4 Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Roof

Posted on: 5 August 2021

When it comes to roof damage, it's sometimes difficult to tell how serious the damage is. Roof replacement is a large investment, so you naturally want to be sure it's really needed before you commit to the project. Here are four signs it may be time to replace your roof that every homeowner should learn.

1. Shingle Damage

The condition of your shingles tells you a lot about the overall condition of your roof. Shingles are the first line of defense against precipitation, high winds, mold and algae, and similar causes of roof damage. Damage patterns in your shingles may point to deeper levels of damage in the underlayment or frame of your roof.

Shingles often start to show damage by peeling up at the edges. Large-scale issues like roof rot can cause entire sections of your shingles to peel at once. Keep an eye out for shingles that are cracked, blistered, or missing entirely. If damage is visible from the curb, it may have already progressed to an advanced state.

Asphalt shingles are covered with small granules of stone that give them their color and help to reflect heat and UV radiation. Without these granules, it wouldn't be long before shingles started to deteriorate in the sun's heat. A large amount of granule loss can mean that it's time to replace your shingles. Keep an eye out for loose granules beneath your gutter downspouts after it rains.

2. Attic Leaks

Climbing onto your roof isn't the only way to locate a roof leak. Often, you can identify roof leaks from within your home by inspecting the ceiling of your attic. Leaks in the roof can appear as sun shafts or dripping water in the attic. If you see too many of these, it could be a sign of an underlying structural problem with your roof.

3. Roof Sagging

Sagging in your roof is a sure sign of structural weakness. Sagging frequently occurs near the middle of a roof, especially when the roof's internal bracing has failed. Excess weight caused by heavy ice, snow, or debris on your roof can gradually cause it to sag. Roofs may also sag if they are fitted with too many layers of shingles or with a heavy material like clay or slate that it cannot support.

When replacing a sagging roof, it's a good idea to upgrade your roof's supports to prevent the problem from happening again. Roofing contractors can remove the shingles and sheathing and install larger rafters to increase the load-bearing capacity of your roof. 

4. Outdated Roof

Regular roof inspection and maintenance can extend the life of your roof by several years, but no roof will last forever. The life expectancy of your roof is mainly dependent on the material it's made of. Standard asphalt shingles last 12 to 25 years on average, while architectural shingles may last up to 40 years. Even more durable materials like metal or slate can last nearly a century.

When you move into a new home, finding out the age of your roof should be on your to-do list. If the previous owners can't provide this information, your county government may be able to provide the roof building permit if they are required in your county. If all else fails, a local roofing contractor will be able to estimate the age of your roof and assess its health.

Roof replacement is sometimes the only option to restore your roof, but it isn't a task homeowners have to handle often. Keep these warning signs of roof problems in mind so you can schedule roof replacement before more serious damage occurs.

Contact a company like Select Exteriors to learn more.

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