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Are you starting to think it is time to get a new roof?

Sometimes the need for a new roof is not as obvious as a leak or a missing shingles in the yard. There are a variety of signs that could indicate your roof needs replacement or repair.

With so many things to look for, we wanted to break down the top 12 signs you need a roof repair or replacement and what to do next.

Why Is It Important to Replace Your Roof?

Replacing your roof is a large expense that can be easy to neglect, difficult to wrap your head around and tough to pay for but how important is a roof replacement for your home or business? A roof replacement provides your property with protection from the elements and with a compromised roof system your property can sustain damage. A roof that has exceeded it’s useful life can start to leak and can fail at any time, causing damage to anything underneath it & around the compromised areas.

signs to repair or replace roof

12 Signs Your Home May Need a New Roof

1. You See Water Damage or Leaks

A leak in your roof is a major sign that you need a new roof or repairs to your roof at the least. Even a small leak can grow and become a much larger problem, causing damage to your property and possessions. Stains and dark streaks on the ceiling indicate that there is moisture reaching your ceiling due to water infiltration. The moisture from the roof can also reach the walls and leave stains from the top of the wall to the bottom. You may not see leaks, but the dark stains indicate that water is getting through the roof and should be examined for leaks.

water damage on ceiling showing signs to replace roof

2. The Ceiling Is Sagging

A sagging ceiling may not appear to be much of an issue at first, but it could indicate a leak in the roof is causing moisture in the ceiling and has not been identified. A sagging ceiling may be touched by a hand or a broomstick: if it feels soft or has the consistency of soggy cardboard, it is most likely caused by excess moisture from a leak. A sagging ceiling should not be ignored until the leak becomes obvious and requires attention from a professional immediately.

3. It’s Over a Certain Age

If your roof is over 20 years old, your home is due (or close to being due) for a roof replacement. If you purchased the house without any knowledge of when the roof was replaced, chances are your neighbors will replace their roofs at a similar frequency. Do not wait for your roof to fail and leaks to appear, by then it’s usually too late.

4. You’ve Had Wildlife Damage

Wildlife may try to make a home inside your roof, causing damage in the process. Small holes in the roof can be repaired once the invader is removed, but if left unrepaired, wildlife damage can eventually cause even more damage to the roof and property. Many of the metals used in roofing are able to be chewed by a determined critter looking for a place to get warm or eat.

5. There Are Decaying Shingles

Roofs made of wood or asphalt shingles may start to rot/ disintegrate when they’ve reached the end of their usefulness. Shingles will not rot, but they will become brittle and decay over time. Upon inspection, cracked, curled, or falling shingles indicate that they are decayed and should be replaced. If numerous shingles have decayed, a full replacement may be necessary. From the ground the shingles can appear in good condition but as we perform our inspection we can see the obvious signs of the roof being compromised.

6. You See Damaged or Missing Shingles

A roof missing shingles or with broken shingles is a clear indication that the roof should be repaired or replaced. This indicates that the roof is not providing adequate protection and can be the result of extreme weather or poor quality shingles doing what they do. Pieces of missing shingles or broken shingles may cause leaks, and the roof should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further loss of protection.

7. Missing Granules

Weather and time can cause shingles to lose granules, making them look patchy or bare in spots. Poor ventilation can cause granule adhesion to weaken over time, poor quality shingle brands may lose granules faster than normal, resulting in faster wear. The granules serve as protection for the shingles and roof, so losing granule protection will result in a faster decay of the roof. You may need a roof replacement if granules are missing from the shingles. If you look in your gutters and see granules or if you notice granules at the end of your downspouts your roof is starting to indicate it’ll need to be replaced.

granule loss showing signs to replace roof

8. You Notice Dark Streaks On Shingles

Roof shingles with a dark outline or streaks may appear to just be covered in dust or debris, it can also look like mold but it’s not! It is actually airborne algae, or cyanobacteria. Even lichen or moss can grow on old shingles, both can hold in excess moisture, so removing moss from the roof can prevent future damage. Often this type of algae can be cleared away with a bleach and water mixture, but homeowners should be cautious of damaging their landscaping with bleach. Best Exteriors, Inc. will be able to identify if the moisture is causing damage to the roof and develop a scope of work to prevent the issues from continuing.

9. You’ve Got Curled Shingles

If you notice the edges of the shingles are curling, it could indicate that the shingles are wearing out. Weather and age can cause the edges to curl and can form valleys in between shingles where they would normally meet. Curling shingles should be examined by a professional to see if a new roof is necessary. Typically curling shingles are evident on the south & west sides of the roof due to excessive UV rays.

10. It Has Sustained Wind or Hail Damage

High wind gusts can rip shingles off the roof. If you notice shingles missing from the roof after strong winds or a storm, they should be replaced to prevent further damage. Without the protection of the shingles, exposed areas of the roof can be damaged and are vulnerable to leaks. Small dents in the shingles from hailstones can cause leaks over time. The shingles will lose granules and deteriorate faster after being dented by hailstones. The roof may be simply repaired if the damage is minor, but in cases of severe or widespread damage, a new roof may be the solution.

hail damaged shingle showing signs to replace roof

11. The Chimney Flashing Is Damaged

If your roof has areas that are flashed, such as the chimney, they can become damaged over the years. Tar and roof cement flashes around the base of the chimney can be prone to leaking and may indicate that your roof needs replacement. Many contractors will skimp on this critical step and not do a proper installation & flashing system. In many cases, an old chimney flashing will look good from the ground but upon further inspection by a trained professional it’s easy to see why there is a leak.

12. The Roof Wasn’t Installed Well

A roof that has misapplied shingles deteriorates more quickly than it should, and this may result from poor craftsmanship leading to the need for it to be replaced before the shingles wear out. A roof that was not professionally installed can have a reduced lifespan and may result in leaks (& buyers remorse). If you suspect your roof is not up to professional standards, it may be time to replace the roof with high-quality materials and professional service from Best Exteriors, Inc.

removing roof after finding top signs to replace roof

How to Get the Most Out of Your New Roof

Are you concerned about your roof getting through this winter? Leaving even small leaks over the winter can lead to expensive damages down the road. That’s why it’s crucial to take care of repairs as soon as you suspect damage.

If you are thinking it is time to get a roof replacement, make sure to do your research and hire a quality roofer to get the job done right. If are looking for a quality roofer to trust with your home, give our team a call at Best Exteriors!

Give us a call at (614) 964-BEST or toll free 1-844-865-BEST You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation!

Drew
Drew Paetow

We’ll have you love your home project so much that people will drive by and comment on how good it looks. That is our promise to you.

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