Roofs are often built to last a long time before they need replacement. However, as all building materials, roofs will degrade and wear away over time. With the right care and maintenance, most roofing systems should provide years of solid service with little performance degradation. However, once wear starts to show up, you must address this issue as soon as possible before further damage occurs and becomes too expensive to repair.
1. Curling or Buckling Shingles
While shingles can be expected to curl at the edges over time, this should not affect their structural integrity. Curling is an indicator that your roof needs replacement because its material has weakened. If you notice any curling or buckling shingles, it’s advisable to replace your whole roof, even if these are only isolated cases.
2. Streaking or Algae Growth
If you notice streaks of discoloration on your roof, take a closer look. It could simply be algae growth, but this is also an indicator that the underlayment is deteriorating, and moisture damage has begun to affect other materials behind it. Before moisture causes extensive damage, replace your roof while its exterior materials are still in good shape.
3. Missing Granules or “Bald” Shingles
Another tell-tale sign of wear is missing granules from the shingles. This happens when the protective granules have been worn away by weather or wear and tear. If you notice many bare spots on your roof, it’s time to replace it.
4. Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can begin to grow on roofs after prolonged exposure to moisture. If you notice signs of mold or mildew growth, it might be time to replace your roof before the damage spreads further. While damaged shingles are usually the first indicator of roof damage, they’re not the only factors that contribute to poor performance. A big part of getting a new roof is assessing which materials will provide you with longer-lasting protection against weather conditions. This evaluation is especially important if you live somewhere that is particularly hot or cold, has high winds or heavy rainfalls. Likewise, make sure your shingle manufacturer offers warranty coverage for life, since this determines how long your replacement roof will last before needing repairs again.
5. Missing Shingles
While missing shingles are an easy problem to spot, it can lead to even bigger problems that need your attention. Missing shingles expose the materials below them to weather exposure and compromise their integrity. Identifying this problem is also important if you want to take advantage of warranty coverage through your roof’s manufacturer.
Weather exposure weakens the structure of your roof over time. When one section of your roof wears away before another, water damage will begin affecting structural elements behind it, or underneath it on horizontal surfaces like fascia boards and gutters. This causes further damage that could end up costing you a lot more than simply installing a new roof would have in the first place.
6. Visible Daylight Through Roof Boards
Roof deterioration is not always limited to the roof deck. When you notice daylight in an area where there should be no holes, it means that your roof deck is compromised in some way. This could have happened because of water damage or structural damage due to weather exposure or time passing. While this doesn’t mean that you need a full replacement immediately, it does require repair work to prevent further deterioration and expense later on.
7. Inconsistent Attic Temperatures
If you have a noticeably uneven temperature in your attic, this is a sign that the insulation needs to be re-installed or replaced.
If you live somewhere with severe weather conditions that require replacing your roof at least once every ten years, then warranties aren’t always worth it. However, if you live somewhere where there are no extreme elements and need a replacement roof only after twenty to thirty years of service, the warranty can save you money.
8. Ice Dams
While ice dams may not be the only reason you need a new roof, they can hasten the process. Ice dams are formed when heat escapes through your roof and melts snow on its exterior. This refreezes as it flows down toward the eaves of your home, creating an ice dam that fills up gutters and causes leaks into your home’s interior.
9. Chimney Leaks
If you notice leaks anywhere in your home, make sure to check the condition of your chimney. It could be leaking water somewhere between the exterior and interior of your home, which is often easy to miss. When this happens, it means that your roof needs to be replaced right away, since there’s already significant damage that can cause much bigger problems if ignored.
10. Rising Energy Bills
Rising energy bills are a common sign that your home needs new insulation. This includes the insulation under your roof, which can wear down over time. It’s also possible to have air leaks in places where there are no holes at all, allowing heat to escape from your attic and increase the temperature of your home.
Hire M & M Roofing Corp to fix or replace your Roof in New Jersey
if you have a contractor that specializes in roofing, go ahead and contact them about the issue. If not, reach out to M & M Roofing Corp or call us for a free estimate of any replacement or repair work your home needs to be done.
