When your roof is declining and you’ve exhausted repair routes, it may be time for a roof replacement. Ideally, you’ve done your research on companies and options as you prepare to move forward with the path that suits your budget and taste. Sometimes because of natural disasters or events outside of your control, you find yourself in need of a new roof when it wasn’t on your radar just days or weeks ago. In today’s post, we’re sharing signs you may need a new roof (the information is most relevant to shingle roofs, though some signs apply across the board).
- Streaks of Light
Light (or water) pouring in through cracks in the attic ceiling signals trouble. An attic inspection tops Bob Vila’s list of steps to check for serious roof damage: “Look for beams of light coming through the top of the house or stains and streaks, which signal a leaky roof.” No matter their size (even those with a pinhole appearance), pay attention.
- A Sagging Roof
Sagging is never good in a roof, as it can signal a host of issues. Beth Kaufman for Good Housekeeping reports a sagging roof usually indicates structural damage. Kaufman goes on to say: “There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation.” - Ceiling Damage
A leaky roof will lead to damage to your ceilings, which may also spread to light fixtures and fans. Be aware of discoloration, bubbles and drips on ceilings, telltale signs something is awry. An isolated issue may not call for a roof replacement, as much depends on how extensive the damage is, the age of your roof and if there are other factors at play.
- Serious Damage to Shingles or Sheathing
A few missing shingles should be addressed but don’t warrant a roof replacement. With seriously damaged shingles, the work needed may be vast. GAF provides a few telltale signs a replacement may be in order: “When shingles reach the end of their useful life, you may notice they fall off or become cracked, brittle or curled, which means it may be time for a new roof.”
Angie’s List also cites shingle granules in your gutters as a warning sign, as “roofs tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle.” Sheathing decay is also problematic, and may present as a “sagging ceiling, broken gutters, leaks or missing patches of shingles.” - Compromised Roof Valleys
Two (or three) roof slopes meet to form a valley, and unfortunately, ignoring valley issues or maintenance can result in significant damage. The cause could be poor sealing, spiritic design, or damage from cracks or weather. Problems in this area are common and often call for extensive work and need professional attention.
Bonus: The Age of Your Roof
Be aware of the expected life of your roof, which varies based on your roof type, environment, maintenance and a host of other factors. The National Association of Home Builders reports that most shingle roofs last around 20 years. Keeping this in mind will help with budgeting and locating a trustworthy, professional roofing contractor. At Bone Dry, we’ve been serving the Southeast since 2003. We’re proud of our work, our team and are active in the communities we serve. We’ve created a comprehensive guide, 24 Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor, available for free on our website.
Make sure you partner with the best roofing company in your area. Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Charleston, SC, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in St. Simons, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Athens, GA. You can contact us today to discuss roof replacement or repair at 1-855-BONEDRY.
