checking flashing, and weighing your roof replacement options, you can keep on top of your roofing needs and ensure that it continues to protect your home. If you have any questions or would like more information about roofing replacements, please contact a roofing professional like Paragon Remodeling today. We would be happy to help!