Warning Signs You May Need A New Roof

Know when it's time to call the pros........

A solid roof over your head is a vital must if you'd like to maintain a warm, cozy, and leak-free home. Here are 8 ways to notice and handle potential issues before they become big ones.

1) If you are approaching the 25 year anniversary on your roof it may be time for for a professional inspection.
Just because you've reached the 25 year mark doesn't necessarily mean you need to immediately replace your roof.  However it is a great time to reach out to a pro in your area like Boyd Construction Co for a free roof inspection, to head off any number of problems that can arise with age.  Another great indication is that if you live in development or row home where your neighbors are replacing their roofs, it may also be time for replacement for you as well.

2) If your shingles are curling.
​Shingles can curl in two ways: There's cupping, which happens when the edges of the shingles turn upward; and there's clawing, which is when the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up, they are both signs of weathering and are indications of problems and potential leaks.

3) Shingles are missing.
Functionally this only a slight problem which can easily be fixed by replacing the shingle. Aesthetically the problem is that it is almost impossible to find a new shingle that will match the old ones. Granule colors have changed significantly over the years, plus the weathering over the years can change the colors of the shingles as well.  

4) Shingles are cracked.
They are usually the result of wind damage. If the cracking isn't isolated to one particular area and it's random throughout the roof, that's a telltale sign that you should start thinking about a new roof.

5) Granules in your gutter.
Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt. Once the granules fall off and the shingles start to bake, the quality will deteriorate in a hurry.  If it's been at least 10 or 15 years it is time to call a pro.

6) Shingles are covered with moss or algae.
This is not really a reason to panic and is mainly a cosmetic issue. Some people may choose to replace the roof just because they don't like the aesthetic (and a lot of new shingles are algae-resistant). Whatever you do, don't take matters into your own hands by power washing or scraping away at the green stuff. "That's a good way to chip off all the granules, which again, essentially renders your shingles useless."

7) Sun shines through your attic (and not through a window).
Obviously that is NOT a good sign. Check for light and also water leak stains.  Call a pro immediately.  Smaller leaks can be patched, but larger leaks may indicate the need for a roof replacement.

8) The whole roof is sagging.
And the time to panic is NOW!  There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation. "You're not necessarily in imminent danger, but this is the kind of thing that's a lot easier to take care of when it's small and localized, than when it has progressed."