Roofs are constantly exposed to brutal elements. Baking sun, ripping winds, freezing temperatures and pounding rain all take their toll on this important protective layer. While some types of roofs can potentially last 25 years, shingles do eventually age, bend, break, tear or simply fall apart. It can be hard to tell how bad things are from the ground, but these nine signs you need a new roof will help.
1. The Roof Is About to Turn 25
Homeowners should check their receipts and improvement records for the date their roof was last replaced. Typical asphalt shingle systems have lifespans of 20 to 25 years. If that time window has passed, most homeowners can start planning for a new roof.
Note: If the shingles were installed on top of an existing layer of shingles, then they might not last as long. Twenty years is typical for these kinds of applications.
2. Your Neighbors Are Having Theirs Done
For homeowners in developments and subdivisions, the sound of roofing nailers in the neighborhood might be a sign. Most developments grow a few houses at a time, meaning that many of the homes in the neighborhood are relatively close in age. And since these houses often use the same materials purchased by the builder at a bulk rate, the roofs should deteriorate at a similar rate. So, if everyone’s replacing their roof, maybe you should too.
3. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are never a good sign. This occurs when the shingle itself weakens, and the adhesive holding the bottom in place starts separating from the course below. At that point, all it takes is the right gust of wind for a shingle to fall off.
However, just one or two missing shingles isn’t the end of the world. In some cases, the cause could be improper installation. A relatively quick repair could have the roof back in top shape, though the shingle color might not be an exact match.
4. Shingles Are Starting to Cup, Curl or Claw
Some telltale signs that a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan are cupping, curling or clawing. Cupping and curling look very similar, with the ends of the shingles peeling away from the courses below them and beginning to point upward. Clawing occurs when the center of the shingle lifts while the ends stay in contact with the roof. Neither condition is a good sign, and they can be the result of extreme temperatures, improper installation, poor ventilation or age.
5. Grit in the Gutter
Asphalt shingles have grit or granules embedded in their surface, and these granules create a barrier between the sun and the shingle. It’s normal for a bit of grit to loosen up and fall off (especially when the roof is new). But if more and more granules are collecting in the gutters every fall, there might be a problem. Without the grit, the sun will bake the shingles and cause them to warp, cup or deteriorate.
6. Cracking Shingles
From the ground, it may be possible to see what appear to be cracks sprawling across two or three shingles. Those aren’t cracks, though. They’re actually tears that come from prolonged thermal expansion and contraction cycles. As the sun rises and heats the roof, the shingles expand. As the temperatures drop, they contract. Over time, these tiles tear and become the prime location for leaks and structural damage.
7. Shingle Pieces in the Yard
Shingles don’t always fall off in full strips. For deteriorating roofs, it can be just as typical to see small chunks of shingles in the yard, and it’s not always easy to see where they’re coming from. Homeowners that notice small pieces of shingles in their yards after a few different windstorms should consider getting a closer look at their roof or calling in a pro to inspect it.
8. Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is one of the most telltale signs that you need a new installation. Sagging happens when there is a structural issue below the shingles, such as severe water damage or a broken rafter. In either case, a contractor will need to remove the shingles and plywood sheathing underneath to get to the bottom of the problem.
9. Water Damage
Apparent water damage inside the home is a fairly straightforward sign that the roof is no longer doing its job. This damage could be the result of ice dams, compromised shingles, deteriorated flashing or poor installation techniques. Whatever the case may be, leaks don’t get better on their own, and homeowners should look into replacing or repairing their roof in short order. A leaky roof can lead to mold and attract pests like carpenter ants. Source
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