Warning Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced
Damaged shingles, loose flashing… easy enough to ignore. Leaks… not so much. But these are all common indicators your roof needs to be replaced. A roofing contractor can easily spot these problems, plus others you probably would never know about until it’s too late. But even when homeowners DO know about a roof problem, too many will put off taking care of it until there’s literally a downspout in their living room (and now you’re not just replacing a roof, but soggy drywall, moldy insulation, rotting wood and other structural elements of your home).
As a homeowner, the key is catching it early and accepting that your house roof needs to be replaced. While high-end roof materials like slate, tile, and metal can last a lifetime, roofs covered in asphalt shingles (which is 75% of American homes) have a limited lifespan. Asphalt roofs, especially the ones installed 30 years ago or more, start failing in 15 years. Quality Built Exteriors installs only Owens Corning roofs, which are guaranteed for 30 years (with a full warranty, meaning if it fails at year 29, you could get a whole new roof for free. Most other roof warranties are pro-rated).
So, is it time to invest in a roof replacement? Here are some key warning signs that will help you decide:
Leaks
One of the most evident roof failure signs in the home is water damage—which starts in the attic but might not be noticed until it’s coming through the wall or ceiling. However, roof leakage alone is not enough to warrant the entire house roof having to be replaced. Before you replace your roof, make sure the leak is not due to problems with a skylight, vent, or chimney flashing. Why replace the entire roof needlessly?
Attic Light
Since you probably don’t want to climb on top of your roof, you still can learn a lot from inspecting underneath it. Go into your attic during daytime and look for light shining through the dark attic. These will help you find exposed or thin spots in the roofing. But make sure the light is not simply coming from your vents!
Loss of Granule
Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass or felt mats that are covered with asphalt and topped in ceramic granules. These materials protect your home from the sun’s rays, and when singles start getting old, the granules become loose and fall off. Check if your shingles appear less “gritty” than they used to be (or than your neighbor’s shingles), and look for uneven areas where there should be full coverage.
Damaged Shingles
Curled, missing, or cracked shingles are among the most common signs that your roof is aging. Although a few damaged shingles might not warrant the entire roof to be replaced, it’s a sign that your roof is getting old and will be vulnerable in the coming days.
Asphalt shingles are made to stick to shingles below them, but over time, wind-blown debris and water will begin to weaken the seals. If your shingles look lifted or separated, that’s a good indicator a new roof is in your future.
Moss and Algae
Moss and algae on your roof can be unsightly, but aren’t cause for immediate alarm. However, if left for years without regular cleaning, they can eat away the granules in your shingles, weakening the roof. Your safest (and most attractive) course of action is to get the roof cleaned as soon as you notice these substances forming.
Loose Flashing
Flashing—a metal flange placed around anything sticking up from the roof, such as your chimney, vent, or skylight—forms a watertight seal. But over time, flashing will pull away from the roof, leaving gaps where water can trickle in.
Always check your roof to ensure that flashing is fully sealed above the vents, skylights, chimneys, and below the shingles.
At Quality Built Exteriors, we specialize in everything to maximize your home’s longevity and curb appeal. You can learn more about us here: https://www.qualitybuiltexteriors.com/.
Quality Built Exteriors
929 Ventures Way
Suite 109 Chesapeake VA 23320
(757) 389-5519
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