Your roof is an integral part of your home. It’s the first thing people see, adds to your curb appeal, and protects your home from weather damage. Knowing when to install a new roof can save you from extra repair costs and increase your home value by roughly $12,000. 

Your roof has a lifespan of around 25 to 50 years, depending on its quality and the weather conditions of your area. To know whether your roof is at the end of its life cycle, the following signs are what you need to look out for.

Severe granule loss 

Granules are a ceramic coating that protects your house from extreme weather conditions. They act as a shield for your roof’s shingles and maintain their asphalt coating. Your roof naturally loses granules as it ages; however, severe granule loss leads to deteriorating rooftops with leaks. 

Roof ‘balding’ is a prominent sign of severe granule loss. When large amounts of granules have been washed off, it leaves bald patches that expose the shingles underneath. If your roof shows signs of balding, it means there is severe granule loss, and your roof needs to be replaced.

Roof leaks 

Roof leaks are caused by an aging roof with missing shingles, gaps near the chimney, and choked gutters that let water seep through their surface. 

Are there growing water stains on your walls and ceilings? The dripping sound you also keep hearing might not be from a faulty tap but from a leaking roof instead. If your home has cracked paint, discoloration in its walls, and stale smells, it’ll be best to consider roof replacement as a permanent solution.

Growth of mold & mildew

Homes with excessive humidity and condensation often lack proper ventilation systems like rooftop vents, which result in hot air getting trapped inside and causing the growth of mold and mildew. You can identify mold growth by checking your roof for brown or green spots that might smell musty. 

If your roof has a large amount of mold and mildew, your shingles can corrode, your property value can go down, and you can also experience health concerns. Many studies indicate that it is best to remove a moldy and rotting roof before you experience symptoms such as asthma or other respiratory diseases.

Shingle damage 

Shingles are commonly used to cover the roofs of residential buildings and repel water from the inner structure. You will need a new roof if your shingles are damaged beyond repair. How can you tell your shingles are damaged? The following are the common signs of shingle damage.

Curling shingles 

When your shingles curl upwards around their edges, they are worn out. Your shingles can also start curling if they are made from poor-quality material. Curling shingles indicate poor ventilation, and if they happen in your new house, you should replace your roof. 

These shingles are very brittle and break easily, which causes them to accumulate as debris. The fallout can gather in your gutters and lawns, so check for early signs of roof damage.

Cracked shingles 

Shingles expand during high heat temperatures, then contract during the cold. The wear and tear they experience over time cause them to crack and become a prime location for roof leaks. If your shingles are cracked in several areas, they are rotting due to excessive water accumulation.

You don’t have to replace your roof for cracked shingles, but you should call professionals to see if they’re corroding and need to be changed.

Missing shingles 

Heavy rainfall and wind can dislodge your shingles, causing empty spaces on your roof. One or two missing shingles might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause severe roof leaks if left unchecked. A large number of missing shingles on your roof indicate a poor roofing job and should be replaced.

Dark spots on shingles 

The accumulation of algae known as Gloeocapsa magma on your shingles stains it black and can cause ugly spots and streaks on your roof. The algae can usually be easily cleaned with bleach; however, doing so yourself may cause more harm than good.

Gunk accumulation in the gutter 

The asphalt in your shingles, and the granules that cover them, can fall and gather in the gutter. If you don't notice any damaged shingles, but there is a buildup in your gutter, it indicates severe roof damage you may not be noticing. 

You should continuously check your gutter for gunk accumulation. If material from your roof constantly blocks your gutter, you should call professionals to assess the damage and replace your roof before it corrodes or rots.

Extreme weather damage

Areas that experience extreme weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms can easily damage your roof’s shingles by ripping them off. If you notice a lot of shingles missing from your roof, it's best to repair or replace them before the exposed areas cause water leaks. 

Strong hailstorms can also cause roof damage by causing hail hits and blisters. It is important to know the difference between the two because roof repairs and replacements caused by hail hits are covered by insurance, while blisters aren’t. 

The difference between the two is the indentions that they leave behind. Blisters push off the granule and leave behind bald spots of discoloration, while hail hits push down granules into the shingles at the point of contact. 

Increased energy bills 

A damaged roof lets the controlled air of your home escape outside and invites external wind inside, which causes inefficient insulation. When there are a lot of temperature fluctuations, your utilities work double the time it usually takes to make up for temperature losses and cause an increase in energy bills every season.

You should invest in an energy-efficient roof to save more money because, according to the Federal Trade Commission, around half of the money spent on utilities is used to regulate your home's temperature.

Conclusion

There is a plethora of ways to check the livelihood of your roof. If you can identify any of these signs in your home, it’s best to play it safe and hire a professional as soon as possible. No need to let the problem escalate into something bigger. Replace your roof before you have to end up replacing corroded pipes, walls, and ceilings. 

Many problems can be fixed by simply replacing your roof instead of continuous repair. It’s time you give more importance to caring for your roof because your home protects you, and your roof protects your home.

partnered post • photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán