5 Warning Signs that You Need a New Roof

by George Karonis

If you’re like many homeowners, you might panic the minute you see a leak in your ceiling thinking you need a new roof. Don’t worry; leaks in the ceiling could indicate a problem with your roof, but not necessarily the need for a roof replacement. Still, it’s important that you can distinguish whether you need a simple repair done to your roof of if it’s time for a whole replacement. Below are 5 warning signs that it could be time for a new roof.

  1. Shingles are Curling
    There are two ways shingles curl. The first is cupping where the shingles edges turn upward. The second is clawing where the middle starts coming up but the edges stay flat. Either way, they are both indications of weathering and you are at risk of roof problems like leaks. You could have between a year and five years before you need to replace your roof, depending on how bad the shingles curl.
  1. Granule Loss
    If you look at your roof, you’ll notice small granules that are essential for weatherproofing. They help your roof stay protected from the ultraviolet rays of the sun as well, as improve the water-shedding capabilities of your roof. You don’t necessarily need a new roof until you begin to see a lot of black spots indicating you are losing a lot of these granules.
  1. Poor Workmanship
    Sadly, some roof issues are due to poor workmanship. If you’re inexperienced at roofing and attempted to put up your own roof (or the previous homeowner) or it was installed by a careless contractor, it’ll show — and unfortunately it can shorten the life of your roof and even lead to water damage to your house.
  1. Roof is Sagging
    If you notice your roof sagging, it usually means there is a structural problem. This could be anything from decking in your attic to supports in your foundation. It’s best to get this problem taken care of as early as possible while it’s still localized and small rather than waiting until it has progressed. If you don’t do anything, your roof won’t last much longer. Call a professional in right away to have the problem looked at.
  1. Roof Age
    The average roof has a lifespan of between 20 to 25 years. If you have an asphalt shingle roof that’s older than 20 years old and has several layers on it (one roof being installed over another), it’s likely time for a roof replacement.

It is probably a good idea to replace your roof before it wears out and you have to make a quick and hasty decision or it leads to damage inside your house. A way of extending the life of your roof is by installing an attic fan, which properly ventilates your attic.

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