7 Signs You Need a New Roof – And How to Get the Job Done

When you need a new roof, you may not be ready for the expense it entails, so you may consider patchworking repairs as much as possible. However, in the long run, this piecemeal process may end up costing you much more than you bargained for and a new roof won’t wait any longer, anyway. 

Luckily, the signs that you need a new roof don’t tend to crop up overnight unless something dramatic happens, like a tornado or a hurricane. Instead of letting that expense create a huge impact on your budget, watch for these 7 signals that the time for a new roof is quickly approaching.

7 Signs Your Roof is On Its Last Legs

Sometimes it can be hard to know when repairs are the smart choice and when they are simply prolonging the inevitable need for a new roof. While there is no absolute way to determine that you need a new roof immediately, short of it being removed by a natural weather event, these 7 signs are a good precursor of the end of your roof’s lifespan.

1. When you see interior wall moisture, things are going downhill (or downroof) quickly

 In your home, if you see discoloration like brown stains on your ceiling or walls, moisture bubbles in those areas, or peeling paint near the ceiling or along the upper walls, you likely have a few leaks in your roof.

If you catch them soon enough, you may be able to fix them, but generally by the time the leaks have made it that far, they have caused a lot of damage along the way. You can try to patch each roof and determine the problems the leaks have caused, but the most cost-effective option may be a full replacement.

2. If your roof is old, trade it in for a new one

Old roofs may do the basic job of keeping most of the elements out of your home, but they are not cost-efficient. It is likely that you are losing energy quickly through the aging materials, for instance. Also, newer roofs often have better materials and technology that can save you money on your energy bills and your insurance rates, too.

Make sure you know how old your roof is and what the general lifespan is for the materials that it is made out of. Each type of roofing materials has its own life expectancy. Shingle roofs tend to last somewhere around 40 years, but metal and aluminum roofs can last upwards of 200 years if they are installed correctly, and clay and concrete roofs on homes have been known to last for centuries.

3. Catastrophic weather can damage your roof to the point of no return

Severe storms like hurricanes or tornados can bring enough inclement weather to an area to destroy even the newest of roofs.

If you have a major storm roll through your neighborhood, be sure to contact a professional roofer to inspect your roof for damage quickly. If you are able to do this in a timely manner, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to have them replace your roof for you.

4. Watch for mold and rotting areas

Not only are these bad signs for your roof’s health, but they are could be very serious problems for your family’s health, as well. Mold and rot don’t stay outside where they belong. They quickly penetrate your home and spread air spores into your ventilation, which can make you dangerously ill.

Watch for signs of the mold by looking at your shingles to see if they are deteriorating or have any blue or green coloring on them. Don’t forget to check your attic, too. If you see or smell any mold or algae, the rotting process has begun and you will need a new roof.

5. Your shingles are no longer flat

Your roofing materials, like shingles, are not flat simply for design. They are purposely flat to keep the moisture and elements of nature out of your home. When your shingles begin to curl or loosen, they are no longer doing their job.

A shingle or two occasionally can be replaced by someone who knows what they are doing, but when the occasional repair job becomes a regular occurrence, it’s time for a new roof. You can learn more about shingles and their role to be sure you know when its time to repair versus replace.

6. You find granules showing up unexpectedly

Granules are used to reduce the damage of UV rays on the shingles and make them more fire resistant. If you see granules showing up on your yard or in your gutters, they are no longer doing their job and its time to replace your roof.

7. The roofing deck looks bad

Your roof’s deck means the support beams that are necessary to hold your roof and the shingles that cover it up solidly. When the beams begin to sag, rot, or show any signs of moisture, this can be a dangerous sign that your roof is no longer safe.

The structural integrity of your home relies on your roof’s deck, so if you see damage to this area, there is no more time to contemplate whether or not you need a new roof.

When You Need a New Roof, Call a Professional

It may be tempting to hire a handyman or your friends to come over and replace your roof yourself, but this cheaper option comes with a variety of extra costs. A professional roofer knows what they are doing and takes responsibility for any problems that occur after the roof is installed.

Call professional roofers that work in your area and ensure that they are licensed and insured, then get multiple quotes. Find the roofer that gives you a reasonable quote and that you feel comfortable working with, then you can make the investment in your home that will protect your family and increase your home’s value, too!