Warning Signs You Need a New Roof ASAP

Written By Elizabeth Cady


Various signs can alert you to the need for a roof replacement. Some are easy to spot, while others may require some more investigating:

  • Old age: Once your roof reaches 20 to 25 years of age, it starts to deteriorate. When it gets to this point, you should start looking for a replacement. Check your home improvement records to see how old your roof is and what materials it contains. Some roofing materials will require replacements sooner than others.

  • Curling and buckling shingles: Sunlight often causes curling and buckling shingles. Check your roof's slopes that get direct sunlight. You may need a replacement if they're showing signs of warping.

  • Damaged roof valleys: Your roof valleys are significant parts of your home's structural integrity. They help with drainage, allowing rainwater to flow through them to gutters. When this area starts to break down, leaks become an issue. Examine those valleys for damage. If shingles are missing or broken, you may need a roof replacement.

  • Old flashing: Flashing is another crucial part of your roof's drainage system. If you have flashing made of old materials like cement and tar, it may have started breaking down. Use an effective and durable alternative like metal flashing.

  • Shingle granules are in your gutters: Old asphalt roofs will lose granules, which then fall into your gutters. A good sign that you need a roof replacement is if your roof's gutters are full of those granules. Dark or inconsistent colors are another signal that your shingles are losing granules.

  • Daylight is streaming through the roof: Your attic is a great place to find out if you need a roof replacement. If you notice light streaming in, that's a clear sign you need a roof replacement.

  • Sagging roof: One of the more serious signs that you need a roof replacement is a sagging roof, which indicates a structural problem that requires immediate action. There could be a problem with the foundation or attic decking. It's important to get this taken care of before the damage spreads to other parts of the roof.

  • Your roof is covered in moss: Moss, mold and fungi can indicate that you may have trapped moisture on your roof. Aside from looking unappealing, this moss can spread and damage your roof. If your roof is covered with moss, it may be time to start looking at replacement options. Dark stains on your roof are also signs of algae — these growths are some of the basic warning signs you need a roof replacement.

Special Wood Roof Considerations

Wood roofs are beautiful and often durable. When they're nearing the end of their life, however, it may be challenging to pinpoint when exactly you need a replacement. You can look for a couple of key indicators:

  • Dark spots: Wood roofs with dark spots could be evidence of rot. When you spot that warning sign, it's better to get a replacement sooner rather than later.

  • Curling shingles: Splitting, curling shingles are a crucial sign of wear on wood roofs.

When you discover signs of age and wear on your roof, you need to address those issues quickly. Your roof protects the rest of your home, so you'll want to ensure it's always in good shape.

Check out pictures of roofs that need to be replaced and compare them with your own roof, talk to your neighbors who are finding replacements and pinpoint warning signs to determine if you need a new roof. Getting started on your new replacement can help you manage any worries about what happens if you don't replace your roof.

8 Things You Need to Know Before Installing a New Roof

If you do need a roofing replacement, that doesn't mean you immediately have to buy new shingles. You should still look at several different factors before getting a new roof.

1. How to Pick the Right Material

Picking your roofing material is a very significant decision. Examine how a material looks, how much it costs and how long it will last. Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the most affordable materials, but they also have a short life span. Metal and concrete shingles are better options for longevity.

Wooden shingles offer you an elegant, classic look, excellent insulation and the ability to customize to make your roof truly unique.

Traditional roofing materials such as slate, asphalt and shakes offer durability and longevity. You can even opt for elegant metal roofs that can replicate the looks of those materials while providing even better durability and aesthetics. These materials may be more expensive than your typical asphalt shingles, but they can also last much longer, make your home more attractive and boost its value.

You may be tempted to go with the same roofing material you had on your previous roof, but it's important to consider your other options to see how you can improve. It can help to hire a professional to examine your roof and help you determine which roofing materials would be the best choice for you.

2. How to Decide Between Peeling Off vs. Layering On

You'll also have to consider another important decision before installing a new roof — whether to remove existing shingles or install the new layer right on top. Keep in mind that you're allowed no more than two layers of shingles according to most building codes.

It's usually a better idea to peel off the old layer of shingles first before installing a new layer. That second layer will add more weight to your roof and could cause issues in the future. If you're seeking the most affordable option, then you can place them on the first layer. If your old shingles are buckling, your roof is uneven or you live in an area with fierce winds, taking off the original layer is highly recommended.

Another benefit of peeling an old roof off is that it lets you install water and ice shields. These shields are rubber membranes that prevent leaks due to ice buildups, usually placed on the eaves of your roof. Ice and water shields are significant advantages to have in a cold climate.

