The roof over your head plays an important role. Your home’s roof needs to stand up to the elements and keep your house warm and dry. A properly installed asphalt shingle roof will last between 20 and 25 years. But unrepaired leaks and damage or a lack of regular maintenance can shorten its life.
If your roof has hit the ripe age of 15 years or more, or if you are noticing signs of a problem, you may need to start planning for a new roof. But how do you know if a roof can be repaired to get a few more years of useful life, or if it’s time for replacement roofing?
That question can be tough to answer, but here at Advanced Roofing & Siding Inc., we have a few tell-tale signs that it’s probably time for a new roof. So before you type “residential contractors near me” in your search engine to start the process, check out our tips to know whether a roofing replacement is in your near future.
1. Your Roof is Old Enough to Drive or Drink
How old is your current roof? Is it hitting or nearing its second decade? If your existing roof is over an older layer of shingles, it will last 15-20 years. If it’s a single layer of shingles, either the original roof or a complete replacement that is aging out, it will last 20-25 years.
If you aren’t the original owner and don’t have records to document the roof’s age or maintenance, your best bet is to contact a residential roofing contractor nearby and schedule a roof inspection. The pros at Advanced Roofing & Siding can give you an estimate about the age of your roof as well as discover other potential areas to address when it comes to your roof’s integrity.
2. You Can See the Light
To get an idea of whether your roof is doing its job of keeping your home protected from the weather, the easiest place to start is by looking at it from the inside, by going into your attic.
On a sunny day, get a flashlight and climb up those pull-down stairs into your attic. Look for places where sunlight is coming through in pinpoints or cracks. Those are signs of shingles coming apart and are likely places for leaks.
Also be on the lookout for damp places or stains, either on the plywood, beams, insulation, or floor. These signs may indicate that you have a leaky roof which will need repair or replacement.
3. Your Shingles are Curly or Askew
Shingles are supposed to lay flat on the roof in straight, overlapping lines. If your shingles are buckling, curling at the edges, or are crooked, then they are either wearing out or coming loose. Pay special attention to the areas of your house that receive the most sun.
4. Missing Shingles
Unless it’s the result of a severe storm with high winds, missing shingles on your roof is a common sign your roof needs replacement. The tabs on shingles break down over time and come loose from the nails holding them in place. The asphalt also becomes dry and brittle and can crack and come loose.
Missing shingles are a big deal. If you notice any, get a temporary tarp over the area, or contact your roofing contractor. You at least need to keep that area covered to keep out water and pests and prevent further damage. A temporary roof repair can be put in place while you budget for a new roof.
If this is your case you might be interested in reading our blog on shingle repair.
5. Shingle Granules in Your Gutters
Asphalt shingles have a surface of finely ground, weather-resistant stone that reflects some of the sun’s energy. This stone coating adheres to the asphalt and fiberglass shingle base. As shingles age, the stone granules come loose and wash away.
Finding shingle granules in your gutters is a sure sign your roof is ending its useful life and needs replacing. As the granules wash off your shingles, they lose their ability to keep out water. Another tip: look at the color of your roof. It should look uniform throughout. If you notice inconsistencies or darker patches, that is a sign that the granules have worn away, and you need a roof replacement.
6. Droops, Sags, or Spongy Areas
Your roof should have a flat, smooth surface. There should not be any areas that droop, dip, or sag. These are signs of the underlayment breaking down and can mean that you have a compromised or failing roof.
If you take a walk on your roof, the boards beneath you should feel firm and supportive. You’re in for a new roof if you notice a spongy feel or the sense of a trampoline bounce when you step. That is a sign that the underlying decking is weak from moisture. Also, look for troughs, or areas that pool water or that catch a lot of leaves or debris along the roof. These tend to be harbingers of worn shingles and potential water leakage underneath.
7. Moss, Mold, Fungi, or Algae
Your roof should not be a hospitable zone for growing moss or any other type of moisture-loving plant or fungi. Your roof is there to protect and beautify your home, not be a habitat for lichen or a patch of mushrooms.
If you notice moss or another plant growing on your roof, this is a sign that your roof is retaining enough moisture to support the plant. That is a bad sign, and very likely means its time for a new roof.
Contact Your Local Roofing Replacement Experts
Advanced Roofing & Siding has decades of experience with roofing repair in the Twin Cities area. We have helped hundreds of homeowners with roofing inspection, repair, and replacement. We are honest and straightforward about whether your roof is at the end of its life or has a few years remaining. We offer free estimates and guarantee our work.
There are Advanced Roofing & Siding local offices throughout the Twin Cities and the suburbs. When you’re looking for a residential contractor near you, there will always be an Advanced Roofing & Siding team close at hand. Give us a call today and let us help you assess your roof and determine what steps to take to keep you and your family safe and dry in your home.