How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Roof

Your home’s roof is your family’s first line of defense against the elements. The key to maintaining a safe and protected home is knowing when to replace your roof. Roof replacement may seem expensive at first, but waiting too long can lead to higher costs. 

As a homeowner, you should look out for signs of roof replacement. All American Exteriors is happy to go over how to know when it’s time to replace your roof.

Consider the Roof’s Age Before Getting a New Roof

Are you trying to determine whether a simple repair will do or if a complete roof replacement is necessary? Your roof’s age is one of the most important factors to consider. The average lifespan of a roof is between 15 to 20 years. 

If your roof is in that age range and needs significant repairs, this is the right time to replace the roof. However, if your roof shows no signs of wear and tear, there is no need to replace it yet.

Broken and Missing Roof Shingles

Broken, buckled, or missing shingles indicate that your roof has seen better days. Broken shingles can lead to a leaky roof, while buckled shingles form when moisture in the attic pushes the nails from underneath the roof’s decking. 

As your roof ages, it will loosen, and you may notice that some shingles have gone missing. Roof shingles that get blown off by the wind and storms suggest that your roof has reached the end of its life.

Moss and Algae Growth

Contaminants such as bacteria cause black streaks and algae growth on shingles, reducing their weatherproofing properties. Some manufacturers use fillers such as limestone to provide shingles at a low price. Algae can eat away the limestone and protective layers, compromising the roof.

Mold and Mildew

When an attic does not have proper ventilation, moisture builds up. This humidity can result in the growth of mold, which is a persistent and widespread fungus. 

As mold on your roof spreads, it becomes more challenging to remove. Plus, the rain can wash mold off your roof and into your home. Once inside, mold can cause severe illnesses and respiratory issues. 

Mold can also cause irreparable roof damage by attacking rotting wood. If there is a significant amount of rot on the roof due to algae, mold can seep into the roofing materials. This mold buildup can potentially cause the roof to become unstable and need replacement.

Damaged Roof Flashing

Roof flashing keeps rain and moisture away from chimneys, walls, and roof valleys. The flashing around your roof is an essential part of it, so you want to ensure that there are no loose, cracked, or deteriorating sections. Besides water stains, you may notice leaks in your flashing that can cause the plywood to rot. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to know when it’s time to replace your roof.

Missing and Loose Granules

Asphalt roof shingles have granules that prevent water from pooling on the surface of your roof. Over time, the granules start to loosen and fall off. Usually, you can find the loose granules around the roof’s edges, in your gutters, or under your downspouts. 

Granules protect the asphalt from damage caused by the sun. If the granules go missing, the shingles will wear out faster. When your shingles start losing their granules, consider roof replacement.

Formation of Ice Dams

A roof replacement may be necessary if you are experiencing large ice dams or icicles during the winter. A leak in your roof or insufficient insulation causes ice dams to form in your attic. The heat inside your home finds its way out to your roof, melting the snow and forming ice that can cause structural damage.

Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is a clear sign that you need a roof replacement. It indicates that your roof has sustained water damage. If you don’t repair a sagging roof, it could allow water to enter your home or, even worse, collapse on your home’s occupants. 

If sagging occurs, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible since structural damage can compromise the integrity of your home.

Daylight and Drafts Entering Your Attic

Attics are a good place to look for roof damages. The roof boards should not let any daylight into the house. If you can see light, then water is likely to enter the attic, so address the problem immediately. 

Also, a draft in your attic implies an opening in your roof. Go up into your attic after each season to do a full inspection. 

One handy trick for finding a draft is to use a lighter. Keep an eye on the flame of your lighter to find the draft coming through the roof. Then check every corner with your flashlight for water intrusion and other damage.

High Utility Bills

With roof damage, your HVAC system will have trouble maintaining the temperature inside your home. Getting higher heating and cooling bills may indicate that your roof is not performing well. Examine your energy bills for the last six months to a year to determine if your roof has a problem.

Are Your Neighbors Replacing Their Roofs?

Keeping an eye on your neighbors can help you decide if it is time to replace your roof. Typically, all the houses in a neighborhood get built around the same time. If you start noticing your neighbors replacing their roofs, there is a strong possibility that you should too.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection for Roof Replacement

If you have gone through the list on how to know when it’s time to replace your roof and found signs that show your roof needs replacement, a roofing company can determine the best course of action. The first step is to conduct an inspection. Roof inspections involve roofing contractors checking the integrity of your entire roof. For over 30 years, All American Exteriors has provided top-quality roofing services to Iowa residents. Working with us means you do not have to worry about your roof again. Contact us or call us today at (515) 519-7014.