When To Get a New Roof

Your roof is one of the most important features of your home. As such, it is vital to keep up with roofing repair and replacement when necessary. However, knowing when you need to get a new roof is easier said than done. 

Part of what makes it difficult to know if you need a roof replacement is that most homeowners don’t know or notice the signs that their roof has seen better days. Our goal in this article is to reveal the top signs that it’s time for you to invest in a new roof. 

Your Roof is Several Decades Old

The first indicator that you may need a new roof is your roof’s age. Generally, most roofs remain fully effective for a lifespan that lasts a few decades. In most cases, after that lifespan has passed, you should replace your roof entirely. 

The materials that comprise your roof play a role in its longevity. For example, slate roofs often have a considerably longer lifespan than asphalt shingles. However, with that said, if your roof is 30 years old or older, there is a decent chance that roof replacement should be in the near future. 

A roof that is 30 years old is not guaranteed to need replacement. Instead, the 30-year mark is a good time to call a roofing pro for an inspection, knowing that replacement or extensive repairs will be their most likely suggestions. 

Shingles on Your Roof Are Missing or Damaged

Our next sign that it’s time to get a new roof is a bit more obvious. If you notice that your roof is missing a considerable number of shingles or you notice that those shingles are significantly damaged, you probably need a roof replacement. 

Shingle damage can come in several common forms. For instance, shingles can crack, curl, or form a cup-like shape. All these visual signs increase the odds that a new roof is necessary. Again, while the average person can detect this sign, you won’t know if full replacement is necessary until you have an expert assess the damage. 

You Find Pieces of Your Roof in Your Yard

Occasionally, shingle damage may not be immediately visible to you. Instead, this type of damage can become apparent in other ways. For instance, some homeowners with outdated roofs will find pieces of shingles in their yard. 

Finding shingles in your yard is a sure sign that your roof needs an upgrade. These shingles appear in your yard because they have deteriorated to the point at which they break completely and detach from your roof. After finding single pieces in your yard, a closer inspection will likely reveal more shingle damage to your roof. 

Granules Fill Your Gutters

Do you perform regular gutter cleanings? If so, you should use these cleanings as opportunities to evaluate your roof. For example, next time you’re up on your ladder clearing your gutters, notice if they contain a build-up of granules. 

When old shingles break down, they often start by shedding small pieces of grit that flow into your gutters with each rainfall. While a small amount of granules in your gutter is often nothing to worry about, high volumes of granules can indicate that you need a new roof. 

Your Roof is Sagging

Our next sign that it’s time for a new roof is one of the most serious. If you see that your roof is sagging or deformed in some other way, you should seek the help of a professional roofing team as soon as you can. 

Sagging is a sure sign that your roof has structural damage. This damage will not resolve itself and will only worsen with time. When left unchecked, this damage can be incredibly costly and dangerous. Contact a roofing pro for a replacement any time you see your roof sagging. 

Water Leaks into Your Home

Another sign of serious roof damage is the presence of water inside your home. Shielding your interior living spaces from the elements is one of your roof’s primary functions. If your roof fails at this key role, you’ll need repairs and possibly a full replacement. 

To detect this sign, inspect your attic space to see if there is any water damage. Additionally, you can go up there next time it rains and see if you notice any water leaking in. Since water damage can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your entire home, resolving it quickly is a must. 

Your Roof Allows Light In

Even when it’s not raining, there are other ways to detect unwanted cracks and gaps in your roof that indicate repair or replacement is necessary. For instance, if you are in your attic and you notice sunlight streaming inside, there’s a good chance your roof needs some attention. 

With some exceptions for ventilation, your roof should create a complete seal over the top of your house. If that seal is broken in any way, light may begin to enter our home through the opening. 

Moss Covers Your Roof

Our final sign doesn’t always mean you need a replacement right away, but it can indicate that your roof may have damage. If your roof is covered with significant amounts of moss, then scheduling a roofing inspection is an excellent idea. 

While moss does not immediately destroy your roof, it can cause damage over time by encouraging dampness that leads to water damage to your roof’s structure. Roofs that don’t have consistent sunlight exposure are especially likely to experience moss build-ups. 

Get Roofing Help from a Pro You Can Trust

Have you noticed any of the indicators that we have listed in the article above? If you answered yes, there’s a reasonable chance that you’ll need a roof replacement sooner rather than later. When replacement time arrives, it’s helpful to have a professional team on hand that you can depend on to repair or replace your roof as needed. 

At Ascent Roofs, we provide the best roof repairs and replacements in the Columbus, Ohio, region. If you’re in our area and you want to have your roof evaluated by an experienced professional, contact Ascent Roofs today.