8 Warning Signs That You Need A New Roof
We’ve come to accept the fact that roofs just don’t get the love and attention they deserve. Sure, not everybody is going to be quite as fond of roofs as we are here at Community Roofing, but all too often these important structures go ignored for far too long.
Many homeowners will wait until the last minute before calling a roofing professional. Oftentimes they ignore warning signs until it’s just too late and they’ve incurred devastating damages that will burn a hole in their wallet.
While there are numerous warning signs that may indicate you need a new roof, it’s important that you know what to look for to protect you and your home. We’ll break down the 8 most common issues we’ve seen over the years in this post.
1. Roofing Age
Generally speaking, most residential roofs will last around 20-25 years. The exact life expectancy of your roof will depend on various factors such as shingle quality, craftsmanship during installation, and the weather conditions your roof has been subject to over the years. All that said, if your roof is turning 20 years old, it may be time for a new installation.
2. Curled Or Cracked Shingles
Your shingles will start to show signs of old age by curling up, starting to crack, or buckling. If you do a quick inspection of your roof and see shingles are peeling back from the surface of the roof or you notice several shingles are beginning to crack and deteriorate, this is a good indication that your roof may be in need of a replacement.
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3. Shingle Granules In Gutters
If you can, grab a ladder and take a quick peek in your gutters. If you see that they’re coated with little granules, your shingles may be near the end of their expected life and will likely need to be replaced. This is especially true if you’re able to see ‘bald’ spots on your shingles.
4. Moisture & Water Damage
If you start to see moisture on the interior of your home, call a professional right away. Water damage is a major concern that should be addressed immediately. If water has already started to make its way into your home, you’ll usually begin to see dark patches on your ceilings or walls. Even a small leak can become a huge problem if ignored.
5. Moss
While moss doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in trouble right off the bat, it can cause long-term damage if it’s ignored. Moss can trap moisture and create wet spots that will eventually wreck your roof. If your roof has been covered in moss or has several clusters that haven’t been dealt with for an extended period of time, call a professional to take a look and determine if a small repair or a complete replacement is in your best interest.
6. Missing Shingles
It’s not terribly uncommon for a shingle to blow away in a severe windstorm, but if you begin to see shingles disappear in high volume, it may be an indication that your roof is past its prime or it was poorly installed. Either way, the problem should be taken care of quickly. Missing shingles will leave bare spots on your roof that can lead to leaks and costly repairs if left unaddressed.
7. A Sagging Roof
A sagging roof indicates that there’s a leak and the roof decking has become compromised. If this is clearly visible from the exterior, it’s time to call a professional and have them take a look at your roof to diagnose the issue.
Additionally, if you’re on the roof and start to feel a trampoline like effect where the roof begins to feel ‘springy’ or ‘mushy,’ this is another indication that your decking has taken on moisture and it’s a sign that you may need a new roof.
8. Exposed Nails
Nails may become exposed if you lose a shingle tab in a heavy storm or if a roof repair was performed poorly. Either way, exposed nails look bad and can become rusted and eventually lead to a leak. If you do a quick inspection and see just a few exposed nails, you’ll probably just be in line for a quick repair. However, if you spot numerous exposed nails, your roof is likely nearing the end of its useful life and will need to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Make sure to give your roof a quick inspection on a regular basis to ensure that these issues don’t creep up on you. Even an annual checkup could save you thousands of dollars if you’re able to identify an issue early on. Just remember, if you see something, say something!
If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (414) 332-1139 or contact us today for a free quote by filling out an online form. We’re always happy to help.