How do I know I need a new roof?
Whether you are a new homeowner or someone who has owned a home for decades, we all encounter home issues. It can be hard to know if you need a new roofing system, especially if you are not a roofing professional. Investing in a new roof is an important part of taking care of your home. To help your family stay safe we put together a list of things to look for.
How do you know you need to replace your roof?
- Missing Shingles
- Ceiling Stains
- Damaged Flashing
- Cracked Shingles
- High Energy Bills
- Missing Granules
- Water Leaks
- Roof Blistering
- Debris on Your Roof
- Curling Shingles
- Sagging Roof
- Age of Roof
- Algae Growth
- Attic Damage
- Dented Roof Vents
Missing Shingles
Whether your shingles were blown off in a storm, or have fallen off from old age, this is a huge sign that you should take a look at your rooftop. If you are noticing shingles on the ground instead of on your home it might mean that the shingle was not secured properly when installed. Missing shingles can lead to exposed decking. This can cause decay or wood rot.
Ceiling Stains
Missing or loose shingles will start to let moisture from rain or snow into your home. The leakage eventually reaches the ceiling causing a whirlwind of issues. This is a problem that painting can’t fix. You will want to act quickly to stop the leak before it causes a problem in your home.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a thin material that we use to direct water away from critical areas such as vents, chimneys, and skylights. When flashing is cracked or bent moisture from snow and rain can sneak inside of the roof seams. While your roof is protected by underlayment, other parts of the roofing system can be damaged and begin to deteriorate if faced with ongoing moisture. Flashing damage should be taken care of quickly to prevent further issues.
Cracked Shingles
One or two cracked shingles can be repaired by an experienced roofer. However, if you notice numerous cracks or avoid fixing small issues, you will experience problems later down the road. The longer you wait to repair the more time they have to develop into a problem that can diminish the integrity of your home.
High Energy Bills
An old home is less likely to be well-insulated. This leads to your heat and air conditioning easily escaping through your roof causing your energy bills to skyrocket. A well-ventilated roofing system will help your home be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Missing Granules
Granules are the small textured pieces on your roof. They are made by crushing natural stones and then coating them with asphalts. While the variety of colors can make your home look more aesthetically pleasing, they also have a larger purpose. Granules work as a shield to protect your shingle from the outside elements. Granules work hard to reflect harsh UV light away from your roof which aids in energy efficiency. When your roof starts to lose granules, it is time to start thinking about a roof replacement.
Water Leaks
A single small leak may be fixed with a small repair. Other leaks mean that there is greater damage to the roofing system. Multiple leaks paired with other signs of damage may point to the need for an entire roof replacement. Water Leaking through the ceiling can cause mold and mildew.
Roof Blistering
Roof blistering is a common issue that can occur with asphalt shingles. This happens when a roof is poorly ventilated causing gas, air, and/or moisture to create a bubble in the asphalt. Once the bubbles pop, the granules of the shingles will become loose and fall off. Blistering can lead to a reduction in the lifespan of your shingles.
Debris On Your Roof
Debris blown onto your house by heavy winds and storms can be dangerous for people near your home. It can also shorten the lifespan of your rooftop. After rainfall, the debris (such as leaves) holds excess moisture causing early deterioration of your shingles.
Curling Shingles
When shingles curl, lift, or peel on the edges it is a clear indication that there is a ventilation problem with your roofing system. Once shingles start to curl, they usually can’t be fixed. Even if your home is new, curling shingles need to be addressed to prevent further problems.
Roof Sagging
If your roof is leaking and sagging it is no longer a question of repair or replacement. You should call an expert to inspect the decking of your home. Damage to the decking could require an entire tear-off to protect your home from further damage.
Age of Roof
Most roofs will last about 10-15 years. If you have a newer roof it might make more sense to do a few repairs. However the older your roof is, the more likely it is to face significant damage. D&G Roofing and Restoration uses CertainTeed Landmark shingles that can last for 30 years, or premium products that can last for up to 50 years.
Algae Growth
It is a common misconception that moss and algae will die off in the winter. However, some species thrive in the cold winter months. Rooftop algae grow most often on wood or asphalt shingles, especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. If left untreated it can cause serious damage to your roof, such as mold growth.
Attic Damage
Moisture in the attic usually means that you have a leak that is allowing water into the attic, or the attic is not ventilated well. If rainwater pools on your roof, it may eventually seep into your attic. In turn, this will lead to damaged ceilings, mold and mildew growth, and compromised structural integrity.
Dented Roof Vents
All roofing systems should have proper ventilation to allow air to flow through the attic space. Properly installed vents will prevent the roof from overheating. They also help to prevent condensation from developing. When the roof overheats and moisture builds up, your home can encounter substantial damage or pose health risks.
Whether you have one or several of these roof problems, D&G Roofing and Restoration can help you through it. The best way to take care of your home exterior is to be proactive and do regular maintenance to avoid larger problems down the road. Let D&G walk you through taking care of your home’s exterior by scheduling your free consultation.
