Five Signs You Need Your Roof Replaced

Day in and day out, your roof silently protects your home from harsh weather, keeps your family comfortable, and contributes significantly to curb appeal. However, your roof is not immune to the effects of time and elemental exposure. It experiences wear and tear that ultimately diminish its efficiency. Recognizing this need is a complex task for many homeowners. So, how do you know when it's time to swap out repairs for a new roof? Here are the top five critical signs that you need to replace your roof:

1. Aging Roof

A common and pretty straightforward indicator for a roof replacement is the age of your roof. Generally, experts agree that a typical roof lasts between 20 to 25 years. This lifespan depends on several factors, including the material the roof was originally constructed with, the quality of installation, and whether or not it was properly ventilated. A key point to note is whether the current roof was overlaid onto another layer of roofing. If your roof was installed over older roofing layers and it's older than 20 years, chances are you might need a new roof.

Even when your roof doesn't visibly appear damaged, if it's close to or past its expected lifespan, you should consider seeking a professional’s help with a roofing inspection. Roof inspectors assess the current state of your roof and help you decide whether now is the appropriate time for a replacement.

2. Damaged or Missing Shingles

As your roof ages or after a severe weather event, damage to shingles naturally occurs over time. In some cases, they start falling off your roof altogether. Disruption to your roof's regular pattern is a sign that repairs are required. Shingle repairs are simple and often inexpensive compared to total roof replacement. Pay close attention to where and how many shingles are starting to disappear or become damaged. When the damage is not isolated and you begin to notice it cropping up across the roof, it's time to consider a total replacement.

Uneven or missing shingles lead to roof leaks and further damage, so addressing the problem early is essential. Also, consider the visual effect a patchy roof could have and how it could reduce your home's curb appeal.

3. Daylight Through the Roof Boards

While your attic might be an area of your home often overlooked, it gives you clear signs that your roof may need a replacement. Check your attic regularly and pay special attention after heavy storms. If daylight is coming through the roof boards or you notice stains or streaks indicating leaks, it's an immediate red flag. This also leads to water damage not only within your attic and roof, but also within your foundation, drywall, flooring and the rest of your home.

Water leakage, even in small amounts, leads to extensive damage over time, including rot and mold. Leakage signifies a more widespread issue such as damage to the underlay of the roof, shingles, or roof flashings.

4. Granules in the Gutters

If your roof was installed relatively recently, it’s common for some granules to end up in your gutters. However, if your roof is more than a decade old, an excessive number of granules in your gutters is a possible sign that your shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan. Granules add an extra layer of protection for your shingles against sun damage. Continuous loss of these granules increases the shingles' risk of heat damage and makes water leaks more likely. If granules are not repaired/replaced, this leads to extensive damages which could result in a total roof replacement.

5. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is an issue that should be addressed as soon as it's noticed. Usually, a sagging roof indicates structural damage that could be related to either the decking in the attic or worse, the foundational supports of the house. It is advisable to get such an issue addressed immediately to avoid accidents or disasters, like a roof collapse.

Do You Need Your Roof Replaced?

Remember that if you notice or suspect one of these issues, it doesn't automatically mean you need a replacement. The real determinant should be the overall condition of the roof. A substantial issue that affects a large part of the roof, or several minor issues scattered across the roof, often suggests that a complete replacement may be a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Keeping an eye on your roof's condition and addressing minor issues before they worsen result in significant savings over time.

At AR Exteriors, with over 20 years of experience in roofing, we've made it our mission to provide absolute reliability, excellent craftsmanship, and premium products. If you suspect any issues with your roof or it's time for a regular check-up, don't hesitate to reach out to us – we're here to help, one shingle at a time.