10 Common Signs You Need a Repair or Replacement

Do You Have a Bad Roof? 10 Signs You Need a Repair or Replacement

Do you have a bad roof? Don't wait for it to become a serious problem. Learn to spot these 10 common signs and what to do about them.

Let's face it: you take your roof for granted. You come home every day and expect the roof to still be over your head. However, roofs don't last forever.

Roofs can stay strong for several decades. But over time, the wear and tear from weather gradually damages your roof. When you start noticing the signs that your roof needs to be replaced, it's best not to wait.

It can sometimes be tricky to tell if you have a bad roof. Make sure to look out for these signs that you need a roof replacement:

1. Your Roof is Old

How long do roofs last? Some roofs last longer than other.

Roofs made of copper, tile, or slate last for at least 50 years. Fiber cement roofs last about 25 years, while wood shake roofs are unlikely to buckle until it reaches age 30.

If you're like most homeowners, you probably have an asphalt roof. It may be cheaper than other roofing materials, but it only have a lifespan of about 20 years. Roof age has a huge effect on its durability no matter how good it looks from where you're standing.

Don't remember the last time you got your old roof replaced? That's a problem. An asphalt roof that's 30 years or old is way overdue for a replacement.

2. Sunlight in the Attic

A little sunlight is nice when it comes through your actual windows. But when it starts peeking through openings in your roof, that's not a good sign.

Turn all of the lights off in your attic, and see if you notice any sunlight coming in. When sunlight is able to pass through your roof, that means unwanted rain and cold air can come in too. Look around the room to see if there are any water stains--those are a sign of a leak.

Depending on the age of your roof and how large the leak is, you might need a total roof replacement as opposed to a simple patch-up job.

3. Curled Shingles

Your shingles can become bent due to damage from constant weathering. When your shingles are cupping, that means that they're bent upwards. When they're clawing, the edges of your shingles are flattened, while the middle is bent up.

Both clawing and cupping are indications that your roof may have leaks, and that's it's time to start considering a replacement. If many of your shingles are curling, you'll likely need a roof replacement as soon as possible.

4. Granules in the Gutter

It's completely normal to see granules the gutters if your roof is fairly new--it becomes more of a concern when your roof is over ten years old.

The granules on the shingles prevent the sun from damaging the asphalt. As soon as the granules begin falling off the shingles, your shingles are no longer protected. Knowing when to replace your roof depends on if your roof is old and if the granules are falling off--this means that the shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan.

5. The Roof Sags

This is a huge warning sign that you need to replace your roof. When the roof sags, there's likely a problem with a structure in your house. Your decking in your attic could be off or there could even be an issue with the foundation.

As soon as you see a dip in your roof, be sure to contact a roofer very soon. It's a lot easier to fix a sagging roof when the issue is smaller.

6. Cracked Shingles

Shingles usually become cracked due to wind damage. It's simple to replace cracked shingles when there's just a few that are damaged. However, if you notice several cracked shingles all over your roof, you're going to need to start planning an entire roof replacement.

7. Missing Shingles

You may have missing shingles coexisting with cracked and curled shingles. Similar to other types of damaged shingles, you can always replace missing ones if there's not too many.

The only problem with replacing shingles is that you probably won't be able to find a color that matches your shingles' color exactly. This is due to the fact that granule colors are always changing, and that your shingles will naturally change color because of weathering. If your roof is starting to look like it has spots, it's time to replace it.

8. Moss or Algae-Covered Shingles

You might be wondering: how long does a roof last when there's moss or algae on the shingles? Don't worry, just because your shingles have moss or algae on them doesn't mean that they're damaged. They can actually become damaged if you try to remove the stains by scrubbing it or using a power washer--this makes the granules much weaker.

You might be unhappy with the green look of your roof, but try to resist cleaning it with harsh methods. Clean it off with one part bleach and one part water instead. The next time you get a roof replacement, opt for shingles that are algae-resistant to avoid an unpleasant appearance.

9. Attic Mold

Does your attic seem to be riddled with mold on the walls or ceiling? If so, your roof could be damaged as well.

When there's not enough ventilation inside of your attic, moisture can form under your roof. As a result, nails will become rusty and mold will grow. Not doing anything about a moldy attic can eventually cause your roof's plywood to rot.

To avoid this problem, make sure that your attic has proper ventilation. Always take the proper precautions when dealing with hazardous mold and mildew.

10. Attic Temperature Doesn't Match Outside Temperature

The temperature of your attic is actually supposed to be close to the temperature outside. When the temperature differs greatly, that's a sign that there's not enough ventilation in your attic.

Without proper ventilation, your attic will be hotter compared to the outdoor temperature. This makes your house more likely to develop ice dams, which pose a threat to the structure of your roof and the inside of your home. Installing a ridge vent in your attic can stop ice dams from forming.

Repair Your Bad Roof

Knowing how often to replace your roof can prevent further damage and unnecessary expenses. When you start to notice the signs of a bad roof, don't hesitate to replace it. Contact us today to find out how we can help you repair or replace your roof.