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8 Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof

Need a new roof? If you have water damage in your home and a leak that keeps coming back, it becomes obvious that it is time for a roof replacement. Other times, it can be hard to tell if it is time for a new roof.

 

Your roof protects your home from the elements and keeps the inside warm, safe, and dry. It can be easy to take for granted. However, once issues arise like leaks, you quickly remember the importance of a functioning roof. Taking a proactive approach by monitoring your roof can enable you to fix early warning signs, minimize repair costs, and prepare for the eventual roof replacement.


Roof Replacement Before & After

Below is a before and after photo of a roof replacement.


8 Roof Replacement Warning Signs

Keep an eye out for these 8 warning signs that it is time for a new roof. If you notice any of them, contact us for a free estimate.

 

1) Water Damage in Your Home

Water leaking into your home can have various causes. Damaged shingles, ice dams, or improper installation may lead to water damage. Sometimes a leak is due to clogged cutters that need to be cleaned. A small leak may be repaired in the short term. However, if you have a leak that keeps coming back, it is time to replace your roof. If you notice moisture in your attic, this is a warning sign that it is time to replace your roof. Moisture can lead to mold, rot, and pests.

 

2) Shingles are Curling, Buckling, Missing, or Damaged

Damaged shingles
Damaged shingles

If you notice your shingles are curling, buckling, missing, or damaged, it is a sign your roof needs to be replaced. Curling or buckling singles may be due to exposure to extreme elements, poor ventilation, age, or improper installation. Curling or buckling shingles are a sign that your roof is no longer able to do its job properly by keeping your home warm, safe, and dry.

 

Missing shingles are a warning sign. Sometimes wind or storm damage leads to missing shingles. Other times, when the shingle and adhesive weaken, a lighter gust of wind can cause the shingle to fall off. A few missing shingles may simply be replaced. However, if there are many missing shingles, it may be time for a roof replacement. 

 

Sun-damaged shingles look brittle, faded, or cracked. This is a sign that they are no longer protecting your home and need to be replaced.

 

3) Dark Spots or Discoloring


Roof Discoloring
Roof Discoloring

If you notice dark spots or discoloring on your roof, this may be a sign of algae growth. This means your roof is no longer protected against the elements. If you see algae growth, moss growth, or any other discoloration, it is time for a roof replacement.

 

4) Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging, this means the structure of your roof is compromised. There may be a broken rafter or water damage. Regardless of the cause, a sagging roof is a sign it is time for a new roof.

 

5) Your Roof is More Than 20 Years Old

The age of the roof can help determine if it is time to replace your roof. Roofs are constantly exposed to the elements including wind, water, freezing temperatures, rain, snow, and ice. Eventually, this wear adds up.  

 

If your roof is older than 20 years, it is more likely it is time for a new roof. The lifespan of your roof primarily depends on the material, ventilation, and installation. Some roofs last longer than 20 years, but 20 years is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.

 

Not sure when your roof was replaced? Check your records for your home. The previous owner may have left documentation. Alternatively, if all your neighbors are having their roof done, it may be a sign it is time to replace your roof.


6) Hail or Storm Damage

Hail Damage to Roof
Hail Damage to Roof

A fallen tree, hail damage, or wind damage often motivates homeowners to evaluate the state of their roof. If your location experienced significant hail or wind damage, you may want to file an insurance claim and work through the process with a local contractor helping you along the way.

 

7) Granule Loss

If you notice granule loss from your shingles, it may be time for a new roof. Shingle granules are designed to protect your roof from the elements and sun damage. If your roof is aged and experiencing granule loss, request a roof inspection before the damage gets worse.        

 

8) Missing Fascia or Flashing

If any of the roof’s supporting structure is missing or damaged, it is a sign it is time for a roof replacement. Your roof needs the proper support to remain structurally sound.

Roof flashing refers to the steel material used to direct water away from critical areas of the home. It is often installed around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other roof features. The roof fascia refers to the long, straight board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. The fascia board is where your gutters attach. Sometimes the fascia or flashing can be repaired in the short term. However, it is an early warning sign that your roof will need to be replaced.

 

What do you need to do if you are considering a roof replacement?

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a local roofing contractor for a roof inspection. Most roofing contractors will provide a free roofing inspection and estimate.

 

Serving homeowners in southern Wisconsin & northern Illinois, PK Contractors is your locally owned & owner-operated exterior contractor specializing in roofing, siding, gutters, and windows. We provide roofing installation, repair, and replacement. When it comes to roofing, we offer asphalt shingles, cedar, flat, or shake roofs.

 

PK Contractors provides the highest quality roofing systems that utilize the entire brand of products. That means we do it right. We don't substitute inferior products to lower the cost. Rather, we use the entire line of products and make sure the manufacturer's warranty holds up. CertainTeed is our preferred manufacturer.  We offer industry choices of good, better, and best. 


Contact us today to schedule your free estimate 920-397-4533!

 

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