There are many signs that a roof is wearing out and needs to be replaced. Some are easier to notice than others.
For example, if you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills, it could be a sign that air leaks from an outdated or failing roof.
Water Leaks
When a water leak is detected, it can cause severe structural damage and should not be ignored. Look for sagging ceilings and walls and a musty smell in the home.
Brown stains on the walls and ceiling are another telltale of a roof leak. If stains are visible, head up to the attic and check for a hole in the roof. Many things, such as deteriorated shingles, missing shingles, or a worn-out valley, can cause leaks.
Loose granules in the gutters also indicate it is time for a new roof. These granules are often lost during a hail storm or due to aging. They can cause further damage to the roof if not replaced.
Leaks in the Attic
The presence of water leaks is a sure sign that your roof has reached the end of its lifespan and should be replaced. The sooner you recognize and address these signs, the less damage will be done to your home.
Leaks often appear as wet spots on your ceiling or damp areas of drywall. To find the source of a leak, head upstairs to your attic or crawlspace with a flashlight and safety gear. Use a container to catch the water and track it to its source.
Ensure you check the areas where the attic meets the roof, gable vents, ridge vents, and soffit vents. You can also check the flashing around these points to ensure it is not leaking. Water coming through the flashing may signify that it’s time to replace the roof.
Damaged Shingles
The shingles that make up the exterior of your roof are meant to protect your home from moisture and weather damage. If you start noticing large chunks of shingle debris in your yard, it is time to replace your roof.
When a shingle deteriorates, it will begin to curl. This can occur in two ways: cupping, where the edges of a shingle start to resemble a cup, and clumping, where the center of the shingle begins to bulge upward. A few curled shingles aren’t necessarily indicative of roof replacement, but it is worth having the roof checked out by a professional, affordable roofing Sacramento to be sure.
Another sign of aging shingles is the loss of their protective granules. This is normal, but noticing a lot of granules in your gutters or on the ground around downspouts indicates that it’s time to replace the roof.
Loose Shingles
A few loose shingles after a storm aren’t an emergency, but if you start seeing large areas of your roof that look patchy, it’s time to get a professional to inspect and possibly replace them. These patches leave your home exposed to rain and snow, which can cause water damage.
You can fix a few shingles by loosening the nails in the row above them using a pry bar, then lifting and pulling off the damaged shingle. You’ll also want to examine and replace the flashing around your chimney, skylights, plumbing vents, and attic vents for signs of damage.
The granules on a shingle are what make it waterproof. When these granules wear away, your shingles are getting old and need replacing.
Cracked Shingles
Your roof is a significant investment, and it protects your home from water damage. Taking care of it is essential, and that means regularly treating for moss, lichen, and algae, removing leaves and debris, and replacing caulk around flashings. It also means recognizing when to replace your roof to save yourself the expense of repairing or remodeling a water-damaged home.
One of the most common signs that your roof is getting close to or has passed its life expectancy is cracking in shingles. This can be in the form of cupping or curling, where the ends lift and point upward. This can lead to water leaks that threaten drywall, ceilings, support beams, and floor joists.
