Do you think it's time to replace your roof? Are you trying to decide if your roof is actually failing before reaching out to a roofer?
One of the biggest complaints homeowners have about the roofing industry is dishonesty. They automatically think they’ll be sold a roof, which is what many companies try to do.
While talking to multiple roofers is a good way to figure out what your roof needs, you can get good a idea if your roof is failing all on your own. You just need to know the signs to look for.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners combat the dishonesty in the roofing industry. So, let's break down the signs that your roof is failing to determine if it's actually time for a new roof.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn how the following are signs that your roof is failing:
A roof with continuous leaks is a sign that it's failing due to improper installation or has reached its maximum lifespan. This is especially true if your roof is over 15 years old and has already required frequent repairs.
Now, a roof isn't failing because of simple leaks caused by common problems such as nail pops or a cracked pipe boot. 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 and/or that your roof is failing. That’s why the only solution for a failing roof with continuous leaks (especially an older one) is a complete replacement.
Moss or other vegetation growth on shingles is a sign that your roof is starting to fail, and it’s time to get ready for a replacement. Moss shortens shingles’ lifespan, which is why manufacturers have special granule formulas to prevent moss growth for as long as possible.
So, if you see moss on your roof, there’s a good chance the shingles are starting to lose their full effectiveness. While this is more common on older roofs, moss can grow on roof areas that don’t get enough sunlight.
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 is failing.
Seeing curling, cracked, and/or missing shingles are clear signs that your roof is failing and needs a replacement. 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 lead to shingle degradation much quicker. 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, but you’ll have an insurance claim if this happens.
Curling and cracking is one thing, but shingle delamination is a huge sign that your roof is failing. Asphalt shingles are made of layers of asphalt and protective granules on a fiberglass mat.
Shingle delamination is simply the separation of these individual layers, which leads to the loss of structural integrity, protection, and adhesive properties.
Obviously, shingles can’t perform their function correctly if they’re separating or peeling. So, shingle delamination is always a clear sign that a roof is failing.
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 a roof loses them naturally as it ages.
However, severe or widespread granular loss is one of the biggest signs that a roof is failing. If it’s bad enough, you’ll find a lot of granules on the ground by downspouts and/or in your gutters.
Just know hail also causes granular loss, whether it’s one large storm or multiple.
Roof decking is the wooden foundation that your entire roof system is installed on. Whether it’s from a prolonged leak or inadequate attic ventilation, the wood holds excess moisture.
This causes the decking to become wavy, which is a clear sign that a roof is failing due to improper installation and/or poor attic ventilation. However, the decking also loses its ability to hold nails and load-bearing capacity if it’s left to sit too long.
This causes severe sagging once the weight of the roofing materials starts to bear down on the compromised decking. If it gets to this point, you're most likely looking at complete roof failure.
While waviness and sagging are clear signs of a failing roof, you can catch the complete failure before it happens by checking the decking from the attic. Finding discoloration on the bottom of the decking in your attic means has water soaked through the wood, which is a sign that the roofing materials are failing.
This could be from improper installation or the roofing materials maxing out, but either way, the structural issues we just talked about will happen if left to sit. On top of all this, the wetness creates a perfect environment for mold, mildew, and termites to thrive.
Now you know the signs that a roof is failing. Unfortunately, you’ll most likely need a roof replacement if your roof has any of the signs of failure mentioned here.
However, you won’t know what your roof needs until after an inspection from a local roofing contractor. Just know that this begins the roof replacement process if you do have a failing roof, which is full of big decisions.
On top of this, it’s also where homeowners get taken advantage of by bad roofers. I want you to be fully prepared when we or another roofer comes to your home.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down everything homeowners need to know before they get a new roof.
Check out 7 Things to Know Consider Replacing Your Roof to learn what you need to keep in mind when starting the roof replacement process.