Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof

tearing and cracking in shingles

Spring and summer storms bring hail, high winds, and…lots of roofing company calls. Some homeowners will assume that because they haven’t seen a leak, their roof must be fine. Not only is this assumption false, it can cost you more money down the road when you do finally replace your roof.

How often should you expect to replace your roof? Knowing when to replace your roof is less often a matter of its age and more often a matter of its condition. Climbing up on your roof to assess its condition may not be necessary. You can often see signs of damage or deterioration from the ground if you know what to look for.

Here are some key indications that you may need to replace your roof:

Your Roof’s Shingle Tabs are Cupped or Shingle Edges are Curling

When the edges of your shingles turn up, even if the center is flat, your roof’s shingles are curling. Cupping is when the center of the shingle is concave or depressed, so the tile forms a cup. While cupping and curling are normal for a roof that has been in use for many years, it is not typical for newer roofs. This can be the result of harsh weather. Hail, excessive rains and moisture, and/or extreme temperatures can accelerate your roof’s wear and tear. Also, you’ll want to remember extreme temperatures don’t have to originate from the weather; poor ventilation of your roof can be equally damaging. Improperly ventilating an attic can adversely affect the condition of your shingles, causing them to curl or cup.

On the manufacturing end, if not enough asphalt-based binder was applied to the shingles, the binder can be washed away by rain early in its life cycle. Because the underlying layer will become damaged by UV and heat, shingles will then begin to curl up, years before the roof should be expected to be replaced.

Bald Spots, a.k.a. Granular Loss

Mineral granules are added to shingles to help provide protection from the expected exposure to sun and water over the years. Without them, these can cause your roof to leak and deteriorate, speeding up the need for a roof replacement. While it is normal to lose some granular textures as your roof gets older, extreme weather can also result in the premature loss of this protective coating. Severe storms that include heavy rain, hail, or strong winds can cause your granules to come loose.

Sometimes when granules come loose, they will flow through your gutters along with rain water and end up on the ground. Walk around the exterior of your home and check the area around your downspouts. Take a look at your roof from the ground. If you notice spots that look bare or discolored, you may have granular loss and should call a trusted roofer for an inspection.

You’ll want to keep in mind that missing granules may not always mean you need a roof replacement. Depending on the amount of granular loss you have and the roof’s age, you may be able to simply replace the damaged shingles.

Cracked, Lifting, or Buckled Shingles

Shingle cracks can result from high winds, extreme temperatures, manufacturing defects, improper storage, or poor installation practices. Cracks in your roof shingles can allow water to leak into your home. Shingles that are lifting at the bottom can also expose your roof to water damage, as well as be at risk of blowing off in strong winds.

A roof with buckling shingles can sometimes be repaired by removing the shingles and repairing or replacing the sheathing. Buckling can be a result of moisture in the roof sheathing or felt paper, causing shingles to expand and buckle. Sheathing installed so tightly that it cannot expand and contract can lead to buckling. This type of deterioration can also be caused by extreme heat brought about by poor attic ventilation.

Check the Underside

Checking the attic is another way to look for signs you may need a roof replacement. Youshouldn’t be able to see any light coming through from outside. Sunlight can identify holes in the roof that need to be addressed. Look for water damage; water stains or drip marks are an indication that water has been leaking. (However, it is also possible that stains are a result of damage that occurred in the past and have already been addressed. Be sure to verify with a roofer you trust that a water stain is the result of a current leak.) Check for damaged, rotten, or missing sheathing on the underside of your roof. These can accelerate the need for a roof replacement and are also a safety hazard for someone walking on the roof in the future. If you’ve seen curling or cupping in your shingles from the outside, check your attic’s ventilation. You’ll want to be sure to replace damaged vents.

Roof repair or replacement is one of the necessary maintenance costs of home ownership. Be sure to look over your home regularly, and especially following severe weather. If you see any of the signs of shingle damage or deterioration listed above, you’ll want to make sure your home is protected. Contact Lowry Roofing for an inspection today: (469) 412-4364.