A high-quality roof gives your home the best comfort and security against the elements. And with well-maintained components, you can maximize its lifespan and performance. Unfortunately, you will eventually need roof replacement despite regular maintenance because your roof will deteriorate as it ages and withstands years of exposure to wind, rain, heat and other elements.
Avoid getting caught off-guard by an emergency roof replacement. According to roof repair and replacement experts, you should look out for these nine signs that will tell you it’s time to replace your roof.
9 Signs You Need a New Roof
1. Old and Aged Roof
High-quality asphalt shingles typically have a 20- to 30-year lifespan. When properly cared for, they may look still look functional and structurally sound even at the end of their service life. Don’t be fooled by this because your roofer may find some hidden issues upon closer inspection. That’s why you should regularly schedule professional roof inspections. If your roofer says your roof needs replacement soon, do listen and take their advice. Start planning your roof replacement as early as possible.
2. Curled Shingles
Severe storms can cause asphalt shingles to curl and lift, especially if the sheathing has poor quality and the shingles weren’t nailed properly. Curling can occur in two ways. There’s cupping, which is typically characterized by upturned shingle edges resembling small cups. Then, there’s clawing, which causes the shingle edges to stay flat and the middle to come up. Often, curling indicates your roof has one to five years left before it needs a roof replacement.
3. Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles age and deteriorate in quality. You may notice accelerated granule loss if your roof is over 10-15 years old. Shingles also tend to lose granules during extreme weather events. However, consider calling your roofer if you notice excessive granule loss within the first year of your roof’s installation. It may indicate poor roof installation or shingle defects, which are likely to be covered by your roofing warranty.
4. Roof Cracking
Shingle cracking typically occurs due to wind damage. If there are only a few cracked shingles or the cracking is isolated to a particular area, you can replace just the affected sections. But if the cracking is found randomly throughout your roof, it’s a sign that you should start planning a roof replacement. Roof repair experts will likely give you around three to five years before you need to install a new roof.
5. Sunlight in the Attic
If sunlight is peeking through your roof, it means that other elements — such as rain, snow and cold air — can also enter your attic. Holes and gaps in your roofing system could lead to leaks and excess heat, which are dangerous for your roof. While small leaks can be patched up, larger ones might require you to replace your roof, especially if there is structural damage or your roof is old.
6. Sagging Roof
A sagging roof typically means there is a structural issue. Your roofer would likely trace it back to a problem with the decking or the supports in your home’s foundation. This does not necessarily mean you’re in imminent danger, but it’s a kind of problem that can be addressed more easily when it’s still small and localized. As a rule of thumb, call in roof replacement experts as soon as you notice a droop in your roofing.
7. Missing Asphalt Shingles
A few missing shingles after an extreme weather event are replaceable and won’t gravely affect your roof’s lifespan. However, your roofer may recommend roof replacement if they can’t find an exact shade that matches your existing shingles. Remember that shingle colors fade because shingle granules lose granules over time. If you’re not OK with your roof looking like a checkerboard after replacing the shingles, consider having a roof replacement.
8. Roof Moss or Algae Infestation
The presence of moss or algae on your roof is nothing to worry about; it’s simply a cosmetic issue. However, you may choose to replace your roof if it’s affecting your home’s curb appeal and you want to switch to algae-resistant shingles. Installing zinc strips is also a good option. Zinc strips are typically placed at roof peaks and effectively eliminate moss growth.
9. Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs
If your neighbors have been replacing their roofs recently and your homes were all built around the same time, it might be time for you to do the same. Consider the age of your roof as well. If it’s approaching its 25th year, it’s definitely a sign that you should replace your roof. If you’re not sure how old your roof is, consider hiring a roofing contractor to carry out a professional roof inspection.
How Can I Prolong My Roof’s Lifespan?
A reliable roofing contractor will strongly recommend regular roof inspections and maintenance to prolong your roof’s lifespan and maximize its performance. These will provide you with vital information on your roof’s current condition, help you comply with the roofing manufacturers’ warranty requirements and extend your roof’s lifespan — ultimately giving you peace of mind for several years to come.
During roof maintenance, your roofing contractor will inspect every aspect of your roofing system, keeping an eye out even for small issues that could potentially turn into severe problems and expensive repairs over time. Furthermore, they will also perform repairs or replacements to keep your roof in excellent shape.
Regular roof maintenance ensures compliance with the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements, so you can be sure your warranty will still be valid in case something goes wrong. Hire only qualified roofers to ensure proper workmanship and compliance with the warranty terms. Ideally, you should look for a GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor if you chose GAF asphalt shingles for your new roof. Since they’re certified by GAF, you can be sure they’ll be able to provide you with superior workmanship and roofing warranties.
At Deschutes Roofing, we strive for high-quality workmanship for every roofing project we handle.
We’re a family-owned, veteran-run GAF Master Elite roofing contractor that can deliver the best results for your roof replacement project. Call us at (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You can also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
