10 Signs You Need A New Roof

Owning a house is an investment and if you have never replaced your roof, you might be wondering if you need a new one. Many people assume that a roof leak automatically means it’s time for a brand new roof, but luckily that isn’t always the case. Thankfully, there are many warning signs when a new roof is needed, so it isn’t as complicated as some might think it is. If you are curious if you need to replace your roof, read about these warning signs and consider getting a professional opinion.

1. DAYLIGHT COMING THROUGH THE ATTIC ROOF.

If you go into your attic to inspect your roof and you see light shining through cracks or holes, you need to repair or replace your roof immediately. If light is shining through, water is definitely getting through your roof as well and the damage will continue to get worse until you deal with the issue and replace the roof.

2. STAINS OR STREAKS.

If you see dark stains or streaks on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from your roof, that is a bad sign! Chances are your roof is leaking and moisture is damaging both your roof and your home’s interior structure. Airborne algae can cause streaks like these and you should look into this immediately.

3. SAGGING ROOF.

If your ceiling or roof has areas where it is sagging, you might have water damage. Use your hand or a broom to touch the sagging area - if it is soft, wet, or bends easily, you definitely have water damage and need to replace your roof before it gets worse.

4. ROTTING OR MISSING SHINGLES.

If you have a wooden or asphalt roof, rotting and decaying is pretty common. Another sign of roof decay is missing or discolored shingles. If you have any rotten or decayed tiles, missing tiles, broken tiles, or mold buildup, you should get your roof inspected right away.

5. MOLD.

If you see mold or mildew growth on ceilings or walls, chances are you have a leaky roof that is causing damage to your home’s structure. Check that your home had adequate ventilation, your insulation is dry and your bathroom plumbing isn’t leaking. If all those things are good, you most likely need to replace your roof. Keep in mind that mold can have horrible effects on your family’s health and it is imperative that you look into the problem and fix it immediately.

6. GRANULES FALLING.

If you notice that particles and pieces from your shingles are in your gutter or falling off your roof, then your house may be susceptible to greater water damage and decay. Keep in mind that some granules are normal, but if you notice it is getting worse or there are a lot of granules on the ground, it is worth it to look into the issue. Putting off replacing your roof can cost you much more money in the long run due to water damage.

7. ROOF AGE.

Most experts agree that a typical roof should last about 20-25 years, so if your roof hasn’t been replaced in 20 years, it is in your best interest to get it inspected by a professional.

8. NEIGHBORS ARE GETTING NEW ROOFS.

If you notice that your neighbors are starting to get their roofs replaced, it might be time to get yours inspected. Most homes built around the same time and in the same area will need their roofs replaced around the same time. If your neighbors are all getting new roofs, it’s time to call the professionals in.

9. CHIMNEY FLASHING.

If the flashing on your chimney is made from roof cement or tar, you will need to replace it with a long-term, water-tight fitting. We recommend a metal flashing to avoid this issue from happening.

10. SHINGLES CURLING.

Look at the slopes of your roof that get direct sunlight and if you notice that the shingles are curling, losing granules, or buckling, you most likely need to repair or replace your roof.

We hope this article was helpful for you. There are many factors that go into roof damage and if you catch these issues early, you might be able to make smaller repairs instead of replacing your entire roof - this is why conducting regular inspections is so important! Keep in mind that while you can notice some issues from the ground, if you suspect roof damage, you should have it inspected by professionals. Getting your roof inspected is not something you should put off, as the damage will continue to get worse and will cost you more money. Some issues can be so bad that they cause structural damage to your home and will eventually need much bigger repairs to fix the problems.

Working with a qualified, reputable roofing professional can help you determine what the issues are and how to make the best decision based off your situation. If you have any questions about how to know when to replace your roof or you would like to have your roof inspected, give us a call! We are San Diego roofing experts and we would be happy to set up your free consultation and give you an estimate.