How Do I Know if I Need a New Roof?

When it comes to replacing your roof, there are so many small signs that can show your roof's age that many people end up missing them. Just having one of these small issues does not mean that you must replace your roof right away, but it is a sign that the time is coming. Some of these signs may be glaringly obvious, while others may be hidden, so it is always advisable to have a professional inspect your roof so that you know exactly what needs to be done.

Let’s dive into the most common causes of roof replacement, and what causes these issues to begin with:

Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles have been the go-to roofing material for years. Asphalt shingles are equipped with a granule surface that is made up of crushed rock. These granules are not a permanent fixture and can be lost due to many different circumstances, including:

●     Normal aging: This natural cause of granule loss will occur as your roof gets older. As it gets closer to its maximum age range, you will start to notice granules in your gutters and bare spots on your shingles. In an ideal world, this won’t occur until your roof has reached its maximum longevity, but that is not always the case.

●     Hail damage: Many areas of the United States have been plagued with large hail that has proven to be detrimental to roofs. Hail can cause severe damage by pitting the shingles and causing damage to the granules.

●     Adverse weather: Almost any kind of unfavorable weather has the capability of damaging your roof. Wind can lift and detach shingles, rain and snow can cause water damage, and extreme heat can age your roof faster than cooler climates.

Curling Shingles

Something that most people notice as the first sign that their roof needs to be replaced is when shingles start to lift and curl. There are many causes to this occurrence, including:

●     The end of lifespan: This is pretty self-explanatory. Shingles have a set lifespan, and when your roof starts getting closer to the end of this lifespan, the shingles will start to show signs of needing to be replaced, like lifting and curling.

●     Ventilation: Proper roof ventilation allows the intake and outtake of air in your attic, keeping shingles at a desirable temperature. If you do not have the right ventilation installed, then moist air can get trapped in your attic, trapping heat beneath the shingles causing them to start warping.

●     Installing new shingles over old ones: Although this is a fairly common practice, it is not ideal for the longevity of your new shingles. Installing new shingles over old ones can prevent the new ones from sealing properly, resulting in the possibility of them lifting and curling faster than properly installed shingles.

Leaky Pipe Boots, Roof Vents and Chimneys

A pipe boot is a type of flashing that is used around pipes that exit through the roof. Over time these fixtures can start decaying, allowing water to enter through the roof around these pipes.  Also check your roof vents and chimneys for leaking.

Seeing Sunlight in Your Attic

If you go up into your attic and are able to see sunlight peeking through your roof boards, then it is probably time to replace your roof. As the shingles age and maybe even start to curl and fall off, you may be able to see a little light through the roof boards. At this point of deterioration, it is time to have a professional come in to inspect your roof.

Sagging Areas

As a roof ages and sustains some water damage, you may notice a spongy feel as you walk across it or in more extreme cases, you may even be able to see the effect of the sagging. This means that the underlying decking is weakened from moisture and needs to be replaced ASAP to avoid collapse.

Ultimately, there are many observable and invisible signs that your roof is coming up to the end of its useful lifespan. When you start seeing the obvious signs of decay, it is time to bring in a professional to take a look and tell you what your options are. In some cases, you may be able to repair the problem section of the roof, but in cases where there is moderate to severe damage or there are structural concerns, you need to replace the roof for the safety of those living in the home.

There are many options out there for your new roof, and we can help you pick out the right one for you, your home, and your lifestyle. Contact us at Brunette to talk about your options and to book your roof inspection. We will help you figure out what is right for you.