Maintaining your roof is important for several reasons. Not only does a well-maintained roof last longer and protect your home from the elements, but it can also ensure your house stays insulated from the cold and heat, which can cut down on energy costs.
But sometimes you can do everything right and still have to replace your roof. Most roofs need to be replaced approximately every 20 years, so if your roof is approaching its expiration date, you’ll want to keep an eye out for signs to replace your roof so you can budget accordingly.
We’ve compiled several of those key signs below.
7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
1. Age
When it comes to signs to replace your roof, one of the most important factors to consider is your roof’s age. The roof’s material is vital in determining how long it will last. For instance, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years and may need to be replaced after 20 years.
You can find out how old your roof is by looking through your roofing paperwork, such as invoices, receipts, or repair quotes. Knowing when it was installed, replaced, or overlayed can provide insight into how much time you have left before the roof needs to be replaced. For example, if it’s been 30 years, you’ll likely need to replace your roofing even if it still appears to be in good condition.
2. Sagging Spots
Is your roof sagging or leaning to one side? A drooping or sagging roof typically points to a structural issue, which could be caused by broken rafters or water damage to the decking. It could also mean that the foundation has weakened.
Once you notice this problem, contact a roofing expert as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage. They’ll examine the roof for trapped moisture, decay, or weak spots. It’s best to have it checked when the depression or droop is still small or localized rather than when it’s extensive.
3. Damaged Shingles
Cracked, warped, curled, or buckled shingles could be a sign of a more serious problem.
You can tell a shingle is cupped or curled if its ends are peeling away. Clawing is another sign to replace your roof. Clawing happens when the shingle’s center lifts with the edges still attached to the roof. Asphalt shingles must lie flat against your roof.
If you notice raised shingles across a significant area of your roof, you may need a new roof. Most of the time, these problems are caused by weathering, bad installation, or not enough ventilation. Left unchecked, they can lead to bigger problems.
4. Missing or Loose Shingles
A couple of missing or loose asphalt shingles are usually not a cause for concern. Missing or loose shingles may just be the result of improper installation and can be fixed easily. But the problem becomes worrisome if there are a lot of missing shingles on your roof, especially after a storm.
Consider getting new roofing instead of replacing the missing shingles. Doing so preserves your roof’s structural integrity and reduces the risk of other issues developing.
5. Grit in the Gutter
One of the signs to replace your roof that you must be on high alert for is the presence of shingle granules in the gutters. A bit of loose, fallen grit is normal for new roofs, but if yours is about 10 years old, that could be a symptom of a larger problem.
The granules protect the shingles from the sun’s harsh rays, so when they collect in the gutters, there’s less of a barrier than before. Without the grit, the shingles bake in the heat, degrading their quality. If there are a lot of loose granules, your old roof is probably nearing its expiration date.
6. Faulty Flashing
Flashing creates an air-and-watertight seal around vents, the chimney, and areas where shingles meet other materials or surfaces. It’s critical that the flashing on these points is not cracked; otherwise, water may seep through the gaps.
Good flashing, which is often made of metal, can last around 30 years. Once it rusts, corrodes, or cracks, it’s more cost-effective in the long run to replace the entire roof.
7. Roof Leaks
One of the most obvious signs to replace your roof is water leakage, especially during inclement weather. But if there’s no rain, other indications of water damage include dark stains on the ceilings and walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, and a persistent musty smell inside the house.
Start looking for roof damage in your attic. Active leaks don’t resolve themselves, so look into getting a new roof.
Regular inspections ensure you’ll spot the above signs at their onset. And when you need a new roof, always call a professional instead of doing it yourself. Make sure you hire a reputable roofing company with years of industry experience and excellent warranty coverage to guarantee your new roof remains a worthwhile investment.
