When Should You Replace Your Roof? Key Signs to Know

A sturdy roof protects the rest of your home. So if your roof is starting to show signs of wear, such as a few missing shingles or a patch of moss, it’s time for a replacement.

Replacing your roof should be done with the help of a roofing professional. But how do you know when it’s time?

Shingles are Cracked or Missing

One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to replace your roof is if you notice cracks or missing shingles. Cracked shingles are likely a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan and that it’s vulnerable to leaks, which can lead to costly damage throughout your home.

In addition to noticing cracked or missing shingles, you should also keep an eye out for other signs of aging, such as curling, buckling, or blistering shingles. If you see these symptoms on your roof, it’s important to call in repairs right away to prevent further damage.

You should also take a look at your roof’s plywood supports to see how they’re holding up. If you notice that any of the sheathing is soft, sagging, or disintegrating, it’s important to schedule a roof replacement right away before winter comes. Otherwise, you could face costly leaks and water damage throughout your home this season.

Shingles are Lifted or Curled

The shingles that make up your roof are designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions. Nevertheless, strong winds and turbulent weather can cause them to lift or curl. This exposes more of your roof to damage and increases the likelihood that water will penetrate your home.

This moisture can lead to a host of problems, including mold growth and structural damage to your home. Additionally, it can cause health and safety issues for your family. If left untreated, it can also lead to major leaks and costly repairs.

While a few lifted shingles can be easily repaired, more severe damage may indicate that it’s time to replace your roof. This is particularly true if your shingle roof is approaching the end of its estimated lifespan.

Curling shingles are often a sign of poor installation, age, or environmental factors. If the shingle layers are too thin, high winds can cause them to curl. This can also occur if there isn’t enough attic ventilation, which allows hot and moisture-filled air to rise and bake the shingles from the inside out. Lastly, organic growth like moss or algae can penetrate underneath the shingles and pull them up. These factors can all be addressed by a professional roofing contractor during the replacement process.

Shingles are Loose

One of the biggest indicators that it’s time to replace your roof is when shingles become loose. This can happen in a few different ways, including curling on the edges (called cupping) or clawing in the middle (called clawing). Loose shingles can cause structural damage to walls and ceilings, as well as support beams, floor beams, and joists. It’s important to contact a roofing professional as soon as you notice this issue because it will likely lead to leaks, which can damage your home’s interior and lead to expensive repairs.

Another way to tell if your shingles are getting loose is when you see a lot of granules in your gutters. This is a sign that the shingles are starting to break down, and it will only get worse over time.

You should also keep an eye out for shingle flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys. The flashing is there to help fortify these areas against leaks, but if it begins cracking or crumbling, it’s probably time to consider a new roof.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to what your neighbors are doing with their roofs. If everyone seems to be repairing or replacing their roofs around the same time, it’s a good indication that it’s time for you to do the same. Remember, though, that every home is different, and a roof’s lifespan can vary depending on the surface material and climate.

Shingles are Rusting

When shingles are rusted, they will not be able to create the watertight barrier that protects your home from rain and other elements. Eventually, this will lead to leaks inside your home. If you notice this happening to your roof, it is time to consider a replacement. If you’re looking for top-quality roofing services, be sure to visit Roofing Windsor for expert solutions tailored to your home.

Another sign that it is time to replace your roof is when the shingles begin to curl or buckle. This usually means that they are nearing the end of their lifespan. To check this, simply look at the edges of your shingles. Curling and buckling shingles will have the appearance of being cupped and distorted. If you see this occurring, it is definitely time to call a professional for an inspection and replacement.

If your shingle roof is older, it may also start to rust. This is especially noticeable in the roof valleys, which are the V-shaped channels that help snow and rain flow off of your roof. If the rust is extensive, it is likely that your roof is nearing its end of life and will need to be replaced.

In addition to these common signs, you should always pay attention to any leaks that happen inside your home. Leaks can often be repaired without the need for a full replacement, but it is best to catch them as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to your property.

Shingles are Growing Moss or Algae

Many homeowners notice a rise in energy bills and assume it is due to heating or cooling expenses, but it could be because your roof needs replacement. The best way to know this is to inspect your roof. If you see shingles curling upward on their edges, you may need to replace your roof. If the shingles are missing, you definitely need to schedule a professional inspection.

The flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys on your roof helps fortify these openings against leaks. If the flashing is cracked or missing, this can leave your home vulnerable to water damage and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Moss and algae can leave ugly dark streaks on shingle roofs, which are not only unsightly but can also be a sign that your roofing system is nearing the end of its life. Moss grows in areas of your roof that remain damp a great deal of the time, usually near shingle valleys, dormers and other areas that tend to collect dirt and debris.

As moss grows, it eats away at the granulated surface of your shingles, which leads to moisture penetration and eventual wood rot. This is another major problem that will not only require a replacement of your shingles, but probably the entire roof deck as well. This is expensive, and you will need a roofing company to do it properly.

Shingles are Leaking

There’s no doubt that when shingles start to leak, it’s time to consider replacing your roof. A leaky roof allows water to get inside your home, where it can cause all kinds of problems.

If you suspect you have a roof leak, you should contact a roofing professional for an inspection as soon as possible. They will evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of action. In the meantime, place buckets or other containers under the leak to catch the leaking water and prevent further damage.

Another sign that it’s time to replace your roof is when the shingles begin to curl or buckle. Once shingles curl, they can’t be uncurled and no longer provide a watertight seal. Leaking shingles can be costly because they allow water to penetrate your home’s structure and cause extensive damage.

When a roof leaks, it may be difficult to determine the extent of the damage unless you go into your attic or crawlspace. If you find sagging or collapsed ceilings, rotted beams, mold growth, or discolored insulation, you probably have to replace more than your shingles. A home inspector or roofing expert can help you determine the full scope of the problem and estimate the cost of a new roof.