WARNING SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW SHINGLE ROOF – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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WARNING SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW SHINGLE

Roofing is expensive.  To keep costs down and to protect your home’s structure, it is crucial to maintain your roof regularly.  Paying close attention to small problems will allow you to spot any signs of failure early enough to have new roofing installed before you run into bigger problems, like water damage.  Below are some of the warning signs you may need to replace your shingle roof.

SIGNS OF ROOF DAMAGE

Roofs have ways of visibly showing their age.  Although older roofs may continue to keep the elements out, they may be more vulnerable to damage due to wear and tear over the years.  Signs of an aging roof can often be observed from ground level and sometimes a convenient second-floor window offers a view of the shingles.  It’s always best to leave any on-roof inspections to the professionals.

Here are seven indications that your roof may be past its prime:

  • Uneven shingles. Asphalt shingles are meant to lie flat with no edges to catch the wind or interfere with water runoff.  Cupped shingles with concave centers, wavy surfaces, and ragged or curled shingle edges are all signs that a roof is past its prime.

  • Bald shingles. The granular coating on asphalt shingles helps to protect them from the elements, such as harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.  Roof shingles that are losing or have lost their granules are more exposed to UV rays, potentially causing them to age faster and become brittle.

  • Cracked shingles. Over the years, UV ray exposure from the sun may cause roof shingles to “dry out” and crack on the surface.

  • Discoloration. The color of your roofing shingles may fade over the years due to UV degradation, another sign of an aging roof.

  • Dark streaks. While dark streaks on your roof may be more of an aesthetic problem, they’re an indication of algae growth on your roof.  Lichen growth, which occurs with a combination of algae and fungus, can eventually damage shingles and their protective granules.  A homeowner’s first step should be to have a professional clean and inspect their roof to check the condition of the shingles and see if a repair or reroof is necessary.

  • Moss. The roots of moss are much larger than those found in lichens.  Too much moss on your roof can speed up the loss of granules.  Moss also retains water, adding weight, and keeping your roof in constant contact with water.  As with shingle discolorations, a roof inspection and cleaning can help determine the health of the shingles beneath the moss.

  • Time. While properly installed, high-quality asphalt shingles can provide two to three decades of protection, constant exposure to the elements eventually takes its toll, and they need to be replaced. The life expectancy for architectural asphalt roofing shingles is 30 years and 20 years for three-tab asphalt shingles.

Curling or Discolored Shingles

One of the biggest signs asphalt shingles are past their prime is curling or discoloration.  If you take a look up the slope of your roof and notice that many of the shingles seem to be lumpy, lifted up slightly, or peeling back from the surface, there’s a good chance the shingles need to be replaced.  Another symptom of old roofing is shingles that have lost most of their granules.  They will look splotchy and discolored compared to new shingles.  Another way to check if your shingles are losing granules is to take a look in your gutters.  Shingles tend to lose most of their granules at the end of their lifespan. If you notice a large amount of these granules in your gutters or in the water running out of them then you could be due for a new roof.

Multiple Missing Shingles

It is common for a shingle or two to come off in a rough wind storm, especially if a few of them weren’t nailed down properly.  It is not common for this to happen in many locations around the roof. If you have had your roof for at least five years and are now noticing that many shingles are coming off, it could be an indicator that the shingles are simply wearing out and that you have to have them replaced.

Old Age

If you have had your shingle roofing for 20 years or more, it is likely getting close to needing replacement.  While 3-tab shingles last up to 25 years under ideal conditions, architectural shingles can make it to 30 in some conditions, so be sure to check which kind your roof has as you consider replacement.  If you have not noticed any of the warning signs above but your roof is fast approaching the top end of its age range, keep a close eye on it, especially right before and after storms.

Sagging Roof Sections

If you notice a portion of your roof sagging, you may have a couple different problems.  The first is failing shingles that aren’t keeping water out.  The second is water damage from those failed shingles.  Sagging also suggests that the sheathing or the actual framing holding the roof up is rotting.  This can only be repaired by removing the roofing and replacing any of the rotten pieces. It is a step that you should take as soon as possible to avoid potential problems later on.

Leaking Water

Homeowners may put off signs of an aging roof and be unaware of storm damage, but water spots typically demand a quick reaction.  If your roof has lost its ability to repel water due to storm damage or aging, then water damage to the roof deck, insulation, and drywall or mold growth can develop quickly.  Roofs are vulnerable to water in the winter, too. When snow thaws and refreezes over the eaves, it can create ice dams.  Water that builds up on the roof’s surface can back up underneath the shingles, eventually finding even the tiniest of holes and making its way into your home.

Dirty Sections of Roofing

If you notice sections of your roofing that are dramatically darker than others, this is likely because of damaging environmental conditions.  Common issues are mold, mildew, and algae growth.  Each of these issues not only discolor the roofing and make it look unattractive, but they can shorten the lifespan, as well.  If you notice dark patches in many areas around your roof, you might be looking at a full shingle replacement.  To help prolong the life of your roof, have your roof professionally cleaned.

Each of the issues above are signs you may need a new shingle roof.  Many times, the solution is as simple as installing new roof shingles, but if you wait too long, you could face replacing some of the plywood underneath.  By regularly maintaining your roof, you not only extend its life, but you also set yourself up to see the early signs of a failing roof and get it replaced before you face any water damage or other problems.

KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO CONTACT A ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Professional roofing contractors are experienced with different types of roof damage and signs of an aging roof.  They know where to look (like under shingles and around flashings) and can safely traverse roofs of various slopes.  They can also tell you if you need a roof repair or a complete roof replacement.