3. How to Check Your Roof Frame

You should inspect the structural integrity of your roof, especially if you've had leaks previously. Check out the plywood supports of your roof. Look for any spots where sheathing is breaking apart, soft or disintegrating and replace this immediately.

It's also helpful to peel away that first layer before installation to look for leaks in the frame. If you do find something, you can make repairs to avoid more severe issues in the future and extend the longevity of your roof.

4. Whether You Can Replace the Roof Yourself

Installing a new roof is a complex, involved process, so most homeowners hire professional roofers. However, if you have the tools you need and some experience roofing, some basic installation types may be doable. Try to calculate how much doing the project yourself would save you. In most cases, it's better to spend some money on a professional service instead of potentially installing a leaky roof.

4. How to Find the Right Company

Due to costs, it may be appealing to try to install a roof yourself. When weighed against the amount of time, effort and safety concerns, however, most homeowners opt to contact a professional roofing company. Contact businesses in your area and ask neighbors or friends who they've used for installation in the past.

Be patient during the process and find a reliable service you can trust, like us!

5. How Loud Getting a New Roof Installed Will Be

Installing a new roof can be loud. Stripping away the old shingles and installing a new roof can create excess noise in your neighborhood. Children, pets or other household members sensitive to noise may want to go to a different location while the work happens.

During the replacement process, you'll need a lot of materials to cover your roof. This means there will likely be a delivery truck in your driveway for a good amount of the day. If you need to go places throughout the day, move your car before the deliveries start so you don't get blocked in.

6. What Questions to Ask When Getting a New Roof

Ensure you get a contract outlining all the work your contractor plans to do before any work begins. The contract should include specifics such as materials, colors, the various locations on the roof they will work on, what type of work they will do and details regarding layering, stripping, flashing and more. Make sure you know exactly what is included in your roof replacement.

Take time to ask any questions you still have, gain references and ensure that all the topics you discussed are in the contract before work begins.

7. How to Obtain the Necessary Documents

Along with a contract outlining all the work being done, you'll also need two more documents. The first is a building permit, which will validate your warranty and ensure that your contractor follows the building code. The second is a letter from your contractor's insurance company, addressed to you, that says the project is covered. Your roofing contractor should be the one to get these documents from your local government, however you may need to sign off on them as the owner. 

8. How to Prevent Needing Another Roof Replacement

As you understand by now, installing a roof is a complicated task you'd probably like to avoid for as long as possible. While all roofing materials eventually need to be replaced, their life span can be prolonged with proper maintenance. Here are a few maintenance tips to help your roof last as long as it can:

  • Inspect and clean your roof: Always keep an eye out for any damaged or missing shingles, and once you notice something, get it fixed quickly. Keeping dirt off your shingles is also a good idea, as it will reduce the growth of moss, algae, fungi and lichen, which can lead to the disintegration of your roof.
  • Replace cracked sealant: Look out for cracked or worn sealant. If you find any, first remove the existing sealant and then apply the new sealant in all affected areas.
  • Look for rust: If your roof includes metallic parts, regularly inspect these parts for corrosion or rust. If you see any rust forming, wire-brush to remove it. Then, prime and paint the affected metal to prolong its life span.
  • Clean out your gutters: Clogged gutters can significantly damage your roof because water that accumulates in your gutters can easily get under your roof. Keep your gutters clear to avoid this undesirable situation.
  • Keep your chimney in good shape: Check your chimney for any missing or cracked mortar, and if you find any, replace it as soon as you can. This is very important because the mortar is responsible for holding the bricks of the chimney in place, and if a brick falls down, your roof could be damaged.
  • Prevent ice dams from forming: An ice dam refers to the accumulation of ice at a roof's edge, which keeps melting snow from flowing off the roof. While you may find them attractive, they can cause severe damage to your roof. Make sure your house and roof are well insulated, so your roof remains the same temperate as the outside environment. If this is done, the snow nearest to the roof won't melt and then freeze on the colder areas of your roof.

Choose Huber & Associates for Roofing Needs

If you need roof repairs or replacements, look no farther than Huber & Associates, the premier roof restoration company in the southeast U.S.

Huber specializes in commercial roof repairs and replacements, as well as historic roof preservation. We have worked on large residential roofing projects installing metal, wood, copper and a variety of other roofing material types. For the past 40 years, we have created advanced roofing solutions that are beautiful, long-lasting and in accordance with historical requirements and other local codes. Some of our notable work includes the Biltmore Estate's intricate copper roofing details in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Bryce Canyon Lodge's cedar roof in Bryce, Utah.

Although we are headquartered in the southeast, we can also travel internationally for roofing projects. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, feel free to ask by calling (386) 487-1040 or using our online form.

Elizabeth Cady https://www.customshingles.com/
Previous

reasons to get a wood roof
Next

Guide to Slate Roofs