4 Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Roof: What to Look For!

Your roof is part of a system that needs to function correctly to protect the interior of your home from water damage and maintain a comfortable living space. If any part is not up to par, higher utility costs and frequent repairs may result. A complete inspection by a professional roofing company is the first step in deciding whether it’s time to replace your roof. Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your roof:

1. Interior Water Damage can be from a Leaky Roof 

The first place to look is in the attic. Peeling paint, stains of any color, and drafts all indicate there is damage to the roof. You don’t need to go further if any of these are present. A professional inspection is necessary to find the damage causing the problem. This inspection should be done as soon as possible to avoid further damage which can be very costly to fix. Procrastinating on finding the problem and fixing it can lead to damage on things like your decking and interior walls and ceiling. Which would leave your home vulnerable especially in the event of a storm. 

2. Cracked or Curling Roof Shingles

You may be able to spot damaged shingles from the ground. A damaged roof may have weak areas. Let an expert handle climbing on the rooftop. Cracked, missing or fallen shingles can be a result of a couple things. They could be a direct result of storm damage or the result of normal wear and tear. This is also why having an expert take a look is important as it could save you money! Look for cracking or missing shingles from the ground; use binoculars if you have them. You may also see areas of the roof that are missing granules. Missing granules will appear as a dark-colored area on the roof. Shingles that are missing, lifted or missing granules will let water seep in underneath. This causes a build up of moisture that can cause damage to your decking and lead to interior damage.  Having areas of your roof that let in the outside elements can also lead to costly utility bills.

3. Missing Flashing and Loose Gutters

• Flashing or roofing nails on the ground -  This is a sign that shingles are pulling away from the decking. Flashing may also be loose. Missing flashing or nails gives moisture access to work its way into your attic. 
• Loose Gutters - If the gutters are pulling away from your house, the wood underneath may be weak. This could be a sign the support system is failing. Water is not flowing away from the home, but instead, pooling in the gutters or on the roof. The problem may be a clogged gutter, drain pipe, or more serious structural damage.

4.  Moss and Mold

Visible Moss, Mold, or Fungi indicates moisture trapped under roofing shingles. Shady areas are prone to this condition. Many people overlook this issue and believe it is not a reason for needing a new roof. It is important to have your roof inspected, moss and fungi can eat away at the granules in your shingles decreasing their lifespan and leaving everything underneath at risk. Your roof can sustain considerable damage if this condition is not addressed, and costly repairs may be necessary. If you notice this problem in multiple areas of your roof, be aware a roof replacement is the best remedy. If your home is in an area that is very prone to this we recommend copper strips on the top of your roof. Not only do they provide excellent curb appeal but it is a natural fungicide and will kill the moss and fungus. When it rains the water droplets roll over the metal and carry the particles down the roof.

You can see these signs by taking a quick walk around your home and visiting the attic. Other indications are not so apparent that it is time for a roof replacement.

Issues Arising From Normal Wear & Tear

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Normal wear and tear can include all of the issues talked about in the previous sections, as well as the bullet points below.

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• Gradual increase in heating and cooling - A slow rise in energy bills may signal your roof is somehow compromised. This can happen over time and is not obvious, considering rising energy costs and the effect of normal wear and tear. 
• Drafts in your Living Space - New drafts that appear throughout your home are signs of a problem developing with your roofing system. Small leaks may be becoming larger, or new leaks may be forming. This could also be due to a lack of proper insulation. An inspection will determine the actual cause of the problem.
• Discoloration of Roof Shingles - A general change in the color of your shingles can be caused by worn shingles. This can be in certain roof areas and not be evident because it occurs over time.
• Visible streaking and fading- If you see visible streaks across your shingles or fading of significant portions of your shingles, they may be in need of replacement.
• The lifespan is exceeded - If the previous owners of your home were not sure of the roof’s age, it might already have passed its expected lifespan. In this case, normal wear and tear indicate a new roof is necessary. Generally people have 20 year or 30 year shingles. It’s important to have an expert take a look to let you know which ones you have. If a homeowner has a 20 year shingle, but is struggling with a moss and fungus problem, it will decrease the lifespan significantly. 

Benefits of a New Roof

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Here is a quick look at the benefits of a roof replacement:

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• Reduced monthly energy costs
• Less risk of major repairs due to water damage
• Increased value to your home
• Higher curb appeal
• A new warranty in case of storm damage
• The interior air quality is improved

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Please contact Rhino-Back Roofing for a free estimate on a roof replacement in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. We have a 5-star rating on Google and Angi’s and we have an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau. Our friendly staff will happily answer all your questions concerning roof replacement and our other services. Schedule an in-person estimate today! 

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