If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about the roof on your house that much, out of sight out of mind, unless there’s an issue. Sometimes a roof can naturally reach the end of its lifecycle without experiencing a roofing failure. Severe weather, extreme temperatures, and old age all contribute to the wear and tear of your roof. So, how do you know when you need a new roof? Well, before you have to break out the buckets or call for emergency roof repairs, let’s review some key warning signs that it could be time for a new roof installation.
Signs You Need a New Roof
Is it time to replace your roof, or can you get by with having your roof repaired? Here are the signs you need a total roof replacement.
Aging Roof
If your roof is at least 20 years old, chances are it could be nearing the end of its useful life. While many roofs come with a 20-year warranty, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles.
Sagging Roof
A droopy, sagging roof is probably one that needs replacing and sooner rather than later before further damage occurs to your home. Practicing good safety, you can check the roof’s surface for signs of trapped moisture, rotting boards, or sagging spots—especially at the lowest points in the roof.
Missing Shingles
Storms and high winds cause roof storm damage, and many homes lose shingles. These slates act as a layer of protection for your home, so if you notice missing shingles, you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible to minimize further damage. If you are not sure about the extent of damage, it’s a good idea to have a trusted roofing company like AmeriPro Roofing come out to inspect your roof.
Leaking Roof
After a severe storm, rain, or hail with high winds, check your attic for signs of leaking, which could signal damaged shingles, inadequate underlayment, or deteriorated flashing. If you notice a spongy feel when stepping onto your roof, that’s another sign that the underlying decking has been compromised due to moisture. Depending on the severity, a leak might only need a simple repair, or it could require a new roof installation.
Visible Dark Streaks and Roof Vegetation
Airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. It is worth evaluating if these streaks are causing further issues that need addressing or whether you need a new roof. Moss on a roof usually spells trouble and can indicate there may be trapped moisture, which can ruin a roof.
Granules in the Gutters
Check your gutters. If filled with shingle granules, or you see grains of shingles in your garden and landscaping, it’s a sign that the roof is getting old. Roofs lose more granules towards the end of their life cycle.
Increased Utility Bills
When a roof is fully functional and doing its job, it acts as a good insulator against the heat and cold entering your home. If the roof is deteriorating, you’ll notice an increase in utility bills, because your air conditioner or heater is having to work much harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Paint Blistering and Peeling
Moisture trapped in the house due to poor ventilation can cause exterior paint to peel and blister. Poor roof ventilation is most frequently a result of deteriorated roof conditions. If you notice paint chipping on the outside of your building, it’s time to schedule a free roof inspection with AmeriPro Roofing
Roof Valleys
Roof valleys are fundamental to a properly functioning roof because they receive the greatest impact from harsh weather, sending rain and snow flowing down into the gutters. Missing or distorted shingles, or worse in roof valleys, means that leaks may already have started and you need to get your roof inspected as soon as possible.
Wear and Tear Around Roof Penetrations
Chimneys, vents, pipes, and other objects that penetrate your roof are places where deterioration can begin. Quite often, the fixes can be limited to just these specific areas, so it’s worth calling the team at AmeriPro Roofing for a professional evaluation and recommended course of action.
Recurring Ice Damming
Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall when warm air in the attic causes the roof to warm and the snow to melt. Water running down the roof refreezes when it reaches the colder roof edge, forming a mound of ice. The ice traps the melted water, which can seep back up under shingles and drip through the roof into your house, causing damage to walls and ceilings. If your roof experiences excessive ice damming, it may be an indication of inadequate ventilation and should get checked out.
Contact AmeriPro Roofing
Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a roof leak, it doesn’t automatically mean that you need a new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is less than 15 – 20 years old, you might be able to get by with some roof repairs rather than a full roof replacement. When in doubt, contact the team at AmeriPro Roofing for a FREE, no-obligation roof inspection. We are an award-winning Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor with over 20 years of experience in the industry, offering roof replacements and roof repairs for residential properties and commercial shingle roof properties, 24/7 emergency leak services, free storm damage & preventive maintenance inspections, and quality siding installation. And to make things even easier, our in-house team will assist you with the insurance claim process to make sure you pay little to no out-of-pocket costs. We are the experts in your backyard with quality standards through the roof! Call us today at (800) 200-8151 to schedule your free roof inspection.*
*AmeriPro Roofing is a Nationally Certified General Contractor. We do not offer or contract public adjusting services. We work for you to restore your home.
