7 Signs That Your Roof Needs to be Replaced
A roof replacement is an expensive upgrade to any home. That’s why homeowners want to be absolutely sure they need a replacement before committing to such a beast of a project. Fortunately, an old roof will tell you in many ways that it needs replaced—and you don’t have to be a roofing expert to speak the language.
1. Shingles
Shingles are an obvious sign of a roof needing replaced, and when they’re damaged, they tell you loud and clear. Shingles that are in bad shape look damaged, cracked, and broken. Aging shingles can also appear curled. Sometimes they come off altogether because of a nasty storm with high winds or from heavy impact, like a falling tree branch or debris.
Roofs that have bare patches void of shingles are exposed to the elements, and once water gets in between the layers of the roofing system, serious damage can occur. Water damage can happen even with one missing or broken shingle—that’s all it takes to invite moisture inside where it doesn’t belong.
2. Flashing
The black, sometimes metal, lining that seals parts of your roof is called the flashing. When there are cracks and breaks in this essential component, your roof is at risk for being damaged. Leaks can occur if these sensitive conjoining areas are not sealed properly, and as homeowners know, water seepage can wreak havoc in a home’s structure.
Most flashing is comprised of cement or tar, but an upgraded version will have your roof sealed with metal flashing. The metal is less susceptible to leaks and breakage and is able to withstand damage from fallen debris or heavy storms. If you live in an area constantly under the barrage of nasty weather, metal flashing will help extend the life of your roof replacement.
3. Leaking in the Attic
A roof in need of replacement shows signs of trouble in the attic. The attic is essential to a healthy roofing system because of the air flow that aids in venting the roof. A roof with proper attic ventilation will be able to control extreme temperatures and help regulate the temperature inside the home, too.
Vented attics provide energy efficiency, but if there are leaks, that means the roof isn’t vented and lacks this air flow, which can lead to moisture damage and shingle deterioration. Keeping the roof cool in the summer lessens the UV exposure of shingles, expanding their lifespan, as well wicking away moisture to prevent water damage.
4. Exposed Nails
An easy sign to miss is exposed nails. A roof with more than a few exposed nails can be a sign that it’s time to replace the system, especially if you notice this issue coupled with the other common signs of a deteriorating roof.
Roof nails that noticeably jut outward are exposed to the elements, and like anything else, moisture can damage them over time, causing rust. Rusty nails easily leave openings for water seepage, and a leaky roof is one that needs to be replaced. Depending on just how long your roof has had rusty, exposed nails, you could need a roof replacement sooner than you think.
5. Missing Granules
Like exposed roofing nails, missing granules on your shingles is a small sign, but an important one, nonetheless. Shingles reflect the health of your roof, and even if they don’t look visibly damaged, bowed, cracked, or missing altogether, they still could be telling you they need replaced.
For some roofs, there aren’t too many signs except missing granules on the shingles, so it’s crucial to periodically check the condition of the shingles. Your roof’s shingles are the first line of defense against water, weather, and debris, so if granules are missing, it’s a sign of a roof that’s been around for a long time and possibly needs replaced.
6. No Chimney Cricket
A chimney cricket (sometimes called a chimney saddle), is a mini-roof that’s built between the space where the chimney meets the roof. This is an awkward nook that allows water to pool up against the back of the chimney, and as you know, lingering water can cause serious damage. The more your chimney is exposed to water, the higher risk of leaking, structural weakening, and mold or mildew.
A chimney cricket forces water to disperse, not even allowing it a chance to gather and pool. If your roof doesn’t have this feature in place or if the cricket is damaged and dysfunctional, your roof may need to be replaced. When you do have your roof replaced, a professional roofing company will reinstall the chimney cricket to prevent water from collecting behind the chimney.
7. Bowing or Sagging
The direst sign of a roof needing replaced is clear signs of bowing, sagging, or drooping. This is an extreme indication that your roof is screaming to be replace as it cannot support itself anymore. Long-neglected roofs will sag in some areas where water has damaged the supporting structure or weighed the system down enough because of trapped moisture. A sagging roof can happen because of heavy snow that can sit on a roof and form ice dams, rotting boards, or years of moss growth that trapped water against the surface. Roofs tend to sag in their lowest areas, but you’ll want to replace the roof before it gets to this point.
Replacing your roof can be a expensive upgrade to your home. Let us help you in making that decision. At Feldco Roofing, we provide a breakthrough design and triple layer protection to keep your roof healthy for what mother nature decides to throw at it. For a roof replacement, our installers are factory trained, experienced and professional to get the job done right. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote online today.
