How Do I Know If My Roof Needs To Be Replaced?
6 Tell-Tale Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Replacing your roofing is one of the easiest and dramatic ways to update your home’s appearance, improve your curb appeal, and increase the value of your property. But roofing is more than just about aesthetics. Your roofing system protects your home or property from the blazing sun, bitter cold, wailing winds, storms, hail, insects, animals, mold, and water damage. Ironically, the things your roof is protecting you from are the very things that cause it to no longer be able to defend your home.
Of course, most roofing lasts a decade or more before succumbing, especially when it is high quality and well-maintained. But even then, there comes a time when regular cleaning and repairs don’t cut it - a time when your roofing needs to be replaced for the health and safety of your home.
Thanks to modern advancements in roofing manufacturing, there are numerous roofing material options each with a wide variety of designs to choose from that offer exceptional durability, outstanding protection, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. But before you right off your existing roof and start searching for the perfect roofing for your home or property, let’s go over the top 6 signs that your roof needs to be replaced.
1. You See Light Shining From Your Attic
Before you get out the ladder and start inspecting your roof for damage, you can check for obvious signs your roof needs replacing from your attic.
When in your attic, look for places where light from the outside is shining in from the ceiling. Light getting in is a sure-fire sign that your roof is damaged. If the light is coming from where a vent or chimney is located, it is an indication that the flashing has lifted and the seal is broken. If the light comes through in any other area, the barrier has been damaged or the wood beneath your shingles is either cracked or broken.
Shine a flashlight onto the ceiling of your attic If you see dark spots or stains, chances are, your roof is leaking.
Touch surfaces and feel for signs of moisture where the stains are. If you feel moisture, your existing roof needs repairs fast. Leaking will both damage the wood on your roof and the interior of your home or business.
If you see any of these signs, have a reputable roofing contractor near you provide you with a thorough assessment and get your roof repaired right away.
2. Your Gutters Are Leaking, Broken Or Detached From The Roof
Leaking gutters that are broken or detached from the roof are signs that your roof may need to be replaced. Leaking gutters cause moisture to penetrate your roof and could be damaging both your shingles and the roof itself. Detached gutters could mean your fascia is rotted and can no longer support them and needs to be replaced. If enough time has passed, that moisture could be damaging your roof to the point where replacement is necessary.
3. Fascia Is Rotten, Broken, Cracked, Or Bowed
Rotten, broken, cracked, or bowed fascia are signs that water and the elements have damaged your roof. In many cases, replacing the fascia and shingles along are all that’s needed. However, if not addressed quickly, further damage to your roof will mean your entire roof will need to be replaced as the moisture continues to penetrate beneath your shingles.
4. You See Shingle Debris On The Ground
Over time, the protective granules in your roof shingles will degrade and fall off. Seeing shingle debris on the ground around your home is a sign that your shingles are no longer providing protection to your property and need to be replaced.
5. Green Things Are Growing On Your Roof
When you see moss and other plants growing along the edge of your roof, between the shingles, or worse - all over your roof - that is a strong indication that moisture has penetrated your roof, beneath your shingles, and into the roof structure.
At this point, the only healthy option for both you and your home is to have your roofing system replaced by a local roofing company you trust and start fresh.
6. Your Roof Is Bowing, Drooping, Or Sagging
If you can see bows, droops, or sags in your roof, it means that the structural integrity of your entire roofing system is in need of replacement and repair. When your roof has gotten to this point, the structural integrity of your home is in danger and your roof needs immediate attention for your protection and safety.
If your roof is bowing, drooping, or sagging, call an experienced roof construction contractor in your area and have your roof replaced as soon as possible. You will need the help of a roofing company who is licensed and skilled in building construction as well as roofing. A local roofing company who only has experience with minor roof repairs and replaces barriers and shingles will not cut it for this job.
If you don’t see any of these obvious signs that your roof may need to be replaced, here are some other
signs you can look for.
We are a licensed and insured exterior remodeling contractor with experience with roof construction and roofing system installation, replacement, and repair serving communities from Beresford to Sioux Falls, SD. We are happy to answer any questions you have about your roof and help you determine if your roof needs replacement or repair.
We offer free consultations and estimates online, by phone, and in person for your safety and convenience. You can also message us on
Facebook. Talk to the roofing experts at
Callaway Construction today!
