There are times when a roof will get to the end of its useful life, without going through roof failure. It may look old and worn and you may notice it when you go to do some preventive maintenance on it. If you delay replacing your old roof, it could lead to a number of problems along the way. You need to watch for some of the big warning signs to make sure you have plenty of time to get the roof done. Some of the big signs that your roof needs to be replaced include:
The Shingles are Curled or Edged
When you are on the roof, take a look at how the shingles look at the time. If you notice that they are still flat and close to the roof, this is a sign that your shingles are fine. But if you notice that they are cupped or curled up, then this is a sign that you may need to get someone out to check the whole roof. It is possible that they will only need to replace a few of the shingles that are curling, but it is also a sign that you need to get the whole thing replaced.
Bald Spots
Another sign that you should look for is bald spots on the shingles. Your asphalt shingles are going to have small granules on them that provide them with some of the texture that you need. As they get older, these granules are going to start falling off, which can cause the shingle to become bald as well. A little bit of this is not a big deal, but if you start to see many bald spots, then this means that your roof is getting older and you may need to work with a professional to replace the roof.
The Shingles are Cracked
Any sign of cracked shingles is a bad thing. You are allowing moisture to come right into the home if you keep those in place. You should check to see how the shingles look and if you see some cracking, you should consider whether it is time to get a new roof put in place or not.
The Age of the Roof
The next thing to look for is the age of the roof. Your roof is not meant to last forever and there will come a time when you will need to replace it as well. Once your roof gets to be 20 years old or more, then it may be time to get a professional to at least do an inspection on the roof and see how it is doing.
While many of the shingles you choose are going to be produced to be as durable as possible, there are many factors that can accelerate how fast your shingles will age. For example, if the roof is not properly ventilated, it can make the shingles age faster than before. You may be able to get the roof to last for closer to 30 years, but it is also a good idea to get it checked out in case there is some major damage when it reaches 20 years old.
The Roof Looks Old and Worn
Sometimes the first sign that there is something wrong with your roof is that it is starting to look worn out and old. Take a look at the roof from the road. If it looks kind of old and like it needs some love and care, then it is a good idea to look at your options for a new roof to keep your home as safe as possible.
The Neighbors are Getting New Roofs
Homes that are close together are often built at about the same time. If you notice that a lot of your neighbors are getting new roofs, then it may be time for you to get one as well. They may have an issue with their roof that needs replaced and you could be facing some of the same issues as well. These homes are also going to experience the same weather conditions, which means that it is not time for the roof to get replaced since it is nearing the end of its useful life.
You can talk to your neighbors to find more about why they are replacing their roofs and then get some recommendations on who they decided to use to help get it done. You can then get an inspection and a quote to figure out whether it is time for you to get the new roof that you need.
Dark Streaks
You may also notice that there are some dark streaks that will show up on the roof. These are signs that something is wrong with the roof and it may need to be replaced. Airborne algae is going to cause some dark streaks on the roof deck. While this may not necessarily harm the shingles and you could leave it there for some time, it is not going to look that good. In most situations, it is best to remove the shingles and get them replaced to ensure that your home stays safe and the roof will not die out on you.
Moss
It is possible that moss is going to grow on the surface of your roof, especially if it isn’t getting a lot of sunlight. This is even more of a concern if. You live in an area that is cool and moist. Moss is often more than a cosmetic issue because it can hold onto moisture against the roof surface and over time, the colder climates can cause a lot of damage to the top of the roof. You can brush some of the moss off the roof to help it last longer, but it will grow back again. It may be time to replace the shingles when this happens.
When there is something wrong with your roof or it is time for a full replacement, it is important for you to find the right residential roofing contractor to get the work done. The right roofing contractor knows how to get the work done. They can help you choose the right roofing materials and can give you a great warranty to make sure you have some of the protection that you need for your whole home. Trust our team to work with you to give you the exact roof that you need!