5 Obvious Signs You Need Roof Replacement

Because your roof protects everyone and everything below it from the elements, it’s vital to know the obvious signs you need roof replacement.

While you can always call GreenPoint Roofing for an inspection, there are quite a few indicators of a damaged roof that you can look for on your own.

Getting to know these signs yourself means that you can be aware of the condition of your roof and make an informed decision when it comes time to repair or replace it.

#1 Your Roof is No Longer Doing Its Job

A leaking roof is one of the most obvious signs you need roof replacement. While a cascading waterfall in your living room will certainly make this issue obvious, it typically starts off much more subtle, and the damage slowly progresses.

Keep an eye out for wet spots, stains or puddling on ceilings. After rainstorms, check all rooms, even your attic for signs of water penetration.

#2 Your Roof is Really, Really Old

As a general rule, typical home roofs will last between 20 and 25 years before they require replacement.

When buying a house, it is wise to request information on the age of the roof as well as the age of the entire building. Once you know the approximate age of your roof, you can estimate how many more years it should last.

Factors such as the climate you live in and the general upkeep you give your home can add or subtract years from this general figure.

#3 You’ve Got Problems in Your Attic

Regular visual inspections from the inside can give homeowners a good idea of the condition of their roof.

From the inside of your attic, you can check for areas of sagging roof deck or water damage. Examine the inside of the roof for mold growth, dark spots, or trails. This discoloration could be evidence of water damage, especially if it occurs near the seams and joints of the roof.

Check during the day to see if sunlight enters through unsealed gaps in your roof. If sunlight can enter, that means rain, snow and cold air can also make its way into your home. It’s certainly one of the more obvious signs you need roof replacement.

#4 Your Roof Has Bald Spots & Damage

From the outside, you should be regularly checking your gutters for loose asphalt granules. Older shingles can start to lose their structural integrity, and one of the first signs of this is loose granules.

Without walking on the roof or putting yourself in a dangerous position, visually inspect the shingles of your roof. If you notice more than a couple are missing, or that they are starting to curl upwards at the edges, this could indicate they are nearing the end of their functional lifespan.

Other key issues to look out for include broken or damaged metal flashing, extensive mold coverage, drainage problems and a high percentage of cracked shingles.

#5 A Professional Inspection Reveals Big Problems

If you notice any of the warning mentioned above signs you need roof replacement, you should get in touch with a qualified and licensed roofing contractor. Some specialists such as GreenPoint Roofing will even carry out an inspection free of charge.

If your roof does need a complete replacement, it is best to get this done during the warmer months of the year. Temperatures below freezing make shingles brittle, difficult to work with and the roof will not seal as effectively. Avoid a hasty and difficult roof replacement by regularly examining your roof and knowing well in advance if it needs replacement.

Give GreenPoint Roofing a call today!