7 Signs You May Need a Roof Replacement

Last year, the roofing industry earned approximately $18.5 billion in the United States. 

A large portion of those sales came from customers that needed a new roof.  

Many Americans currently need roof construction to better the structure of their homes overall. 

Keep reading to learn about seven signs suggesting you may need a roof replacement today! 

1. Leaks

One of the most significant signs that you need a roof replacement is leakage. Leaks can occur on any part of your roof due to wear, storm damage, or animal damage. If you ever hear any dripping water or visible water stains in the attic, it’s time for a new roof. 

Most commonly, damage occurs to roofs after intense storms. The debris from these storms can cause holes, creating your leak.

If left untreated, these leaks can cause internal damage to your walls and floors. Therefore, it’s essential to contact a roof replacement company as soon as possible. 

2. Old Age

The average lifespan for a roof is between 20 and 25 years. If you know your roof’s age surpasses that number, you’ll need a new roof soon. Just like most things, roofs have expiration dates to ensure the integrity is always upheld. 

If your roof has been well maintained throughout the years, you may be able to overlay the shingles instead. An overlay can save you time and money overall. Contact your roof replacement service to get advice on an overlay or replacement. 

If you have no idea how old your home’s roof is, don’t worry. A good strategy to finding out your roof’s age is to pay attention to your neighbors. If any of them start replacing their roofs, chances are your home might need the same service. 

3. Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles are a huge indicator that it’s time for a roof replacement. If you ever notice any signs of wear and tear, check your shingles to see if they have curled, cupped, or missing. These signs mean the shingles have exceeded their age limit. 

Finding this throughout your roof means it needs to be replaced. Your roof contractor will help confirm this if you’re unsure. Inspect areas around your gutters, downspouts, and valleys to ensure your shingles are intact. 

If shingles are missing or damaged in only a few places, you can fix them without replacing the entire roof. You can buy shingles in small bundles if this is the case. 

4. Saggy Spots

Saggy spots are a serious sign that you need a total roof replacement. Saggy spots can be a result of standing water from storms. This water then soaks into the wood beneath, causing rot. 

If you can ever visibly see a sagging spot, you need to act quickly before further damage occurs. If this problem goes untreated, your roof could collapse, or the rot could spread to other parts of your home.

When inspecting this damage, be careful of your footing to avoid a fall. If the roof feels spongy or bouncy, moisture has damaged it. Contact your roofers as soon as possible. 

5. Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are significant contributors to roof replacements nationwide. Additionally, they are invasive fungi that can damage your roof. Often, these fungi are present in wetter environments. 

When your roof is prone to moisture, you’ll need to take the proper precautions to avoid standing or puddled water. If left alone, mold and mildew can form and begin taking over your roof. They can then cause rot and soft spots throughout the area. 

Check for signs of mold by looking for any discoloration on your roof. If it spreads inside your home, this can cause serious health problems for your family. 

6. Damaged Flashings

Flashings are the metal equipment used around your chimney and vents to create a water-tight seal. If you ever find leaks coming from the general area of your chimney or vents, chances are the flashings have been damaged. These are important for keeping water out of your attic and preventing moisture from spreading throughout the roof’s structure.

Flashings are durable and can last for long periods. However, they can rust, crack, or warp as time goes on, meaning they need replacement. If significant damage is in the area, you may need to replace the roof.

You can inspect these flashings yourself to see if there’s any damage. If so, contact your roof inspector to see what repairs need to be made.  

7. Drafts

Drafts are usually cold bursts of wind that are randomly felt. If you’re in your attic and feel a draft from above, you may have a crack or hole in your roof.

Locate the draft from the inside, then go to your roof to find where it’s explicitly coming from. If you find it, see how severe the damage is to decide on further action. If it’s significant, your roofing service may need to replace the roof. 

Another way to tell if there’s a draft is if your energy levels have increased in your home. If your HVAC bill has spiked in price during winter or summer, it could be due to your roof. Your roofing contractors can help find the source of the problem. 

Get Your Roof Replacement Today

These seven signs will help you know when it’s time to get a roof replacement. 

Once it’s replaced, you won’t have to worry about any structural issues on the top of your home. 

Contact us today to receive your free roofing estimate. We will take care of all your roofing needs here at Fortress Roofing!