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The Warning Signs That You Need A New Roof Installation

Stephen Bis • Nov 09, 2020
Is your roof shot and in need of a replacement? Would you know if you did? Quite often, the signs can be pretty glaring, but other times they aren't. A solid roof above your head is undeniable if you've become used to having a warm, comfortable, and leak-free home. Here's how to notice and address potential headaches before they spiral out of control.
 
Right off the bat, on your undertaking to figure out roofing, you've probably come across the" 20" year rule for replacing your roof. That number is used as a benchmark. Most residential roofs need replacing within that window. However, there are quite a few variables to consider, and not any roof is the same.

All roofs take a substantial amount of external wear and tear with every year that goes by. Persistent sunlight, powerful winds, flying trees, wildlife, tropical storms, rain, or destructive weather conditions – all of these have a direct correlation with a roof's lifespan. How quickly your roof needs to be replaced depends on many factors:

  • Local weather.
  • Proper maintenance and preservation.
  • Age of the materials.
  • How good the materials used are.
  • Building and design.
  • Upkeep with minor repairs.
  • If wildlife was kept away.
  • External debris build-up.

Consider Your Roof's Age

Typically an asphalt shingle roof lasts about 12 to 15 years, with metal and tile roofs tending to have a much longer lifespan. If your roof is approaching its average replacement age, you should probably start thinking about a roof replacement. If other roof repairs were placed over the top of your existing roof - a technique is known as overlaying - you should definitely be thinking about a roof replacement. Overlaying is a patch job that can hide larger roofing issues beneath the shingle surface.

Start By Inspecting Your Roof From the Inside Out

Before making assumptions about needing a new roof, start by conducting your own research at home by examining your roof's state from the inside out. Bring a flashlight with you to your attic or to the area in your house where the interior of your roof is visible and look for the following indicators of a more serious issue:

Rays of Light: Light beams are indicators of roofs that need replacements or repairs. To see the full extent, check the interior of your roof during a time of day with good sunlight to catch and identify any light beams.

Leaks: Inspect the attic for drips and potential leaks. If your roof is beginning to leak, other areas of your house and its foundation are put at risk, especially if you do not address the roofing problem as fast as possible. Water dampness can lead to additional decay and mold growth that can contribute to breathing and other health consequences.

Streaking & Staining: Thoroughly look over all of the interiors of your roof and try to pinpoint potential spots, stains, and streaks. Examine any discolored area of your roof for further information on its cause and potential leak culprit. Stains and streaks within the interior walls of your roof can signal a bigger and more severe problem involving your roof's durability.

Look For Shingle Issues

Taking a look at your roof's shingles is another way to determine whether or not your roof needs additional attention or a possible roof replacement entirely. While inspecting the exterior shingles on your home's roof, try to locate any cracks, misshapen shingles, or shingles that have warped or angled upwards.

Asphalt that is warped, broken, or misshapen may necessitate a deeper inspection to identify whether or not they can be replaced one by one or if the smarter choice is investing in an entirely new roof.

Finding small granules throughout your roof or building up in your gutter may also be a sign that it is time for a complete and thorough roof replacement. Excessive asphalt granule loss is a major sign that the roof's state isn't where it should provide maximum protection and insulation for your home.

Excessive Growths On Your Roof

Moss can start to grow on a roof that doesn't receive a substantial amount of sunlight, especially in northern climates. Moss retains moisture against the surface, which can cause damage.

Are there algae or other types of natural growth on top or out of your roof? Don't panic. Our natural environment tends to grow over any human-made building in its path if it is not adequately cared for and maintained.

When looking over your roof and the fungus you have discovered, make sure to do so by examining both the inside and outside of your roof. While most algae growths are likely to be seen from the exterior of your roof, if there is a larger issue at hand, nature could also be showing up on its own inside the attic without your knowledge.

In many situations, eliminating natural growths from a roof is a way to quickly remedy the issue without even having to consider a re-roof. However, if you notice excessive growths around your roof or even inside your home, the recommendation is to call a professional to determine the root cause and reason for the growths.

In the event the roof is just completely overgrown, then the sensible option would be to get a new roof; this usually happens to roofs that are unattended for long periods of time.

Fortunately, moss growth and build-up aren't usually signs that you need to fix or replace your roof. Rather, algae are more-so an eyesore on your roof and one that is rather common in hot places like Southern Florida.

If, in the end, you do require a full roof replacement, there becomes several decisions that need to be made. Such as which roofing material to use. Which roofing contractor will you hire? Whether there's a valid insurance damage claim. For many homeowners having the money required in the bank to get a roof replacement may not be viable; there is financing accessible for qualified homeowners offered by most reputable roofing contractors. Ensure to do proper research before choosing a roofing company.

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