A roof over your head is much more than a phrase to describe a home, with a strong and secure roof being one of the most important aspects of a safe and secure home. Knowing why and when to replace is vital, as the consequences of living under a sub-par one could be drastic.
You may be wondering “how do I know if I need a new roof?” which is why we’ve put together this article, describing some telltale signs of when its time to replace a roof, along with some of the potential dangers of letting a problem sit for too long.
Why Replace a Roof?
This is a question with a very simple answer – because you need a safe and secure place to live. If your roof is damaged then it could let in the elements, such as wind, colder temperatures, and of course rain. Once these things make it past the roof it’s only a matter of time before more serious structural damage is done, so it’s important to stay a couple of steps ahead.
Do I Need a New Roof? – Telltale Signs
If your roof looks and acts as it should, the odds are that it doesn’t need replacement, but there are some things that you should look out for, some of which more obvious than others. We’ve put together a list of some things to look out for when it comes to replacing roof shingles.
Shingle Damage: Curling, Granules Missing, Cracking & More
Shingles are the predominant form of roofing material, and there are some clear signs that your shingles need to be replaced, many of which may appear to be simply superficial at first, but all of which are indicators that your roof is on the rocks.
Curling: If your roof shingles are curling then it means that it’s almost time to replace them. Curling will take the form of either cupping or clawing. Cupping is when the edges start to lift up, while clawing will see the center rising. Either way, it’s a sign that the shingles have been weathered and will need replacing within 1-5 years, but it’s not worth waiting until it’s too late.
Granules Missing: The granules on top of shingles are a key part of what offers defense against the sun. If they’re falling off and you’re finding them in the gutter, the closer your shingles are to a full deterioration due to the asphalt being exposed. New shingles may strip some granules, but if they’re not new, it’s almost time to get them replaced.
Cracked Shingles: Shingles can crack for a variety of reasons, be it general weathering, storm/wind damage, or heavy bouts of hail. If shingles start to crack or even start to go missing, you can have them replaced one at a time as a patch-up job, but realistically there are only so many times you can do this before the entire roof needs to be replaced.
Other Visual Signs: Other signs that your shingles are shot and may need replacing include exposed nails and a build-up of moss and algae. Exposed nails can rust under weather conditions, compromising the overall quality and safety of the roof, while moss and algae are largely considered superficial issues that won’t necessarily put your roof in much peril.
Clearer Structural Issues: Leaking, Sagging, & Age
Along with keeping an eye on your shingles, there are some more obvious signs that a roof is in need of a replacement. If you can spot one or more of these things then you should know when to replace your roof.
Leaking: This may seem like too obvious of a point to make, but if your roof is experiencing any form of leaking then it’s clearly time to get a replacement done. When you think of leaks, rainwater is likely the first thing you think of, but wind, colder temperatures, and even sunlight are equally indicative of a roof that needs replacing, so be vigilant with any of these signs.
Sagging: If your roof or ceiling is sagging then you can be confident that your roof should have probably been replaced a while ago. Sagging roofs essentially mean that the roof has been exposed to the elements for so long that structural degradation has truly begun to take place, so you should try to get this fixed as soon as possible if and when you notice it.
Age: The average roof and its shingles aren’t designed to last forever, with a general rule being that you should replace the roof’s materials once every 20-25 years. It’s worth asking when the last replacement was before moving into your house, while if you live in a new-build development you can tell when it’s time by paying attention to your neighbors.
Things to Consider When Replacing a Roof
While all the things described can be taken as cues telling you when to replace a roof, there are also plenty of important things to consider before beginning the process. You need to be aware that there are other roofing materials available other than the ones historically used on your home, along with understanding that the process will be loud and annoying, so it might be worth staying elsewhere for a while. Make sure to shop around for a good roofer and don’t just go with the first person you meet with.
If your roof is in need of some TLC and you live in the greater San Antonio or Austin areas, get in touch with us at Agave Roofing and see firsthand why we have such an excellent reputation with our customers.