No one wants to pay for a new roof until it’s the right time. Unfortunately, it’s hard to look up at your roof and tell it's time for a replacement without prior roofing knowledge.
Wouldn’t it be great if your roof would speak and tell you it’s ready? While it won’t outright talk, it actually does indicate when it’s time to be replaced. You just have to know the signs to look out for.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has educated homeowners on the ins and outs of roofing. Because of this, I’ll help you recognize when your roof is telling you it’s time for a roof replacement.
This article covers the following 5 warning signs that you need a new roof and why:
- Roof leaks
- Granules in gutters or on the ground
- Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Moss and other vegetation growing on your roof
- Able to see rotten or discolored decking in your attic
1. Roof leaks
One of the most obvious warning signs that it’s time for a new roof is that it’s leaking. However, a roof doesn’t need to be replaced just because it’s leaking.
Chances are you don’t need a replacement if your roof leaks from something as simple as nail pops or a cracked pipe boot. But you’ll most likely need a roof replacement if the leak is caused by improper roof installation, storm damage, or the roofing materials have reached the end of their lifespan.
Unfortunately, you won’t know whether the solution to your roof leak requires repairs or a replacement until after a roof inspection. Just know that it’s always a good idea to get multiple opinions on a roof leak, especially on a roof that’s at least 10 years old.
By getting multiple opinions from different roofing contractors, you’ll learn if your roof leak is actually a sign that it’s time for a roof replacement.
2. Granules in gutters or on the ground
Granules are pieces of asphalt embedded in shingles for fire resistance, color, and protection from UV rays. They are crucial to an asphalt roof’s lifespan, and losing them is a huge warning sign that it’s time for a roof replacement.
The sign to look for is loose granules in gutters or on the ground around downspouts. This is natural as your roof goes through wear and tear.
However, a strong hail storm or a lot of little hail also leads to granule loss. If you notice loose granules after a big storm, you might actually have an insurance claim.
No matter the situation, loose granules are a clear warning sign that it’s time to start budgeting for a new roof.
3. Curling, cracked, or missing roof shingles
Asphalt shingles go through a lot of wear and tear as they age. With that in mind, noticing curling, cracked, or missing shingles is a warning sign that it’s time for a new roof.
Curling and cracked shingles are a clear sign that the asphalt shingles have reached the end of their lifespan. Just know that you may not know how to spot this sign without getting on your roof.
On the other hand, missing asphalt shingles could be caused by strong winds or improper roof installation. You might have an insurance claim if it was caused by wind damage.
But if missing shingles are caused by improper installation, you’ll have to rely on your roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty to take care of the problem. No matter the reason, damaged shingles lead to a roof replacement most of the time.
4. Moss and other vegetation growing on the roof
As I said, it’s hard to look up at your roof and tell it's time for a replacement without prior roofing knowledge. However, the next warning sign is pretty easy to spot.
Moss or other vegetation growing on your roof is a pretty clear sign it’s older, and it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. Now, you may notice some black streaks on your roof caused by algae.
While algae will grow on a 10 to 15 year old roof, it doesn’t necessarily lead to a roof replacement. Luckily, you can clean algae off your roof.
But make sure you do your research and hire a professional roof cleaning company that knows how to soft wash.
5. Able to see rotten or discolored decking in your attic
Roof decking is the wooden boards that make up the foundation of your roof system. Your roof needs a solid deck for the roofing material and components to be installed.
When the decking’s integrity is compromised, you’ll need to replace the wood and potentially the entire roof. Unfortunately, this is almost impossible to spot without tearing off your old roof first.
However, noticing rotten or discolored decking in your attic is a potential warning sign you need a new roof. If there’s rotting or discoloration, water got underneath your roofing materials and soaked all the way through the wood.
This could be from water getting underneath something, or it’s gone through roofing materials that have reached the end of their lifespan. If it’s widespread and left alone too long, you could have your roof cave in.
Do you think it’s time for a roof replacement?
Now you know 5 warning signs that you need a new roof. I get it; spending money on a new roof isn’t fun.
But waiting too long can damage your home and cost you more in the long run. So, if you notice any of the signs listed in this article, you need to reach out to a roofing contractor for a roof inspection.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to spot a trustworthy roofer in this industry. Especially when you see all the options available in your area.
That’s why I wrote another article giving you the 7 tips needed to find a great roofing contractor.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roof replacements to thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. You can count on a new roof that lasts for decades, and we back it up with a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee.
Here are the 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor to help you find a great roofer in your area.
