How to Know When it’s Time for a New Roof

As a homeowner, it’s pretty easy to overlook certain parts of your home. Often, it isn’t until disaster strikes that you first take notice of any major issues, such as a leak in your ceiling. Rather than wait until water is pouring through your ceiling causing major damage, there are some telltale signs that indicate when it may be time to replace your roof.

While knowing exactly when to replace your roof isn’t always obvious, here are some signs that indicate when a home roof replacement is recommended:

1. Roof Age

Most experts agree that a typical roof will last somewhere between 20-25 years. It’s important to review your home records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or re-shingled in order to figure out approximately how much life your roof has left.

2. Curling Shingles

Shingles should lie flat against the roof, so if they are curling at the ends, this means they were exposed to moisture and are nearing the end of their lifespan. Cracked or missing shingles are also a sign that maintenance or a replacement is needed.

3. Chimney Flashing

If your flashing consists of roof cement or tar, it may need to be replaced with a long-term, water tight fitting metal flashing system.

4. Loose Granules

If you have asphalt or composite shingles and you discover little pieces or granules scattered about your yard, driveway, or in your gutters, that’s a sign that your shingles are disintegrating, leaving a sandy residue behind.

5. Peeling Paint

Leaky roofs may cause deterioration of the exterior paint around the roof line, but the leaks can also seep into your home’s walls leaving ugly stains. If you notice any staining, peeling, or bubbling paint, these are signs that your roof could need repaired or replaced.

6. Signs of Leaking

Leaking is often the first obvious sign that your roof is in need of repair or needs to be replaced. Small leaks allow moisture to seep into the cracks, which can spread into your roofing material. When the moisture expands and contracts due to temperature variations, this can widen the openings in the roof and eventually lead to deterioration. Once that happens, and the longer you wait, the more you will need to repair. Bad roof leaks can lead to structural damage and mold.

7. Increased Energy Bills

You might be thinking that water is the only thing capable of leaking through a roof, but it’s also possible for air to leak through. When this occurs, your heating and cooling systems will have to compensate for the breach, resulting in higher energy bills. If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bill and you haven’t made any drastic changes in to temperature settings, then that’s a sign air might be leaking through your roof and a home roof replacement may be necessary.

8. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is not a good sign and could mean there is a problem with the decking in the attic, or with supports in the foundation. If you notice any signs of sagging in the roof, it’s important that you call a professional right away.

While the idea of a home roof replacement may seem a bit overwhelming at first, it’s important not to delay the process very long. Waiting to replace your roof could result in major damage to your home, and costly repairs on top of the cost for replacing the roof. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors today for more information about our quality products and installation.