Your roof is designed to withstand years upon years of weathering and wear from wind, rain, hail, sunlight, temperature changes; pretty much anything short of a natural disaster. Their very purpose requires this durability to protect your home and family from the elements that literally rain down from above.
However, even the toughest roof will weaken with age and eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Common roofing materials are built to last; a typical asphalt shingle roof will last 20 – 25 years if kept in healthy condition. Still, there are a number of factors outside of human control that can deteriorate or damage a roof. Left unchecked, an aging roof can accumulate a host of issues that may result in severe structural damage or worse.
While most roofs should be professionally inspected every three years, it helps to perform a self-check every six months to assess any issues. Here are 7 signs it’s time to repair or replace your roof that are easy enough for any homeowner to spot.
Interior Damage
The first order of business in checking the condition of your roof is to take a look directly underneath it. Pay your attic a visit and check wood and insulation for damp or discolored areas that indicate a leak. Although some sunlight naturally peeks through the attic roof, check for any significant gaps where rain can leak through.
You should also check your roof deck, or the rafters and beams in your attic that support the roof. If they’re sagging, it could be a sign of moisture damage.
Leaking roofs often leave distinct stained areas on ceilings that are easy to recognize. Interior water damage due to leaks needs to be addressed quickly as it will likely grow worse over time. In addition, mold and mildew can accumulate, creating a new problem altogether.
Curled, Cracked or Bald Shingles
There are a few things to look for that indicate aging or damaged shingles on your roof. Curled edges are a sign of aging, but could also be a sign of poor attic ventilation that can expedite deterioration. Cracked shingles may be a sign of “thermal splitting”, which occurs most often in hot climates where years of beating sunlight can create cracks and fissures.
Bald shingles are also a sign of an aging roof. A shingle can only withstand so many years of abrasive particle collisions before its protective granules start to wear off. Rainwater rinses the loose granules down into the gutters where they form a black paste that is a sure sign of severe shingle degradation.
If shingles are missing altogether, they leave your roof dangerously exposed and should be replaced right away.
Cracked or Worn Flashing
Most roofs require flashing to some degree to seal the edges around vents, chimneys and skylights and direct water flow away from these areas. If the flashing is cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged, it could lead to leaks.
Look for Moss, Mold and Fungi
Roofs withstand arguably more moisture than any other part of a home, which can lead to moss, mold, or fungi growth on the shingles themselves. Shaded areas of a roof, most often due to trees, are particularly susceptible to these growths.
Check for dark spots or discoloration that can indicate moss or mold. If found, remove the growth immediately using store-bought cleaners, as these growths harbor moisture and lead to bigger problems if untreated. Be careful not to step or walk on mossy or moldy shingles, however, as they are very slippery and pose significant danger.
Check for Sagging
A sagging roof is never a good sign. While older roofs that were built using rafters instead of trusses are more susceptible to sagging, it can happen to any roof given the right set of conditions. It’s most easily visible near the lower end of an angled roof.
Left untreated, a sagging roof could eventually cave in, requiring nothing short of a full roof replacement. It is especially important to address a sagging roof before the onset of Winter, as heavy snow can exacerbate the collapse of an already rotting roof.
Stay On Top of It!
These are just a few of the more common scenarios where roof repair or replacement may be necessary. By performing a self-check twice a year on your roof, you can ensure that any possible source of damage or decay is accounted for and treated.
If you’re noticing signs of considerable wear and tear or damage on your roof, or if it’s been more than three years since your last inspection, the next step is to call the professionals. To find out more about a home roof inspection through National Home Improvement, contact us today.
There are a few things to look for that indicate aging or damaged shingles on your roof. Curled edges are a sign of aging, but could also be a sign of poor attic ventilation that can expedite deterioration. Cracked shingles may be a sign of “thermal splitting”, which occurs most often in hot climates where years of beating sunlight can create cracks and fissures.
Bald shingles are also a sign of an aging roof. A shingle can only withstand so many years of abrasive particle collisions before its protective granules start to wear off. Rainwater rinses the loose granules down into the gutters where they form a black paste that is a sure sign of severe shingle degradation.
If shingles are missing altogether, they leave your roof dangerously exposed and should be replaced right away.
Cracked or Worn Flashing
Most roofs require flashing to some degree to seal the edges around vents, chimneys and skylights and direct water flow away from these areas. If the flashing is cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged, it could lead to leaks.
Look for Moss, Mold and Fungi
Roofs withstand arguably more moisture than any other part of a home, which can lead to moss, mold, or fungi growth on the shingles themselves. Shaded areas of a roof, most often due to trees, are particularly susceptible to these growths.
Check for dark spots or discoloration that can indicate moss or mold. If found, remove the growth immediately using store-bought cleaners, as these growths harbor moisture and lead to bigger problems if untreated. Be careful not to step or walk on mossy or moldy shingles, however, as they are very slippery and pose significant danger.
Check for Sagging
A sagging roof is never a good sign. While older roofs that were built using rafters instead of trusses are more susceptible to sagging, it can happen to any roof given the right set of conditions. It’s most easily visible near the lower end of an angled roof.
Left untreated, a sagging roof could eventually cave in, requiring nothing short of a full roof replacement. It is especially important to address a sagging roof before the onset of Winter, as heavy snow can exacerbate the collapse of an already rotting roof.
Stay On Top of It!
These are just a few of the more common scenarios where roof repair or replacement may be necessary. By performing a self-check twice a year on your roof, you can ensure that any possible source of damage or decay is accounted for and treated.
If you’re noticing signs of considerable wear and tear or damage on your roof, or if it’s been more than three years since your last inspection, the next step is to call the professionals. To find out more about a home roof inspection through National Home Improvement, contact us today. 
