3 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Shingles

Roofs last for a certain amount of time, and even if you have been performing frequent preventive maintenance, there may come a point when your shingles might need to be replaced. Don’t delay in taking action because having a problem with your roof and leaving it unattended may result in greater problems for your home in the future.

Do you need a new roof or can you get away with just replacing your shingles?

Besides some loose material around chimneys and pipes, evidence of shingle granules in your gutters, and soft spots that may indicate rotted plywood underneath, there are three clear signs that a roof has reached the end of its life. If that is the case in your home, a new roof may be unavoidable. Here they are:

It’s an Old Roof

Although roofs have long lifespans, some lasting over 80 years, there may be others that show their age at 20, depending on their material. If you didn’t buy your home new, find out from your records how old the roof was when you bought the property.

It Fails Inspection

This is something you should do at least twice a year. Get on your roof and visually inspect the area. Do this also after severe weather hits. If you have an attic, go inside it to look for damage, leaks and weak spots.

It has Dark Streaks

Dark streaks are the result of algae having found a home on your roof. You may try to fix the issue by treating the dark areas with a low-pressure garden hose or by using a mix of water and bleach. If algae damage is too extensive and there are signs that your roof might be compromised, a new roof might be in your future.

Three Signs You Need to Replace Your Shingles

If your roof is covered with cedar shakes or wood shingles, you can rest assured that you have a very durable material covering your home. However, even the best material can break down over time. Here are three signs that your shingles need to be replaced:

Your shingles looked bent or curled

When shingles are new and first installed, they are completely flat. However, when they are exposed to the sun and the weather, their appearance will change. Although some weathering is desirable since it can enhance the look of the roof, if the shingles’ corners lift or break down, it may be time to replace them.

Shingles Show Splits or Cracks

Although some cracks are only superficial, larger cracks may be the result of being hit by hail or other severe weather events. See if your homeowner’s insurance will cover shingle replacement in this case.

Edges are Rotting

Many times, the shingles themselves make it hard for moisture accumulating underneath them to escape. This accumulation of moisture can result in lichen, mold, and other organisms to stick to the bottom edges of the shakes and they may start to rot.

Have your roof inspected every year by a professional roofing company. The roof is a large item when it comes to home repair and you don’t want to incur an unnecessarily large bill when a simple fix will take care of the problem. Call a roofing expert today and get help evaluating your roofing needs.