Warning signs you may need a new roof or repairs.
Warning signs that your roof might need repairs:
Sometimes a roof can naturally reach the end of its useful life without experiencing a roof failure. It just looks old and worn, and you are doing preventive maintenance on your home. If replacing an old roof is delayed, however, it could result in bigger problems down the road. So watch for the warning signs to be sure to give yourself plenty of time to add the project to your TO DO list.
For help with your reroof project contact the Pro’s at Harbor Roofing and Siding 910-262-5508
Potential warning signs that your roof may need to be replaced:
- Shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped
- Bald spots where granules are missing
- Cracked shingles
- Your roof is at least 20 years old; while many shingles today are produced for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles. For example, if your roof is not properly ventilated, it can negatively impact your shingles
- Neighbors are getting new roofs. Homes built around the same time period can experiencing the same types of weather conditions can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life
- The roof just looks old and worn
- The result of inadequate venting is moisture and heat being trapped in your attic. Additional heat on the bottom side of shingles can cause them to wear prematurely, fade and curl. It’s important to have proper ventilation which regulates the intake and outtake of air in your attic and keeps your shingles at an ideal temperature which will lessen the chance of them curling.
- Dark streaks. Airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. While this may not necessarily harm the roof shingles, it may not look good. Algae streaks can be removed using a 50:50 blend of water and bleach sprayed on your roof. It is important to use a low volume garden hose so you do not knock the protective granules off your shingles. It is also important that you protect your landscaping from the bleach run-off.
- Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight especially in cool, moist climates. Moss growth can be more than a cosmetic issue. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and overtime in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. Moss can be brushed off but it won’t prevent it from growing again; take care not to damage the shingle surface. You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor
Moss
Missing Granules
Curled Shingles
Cracked Shingles
I appreciate you posting pictures of what damaged shingles look like. I have a large section of my roof missing the granules off of the shingles. How big is too big of a section to just have them repaired?
I didn’t know that there was such a thing as airborne algae! We have some dark streaks on our roof area but I thought it was maybe a discoloration from the sun. I’m glad it isn’t something we need roof restoration for. I will share this information with my dad and maybe he can go clean the roof off with that solution you suggested. Can this algae do harm if it is left for a long time?
I really like that you mention the warning signs. I feel like some people don’t think about the warning signs or even know them. That can be really dangerous because then you have a potential problem on your hands which can get really expensive.
I must admit that my roof does look old and worn. I have noticed that many of my neighbors are getting new roofs and according to your post that likely means that I am due for repairs as well. I will be sure to find a roofing company to come give me tips on next steps!
I wasn’t entirely sure what the right age of a roof was to consider getting a replacement. I’ll have to keep an eye out for shingle damages and see if my neighbors are starting to replace their roofs. I’d be more concerned about spotting the mold spots or dark streaks as I they could be more easily overlooked.
My wife and I suspect our roof might need replacement pretty soon. The article mentioned that certain factors can accelerate the aging of shingles. Would frequent rain and snow be considered factors that speed up the aging process? I think we might consult with a roofing contractor and see what they suggest we do.
It’s been really windy lately. I noticed that it’s been taking some of my shingles off my roof! It makes sense that I would want to have my roof replaced. If the shingles can’t stay in, then there’s a good chance that they are weak!
My husband and I recently moved into a home that has a lot of outdated features, including an outdated roof. It is good to know that if a roof is over 20 years old it likely needs to be replaced. It is so true that factors such as weather can accelerate the aging process of shingles. It seems like knowing when to replace your roof is key to making sure no other damage is caused. Thank you for the information!