From curling and missing shingles to loose flashing and staining, there are several tell-tale signs that your home may need a new roof. We get it: a roof is a big investment. However, the longer you wait to get it replaced, the higher the risk of encountering big problems, such as leaks.
Age isn’t the only factor that can dictate when you should replace your roof. Keep an eye out for these signs that roof replacement is imminent.
1. Cracked or Curling Shingles
Age and weather are the two biggest culprits that can make your shingles crack or curl up; however, this can also be due to defective products and improper installation by the previous roofers. If you notice curling or buckling shingles, or find yourself continually replacing individual shingles, this is a big sign that you may need a new roof.
2. Granules from Shingles in Gutters
If you see mineral granules accumulating in your gutters, this is a sign that your shingles are deteriorating or coming to the end of their useful life and shedding these important components. Those granules are embedded in your shingles for a good reason: they serve to protect your roof against the sun’s UV rays. Once they have been stripped away, they no longer serve their purpose and your shingles become brittle.
3. Staining on Interior Walls and Ceilings
These are probably water stains, which can result from leaks in your roof. This is tricky to diagnose the origin of, as small leaks don’t always drip straight down. Rather, they tend to travel along roof panels or wood columns in your attic, dripping onto your insulation and leaving behind unsightly spots on your ceiling. It’s not uncommon for the source of the leak to be located far from where you’re seeing the spots. Only a professional roofer is able to diagnose the original location.
4. Missing or Misaligned Shingles
If you are constantly losing shingles, especially in high winds and extreme heat, you may need a new roof. This can also result from critters invading your roof, or when the sealant strip under the shingles has sustained damage.
5. Loose or Missing Flashing
The flashing placed around your roofing accessories such as chimneys and vents is there to prevent water from seeping in at the seams. If flashing was not installed the right way, or if a severe storm has damaged it in some way, the flashing can get loose or rusted, thus allowing water to get inside.
6. Persistent Recurrence of Ice Dams
Ice dams are caused by freeze-and-thaw cycles that help to form ice buildup at the edge of your roof. They don’t let melting snow properly drain off your roof, acting as a barrier. As a result, that water gets under your shingles and leaks inside, forming ice dams at the roof eaves.
Contact Premier Systems Roofing
If your home is experiencing any of the above signs, contact us to schedule a consultation for your residential or commercial roofing today at 605-301-2980.
