Do you think it’s time to replace your roof in Tennessee? Are you doing your due diligence before contacting a local roofing contractor?
Many homeowners don't think about getting a roof replacement on their Tennessee home until something happens. Unfortunately, this usually means damaging leaks that cause costly problems.
This is all avoided by simply knowing when you should replace your roof in Tennessee before it gets to this point. Luckily, there are signs to give you an idea if it’s time for a roof replacement.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas with transparent roofing advice and information. Now, I want to help you determine if your roof needs to be replaced.
Let’s get to the 7 signs you need to replace your roof in Tennessee.
1. Continuous roof leaks
A roof with continuous leaks means it’s improperly installed or has reached its maximum lifespan. This is especially true if you have an older roof that has required frequent repairs.
Keep in mind simple leaks caused by common problems such as nail pops or a cracked pipe boot don’t mean a roof needs replacing. It’s even possible to experience multiple repairs on a single issue.
However, frequent leaks in different roof areas are a sign of larger problems. That’s why the only solution for a roof with continuous leaks (especially an older one) is a complete replacement.
2. Cracked, curling, or missing asphalt shingles
Seeing curling, cracked, and/or missing shingles are clear signs that you need to replace your roof. If shingles get to this point, it usually means your roof has reached the end of its lifespan.
Unfortunately, improper installation and/or inadequate attic ventilation can lead to shingle degradation. If this happens, your roof will fail prematurely and need replacing well before it should.
Wind damage is also a common cause of missing shingles, which means insurance could pay for a roof replacement. However, the adjuster is the only one with the power to approve a claim.
3. Your roof has storm damage
Storm damage is one of the biggest reasons roofs get replaced in Tennessee in recent years. If the straight-line winds that frequent Tennessee rip up your shingles or cause a tree to fall on your roof, you’ll clearly need a new one.
The same goes for strong hail storms that damage shingles enough to shorten their lifespan. While wind damage is more obvious, hail damage is harder to spot on the shingles themselves.
However, you can check for collateral damage by looking at the following areas around your property after a storm:
- Downspouts (Above 5 feet, so it can’t be blamed on a lawnmower)
- Dings or strikes to your garage door
- Holes in your window screens
- Dings to any painted wood or shutters
- Splatter marks or dings to your electric meter, AC unit, or grill
- Dents to your mailbox and other soft metals on your property
- Dents on the top of your car and the car’s hood
If you notice hail dings, dents, or splatter marks on these things, there’s a good chance your roof is also damaged.. And as I said, earlier you’ll go through the homeowners insurance process to replace it.
4. There’s moss or other vegetation growth on your roof
Moss or other vegetation growth is usually a sign that it’s time to start considering a replacement. While it’s usually on older roofs, moss can also grow on roof areas that don’t get enough sunlight.
But no matter the cause, moss growing on shingles will shorten their lifespan. Just know it’s common for black streaks caused by algae growth to form on a 10 to 15-year-old roof.
While the black streaks don’t look great, it doesn’t mean your roof needs to be replaced right away. However, it does mean your roof is starting to get on the older side.
5. Loose granules on the ground or in gutters
Granules are pieces of asphalt embedded in shingles for fire resistance, color, and UV ray protection. They are crucial to the longevity of an asphalt roof, and it’s natural to lose them as your roof gets older.
However, finding a lot of loose granules is a sign that you need a roof replacement. You can easily spot this by finding a lot of granules on the ground by downspouts or in your gutters.
Just know hail also causes granular loss, whether it’s one large storm or multiple. That’s why it’s common to find gutters full of granules after a hail storm hits Tennessee.
6. Discoloration on the bottom of the decking in your attic
If there’s discoloration on the bottom of the decking in your attic, water soaked through the wood when it got underneath the roofing materials. Finding this means you need a roof replacement or, at the very least, extensive and costly repairs.
This could be from improper installation or the roofing materials maxing out, but either way, the structural integrity is compromised. Waiting too long could even lead to sagging or a cave-in if it’s bad enough.
On top of all this, the wetness creates a perfect environment for mold, mildew, and termites to thrive. So, you should reach out to a roofing contractor as soon as possible for an inspection if you see dark spots on the bottom of your decking.
7. Other houses in your neighborhood are getting new roofs
Many homes in neighborhoods throughout Tennessee were built around the same time. If the homes in your neighborhood are the same age and getting their roofs replaced, it may be time to replace yours.
This is simply because it’s highly likely the same materials and roofers were used when building the homes. Also, take note of any roof replacements after a strong thunderstorm because it could mean your neighbors had a viable insurance claim.
While there’s no guarantee that your roof is also damaged, contacting a roofer and your insurance company for an inspection is a good idea.
How much will it cost to replace your roof in Tennessee?
Now you know the 7 signs you need to replace your roof in Tennessee. However, you won’t know if you actually need a roof replacement until after an inspection.
Just make sure to hire a local roofer you can trust for an honest assessment. After all, the last thing you want is to be sold a roof you don’t need.
But before reaching out, you need to understand just how much of an investment a new roof is. This is always the biggest concern for homeowners on any roofing project, no matter how big or small.
The last thing you want is to be unprepared when you learn it’s time for a replacement and see the estimate. That’s why I wrote another article breaking it down for you.
Check out How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Nashville, Tennessee, to learn the budget you’ll need for your potential roof replacement.
