Your roof is the most important part of your home. It protects your family and valuables from the elements. However, no roof will last forever. You might need to contact a roofer if you notice any of the following signs that let you know when to get a new roof.
Research Your Roof’s Age
Most shingled roofs don’t last more than 18-22 years. See if you can find a record of your existing roof’s original purchase date. Finding this can help you determine if your roof has outlived its expected functional life and if a replacement or repairs are likely needed.
Alternatively, look at how long you’ve lived in the home. If you have never made roof repairs or replaced the roof since you moved in, and it was 20 years ago, you should schedule an appointment for a roof evaluation. The roofer will let you know if you need a roof replacement based on the condition of your existing roof.
Search Your Attic
Your attic can be an excellent place for spotting gaps, leaks, or holes in your roof. Go to your attic on a bright day and turn off the lights in the space. Look for light streaming through openings in the ceiling, indicating areas that may allow water into your home.
After noting where you see the light coming into your attic, turn on the lights and search for water damage or stains on the walls or floors of the attic, especially around the areas you saw the light entering. These stains likely indicate prior water damage. Over time, water seeping into your home can contribute to mold formation and weakening of the wooden frame and walls of the home. A new roof can protect you from more costly repairs in the future.
Look Up to the Roof from the Outside
You don’t have to be a roofing expert to spot some potential problems with your roof. Look for major issues on the roof that indicate an aging or poor function. You should be able to stay on the ground when you look over your roof. If you have a multi-story home, you can use binoculars to look closer at the roof without endangering yourself by climbing a ladder.
Curled Roof Shingles
All the shingles on your roof should lie flat. However, they may curl over time and not properly protect the roof from water intrusion. While a roofer may replace a few curled shingles, seeing many of these indicates that your roof is at the end of its life.
Bald Shingles
The grit or granules on shingles should last for the life of the roof. They can wear off, though; when they do, your shingles will experience faster decay than before. Another sign of shingles losing granules is seeing excessive grit in your gutters or having constantly blocked drains from roof materials.
Cracked Shingles
Cracked or broken shingles cannot do their job of protecting the structure. Several damaged shingles in one area can contribute to a leak. If your roof has many cracked or broken shingles, you might need to have the roof replaced.
Moss Growth
Moss may appear in shady areas of your roof. This greenery makes your roof appear dingy and old and can also hold extra water close to the ceiling. During freezing weather, this excess moisture can freeze and cause additional damage.
Dark Algae Streaks
Airborne algae can settle on your roof and leave behind dark streaks. Like moss, this algae can retain moisture against the roof but remains largely harmless. However, your home will look older with the dark streaks on the shingles. If your home’s roof has other signs of needing replacement, doing so will also fix the unsightly dark streaks caused by algae.
Sagging Roof Areas
Your roof should have an even slope throughout. However, if one area of the roof sags, that indicates potentially severe water damage and internal rot. You might even see a ceiling inside sagging if the damage continued over an extended period.
Recent Damage
Wildlife, weather, and trees can all cause severe, unexpected damage to a roof. Some animals might gnaw through part of a roof to get into your attic. Hailstorms can cause fractures in the shingles from hailstones. Fallen trees or limbs can also damage your roof shingles or structure.
Contact a roofing company for an evaluation of your roof if your home has recent damage. If warranted, a qualified roofing contractor may encourage you to check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if your policy covers the cost of roof repairs or replacement from the damage.
Fresh New Look
Outside of the standard wear and tear your roof experiences throughout the years, sometimes the right time to get a new roof is when you want a fresh new look to your home.
While getting a new roof does come with a cost, a new roof is an easy way to make an aesthetic change to the exterior of your home. At Charlotte Roofing Specialists, we offer a variety of options. From architectural shingles to slate, wood shakes to metal, we can assist you in selecting the best roofing material for your home. Don’t forget we offer a variety of color options as well.
Does Your Roof Show Signs of Aging or Damage? Contact the Experts at Charlotte Roofing Specialists
Your roof protects your home and everything in it. Make sure that it will last for its lifetime by knowing when to get a new roof and contacting local professionals for the job. If you live in the Matthews or Charlotte areas, contact us at Charlotte Roofing Specialists. We are a locally owned company with licensing in North Carolina in general contracting with a roofing specialty designation. Trust us to get your roof repaired or replaced properly for the long-term protection of your home.
