6 Signs You Need a New Roof
The roofing system represents one of the most vital components of your home. It protects your property and family from exposure to the outside world, including the elements.
Still, these systems won’t last forever. You should know how to tell if you need a new roof to ensure your home always has reliable protection. Consult our guide below to learn the top warning signs that a roof replacement is necessary.
Is It Time for a New Roof? Here's How You Can Tell
Replacing the roof isn’t a decision you should make lightly. It’s also something you don’t have to do often. It’s essential to know how to tell if you need a new roof to ensure you don’t act prematurely or wait too long to initiate the replacement.
Pay attention to your roofing system and your home’s interior. If you notice one or more of the following signs, it’s time to contact roofing professionals for an assessment.
1. Widespread Shingle Damage
When visually inspecting your roofing system from the ground, do you see many curled or cracked shingles? Localized damage could indicate minor storm damage or excessive wear. Replacing a few damaged shingles can restore your roof’s visual appeal and protect its underlayment from moisture.
However, many missing, broken, or curled shingles covering most of the roof indicate the need for a system replacement. Excessive damage makes repair difficult. Your home becomes more susceptible to water damage without a proper replacement.
2. Water Leaks Inside Your Home
Indoor water intrusion is a clear sign of extensive roof damage. It’s also the worst-case scenario for this kind of roofing issue.
Roof leaks can remain undetected for a long time. Unsightly reddish-brown water stains spreading across your ceiling mean the leak is too far gone for simple repairs. Roof replacement helps prevent significant structural damage and out-of-control mold growth.
3. Roof Is Over 20 Years Old
Knowing how to tell if you need a new roof is sometimes as simple as understanding the importance of roof age. Although some materials have a long lifespan, no roofing system will last forever.
Asphalt roofs usually last for 20 to 30 years. If your system is over 20 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it.
Are you unsure of your roof’s exact age? Consider reaching out to your property’s previous owner to ask. You can also contact a licensed and insured roofing company for an in-depth assessment of your roofing.
4. Roof Sags
A sagging roof creates a serious situation that requires immediate professional attention. Sometimes, water infiltration can cause wooden decking to rot, resulting in a wavy or sagging structure.
If your roofline appears to droop or you discover soft spots on its surface, contact your local roofer immediately. The safety of your entire home becomes compromised if the roof’s decking and supports begin to rot.
5. Excessive Granule Loss
If you have asphalt shingles, you might notice small pebble-like materials occasionally rolling through your gutters. Those are granules. Granules are the materials that cover asphalt shingles to provide additional protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
As the shingles degrade over time, granules will shed and enter gutters and downspouts. However, seeing too many of these particles inside your gutter system indicates serious shingle degradation. The problem can be due to the following:
- Natural wear and tear
- Heavy rainfall
- Hail
6. Moss or Algae Growth
Does your roof look greener than usual? Algae or moss could be growing on your roof. These growths can give your home a charming appearance, but you should be careful about them.
Having algae or moss growing on your roof isn’t necessarily a reason to replace it. At least, not for the reason you may think.
These organic materials won’t harm or alter your roofing materials directly. However, they can retain moisture, which can seep under shingles and tiles, causing water damage. The only time you would need to replace a mossy or algae-filled roof is if water damage is also present.
Get a Roof Inspection Today To Determine If Your Home Needs a New Roof
Want to know how to tell if you need a new roof? Besides watching for a sagging roof, granule loss, and shingle damage, you should schedule regular roof inspections. The service can identify problems that most homeowners may overlook.
If you need a roof inspection or replacement in Colorado Springs, turn to RD Construction, LLC. Our family-owned and operated company has over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive roofing services. We can pinpoint problems and provide their optimal solutions.
Contact us today at (719) 233-7344 to explore your roofing options.