6 Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof

Roofs protect your home for many years, but environmental factors like the sun, rain, snow, and wind can eventually damage the roof. While some simple repairs can solve some types of roof problems, serious damages may warrant the need for a roof replacement. Identifying the signs of roof damage on your own can be difficult without the help of an experienced roofer, but the following signs are helpful indicators that you need further inspection from a roofer and you may need to replace your roof.

1. Visible Leaks

Environmental factors can wear out parts of your roof and create cracks and holes. Water will seep through these cracks and enter your home. The water intrusion can cause water puddles inside the house, especially after heavy rainfall. If you detect the leaks early enough, you can hire a roofer to fix the problem and stop the leaks for good.

However, most leaks go undetected for a long time. By the time you identify roof leaks, several sections of the roof have sustained severe damage. A roofer may inspect the roof and determine that the damage is too extensive to do any meaningful repairs and therefore a roof replacement is necessary.

2. Roofline Sags

Stand across the street and inspect the shape of your roof line. Ideally, your roofline should be straight at all sections. However, improper framing during installation or water saturation can damage the roof line. As a result, your roof line might appear curved, curled, or dipped.

A sagging roof line is usually accompanied by damage to the shingles. If you don't fix the problem promptly, the roof can partially or completely cave in. 

3. Neighbors Are Repairing their Roof

If you reside in a sub-development, chances are that your house is similar to your neighbors. The same contractor probably constructed houses in your neighborhood around the same time. The contractor may have also purchased the same roofing materials at a bulk rate. That means that the roofs in your neighborhood, including yours, should deteriorate at the same rate.

If your neighbors are replacing their roofs because of deterioration, it’s a good indication that you’re due for a replacement too. 

4. Moss, Mold, and Fungi Appear on the Roof

Build up of moisture on your roof encourages the growth of fungi, mold, and moss. These microorganisms can damage your roof if you don't identify the problem early enough. A roofing expert can use a brush and other simple tools to remove small mold and moss patches. But if the mold has spread to remote parts of your roof, repairs won't help. Instead, it’s time for a new roof.

5. Energy Bills Have Increased

The roof is part of your home's insulation, but damaged or worn-out roofs can allow heat to escape or enter the home. The roofing material or color can also affect your home's energy efficiency.

If your energy bills have increased, installing a new roof with the right materials and colors can help. For example, if the local climate is typically hot throughout the year, choose light-colored metallic roofs to prevent heat transfer from the outside into the inside. Alternatively, you can reduce your energy bills by installing solar panels on your new roof.

6. You Notice Exterior Damage

Even if the roof is functioning properly, do a spot check to identify any signs of exterior damage. Wooden shingles may be missing, curved, or warped. On the other hand, metal or slate shingles may have dents, cracks, or are missing. In some cases, you might even notice granules on the ground beneath the roof.

Pay special attention to the most vulnerable sections of your roof, such as the valleys. Also, check the gutters and downspouts for any signs of clogging.

If you notice any of the above issues, reach out to W.D. Hutchinson Roofing LLC. We will inspect your roof and identify the underlying cause. If we determine roof replacement is necessary, our experts will recommend the appropriate roofing materials and complete the replacement work. Contact us to get a free quote.