While everyone knows how important the roof is to the general well-being of a home, not everyone knows when this crucial element begins to break down. Over time, your roof will begin to deteriorate, thus leading to leaks, the growth of mold, and also the development of other structural problems. It is, therefore, essential to know when these things begin to happen so you can know to reroof your home. In this article, we’ll examine the warning signs indicating that your home needs reroofing.

Age of the Roof

Your roof’s age is critical in determining when your home needs re-roofing. One thing to note is that different roof materials have varying lifespans.

The average lifespan of different types of roofs

Different factors determine the average lifespan of a roof. These factors include the type of roofing material, how well the roof was installed, and the weather condition in your area.

That being said, below is a list of the average lifespan for some common roofs:

1. Asphalt shingles: 20-30 years
2. Metal roofing: 40-70 years
3. Wood shingles or shakes: 30-40 years
4. Slate or tile roofing: 50-100 years

 

Signs of aging in a roof

The longer your roof ages, the more wear and tear signs you will begin to notice. Here are some signs that indicate your roof may be approaching the end of its life span.

1. Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
2. Granule loss on asphalt shingles
3. Dark streaks or the growth of moss
4. Sagging or buckling roof deck
5. Excessive shingle granules in gutters or downspouts
6. A roof that looks worn or faded  

 

Roof leaks

Roof leaks are among the most common indications that a roof needs replacement. They can cause a lot of damage to your roof’s structure if you don’t address them quickly.

 

You must quickly spot signs of leaks in your roof before they become a bigger problem. Below are some signs that indicate that your roof may be leaking.

1. You will begin to notice water stains on your ceilings or walls.
2. Water may occasionally drip from your ceiling.
3. The paint or wallpaper on your walls will begin to peel off.
4. You will start noticing the growth of mold or mildew.
5. From time to time, you will perceive musty odors around your home.
6. There may be visible puddles or standing water on your floor.

If you suspect that you have a leaking roof and you notice the above signs, you should act quickly to prevent bigger problems. Ensure to get the help of a professional.

They will be able to identify the root of the leaks and help with your reroofing needs. If reroofing isn’t necessary, they can propose the best solution for you.

 

Curling, Cracking, or Missing Shingles

When your roof’s shingles begin to curl, crack, or peel off, it is a clear sign that it may be approaching the end of its lifespan. It may also mean that your roof is damaged by weather or other factors. This means you will need to replace your roof or perform minor fixes if the issue is not serious.

Below is more information on what you need to know about shingle issues.

 

Signs of curling, cracking, or missing shingles

If you notice any of the signs below, you may need to consider reroofing your home.

1. Have your shingles begun to curl or warp at their edges? If they have, this is a sure sign that those shingles have begun to near the end of their lifespan.
2. When your shingles begin to show noticeable cracks or breaks, it is a telling sign of how old those shingles are getting. It could also be a sign of weather damage or improper installation. Regardless, once your shingles begin to crack or break, you must consider repairing or replacing your roof.
3. Are some shingles falling off your roof already? No clearer sign indicates the need to replace your roof. Once you notice your roof’s shingles falling off, you should take the necessary action by consulting a professional for reroofing.
4. If you notice that your gutters or downspouts have begun to collect granules of your asphalt shingle, it is a sign that your shingles are deteriorating.
5. If you have water stains on your ceilings or walls, it is a sign that your roof is leaking. This may be happening because your shingles have started deteriorating. Having deteriorated shingles means there is the need for a roof replacement or a fix, if applicable.

 

Energy Bills

Your roof contributes a major role in regulating the temperature within your home. So if your roof is in poor condition, it can easily reflect on your home’s temperature.

For instance, if you stay in a very hot region, a damaged roof will not be sufficient to keep your home cool. You will need to spend more on energy bills.

Hence, if you notice that you’re spending more on energy bills to regulate the temperature in your home, you may need to consider replacing your roof.

Below are signs that your energy bills will be higher than they should be.

1. If the temperature around your home is inconsistent, it may mean that your roof is not regulating temperature properly.
2. If you notice that you are using more energy to regulate the temperature in your home.

 

Conclusion

If you suspect your home may need reroofing due to its age, missing shingles, or a damaged roof structure, it is important to ensure that you get your roof assessed by a professional. Often, homeowners imitate the repair work suggested by beginners or DIY websites, but this could lead to expensive and more severe damage in the future. It is essential to hire experienced professionals to repair or replace a roof. 

Shoreline Roofing has decades of experience with re-roofing services. Not only can our team identify any weaknesses in your current roofing structure, but we also offer suggestions for roof replacements or new construction projects. Our experts have a broad range of experience with all roof materials and are knowledgeable about any customizations you may wish to consider. Contact us today at (250) 413-7967 and let us examine your home’s roof – no matter how large or small the project may be!