Do I Need a Roof Replacement? 10 Failing Roof Signs Homeowners Need to Know

by | Feb 20, 2015 | Roofing

No one wants to admit it’s time to replace their roof. A quality roof replacement with proper installation can be costly, after all.

Roof repair - Burlington, OakvilleBut your home is one of the most (if not THE most) expensive investments you will make in your life. You need to protect it. Your roof is essential to your home – it must be well-maintained and taken care of.

If your roof is displaying warning signs of failure, a professional residential roofer should look at it right away.

Otherwise, other parts of your home could start to get damaged, like your walls, ceilings, or attic. Left too long, a failing roof even becomes dangerous.

So, what are the top 10 warning signs of a failing roof that you need to be on the lookout for?

1.     Sagging Roof

It’s a very bad sign if parts of your roof look like they’re sagging or buckling, even if it’s only a little bit.

2.     Damaged Flashing

Flashing is used to join parts of your roof to other parts of your home’s architecture; for example, to a chimney, skylight, or where two different elevations of the roof meet.

If this is damaged or deteriorated, water can leak through and start to damage other parts of your home.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

3.     Paint Blistering or Peeling

Is the outside or inside paint blistering and/or peeling? This can be caused by poor attic ventilation leading to high temperatures or humidity.icon-blistering-paint

4.     Attic Leakage

Do you notice any moisture in the attic?

Make sure to check after storms and throughout the winter; leakage can sometimes be caused by wind-driven rain or ice build-up, respectively.Attic leakage

5.     Stains on Ceilings or Walls

If you see stains on the ceilings or walls in your home, you could have a problem with your shingle underlayment or your ventilation. If the damage has reached this far into your home’s interior, the issue has probably been present for a while.

6.     Mold or Mildew Growth

Mold or mildew growth under your shingles, in your attic, or on your ceilings is another symptom of roof failure. Like stains, it can be caused by shingle underlayment issues or inadequate ventilation.icon-stains

7.     Exterior Decay of the Sheathing or Siding

Sheathing is a protective layer beneath your home’s roof and siding. If you notice cracking or decay of your home’s sheathing or siding, it has been subjected to too much moisture. Poor attic ventilation can cause this problem.icon-exterior-decay

8.     Missing, Cracked, or Curled Shingles

These shingles have reached the end of their days. They’ve also become problem areas on your roof, because they aren’t performing as they should to keep the elements out.icon-decay

9.     Darker Spots on the Roof or Granules in the Gutters

Without their protective granules, shingles don’t last as long and are less protected against strong winds.

You may notice some dark, almost dirty looking, areas on your roof. Old shingles start to lose granules, which causes this effect. You might also see a deposit of granules in your gutters. Depending on the amount, it might signal that it’s time to replace the roof.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

10.  Major Increase in Energy Costs

Insufficient attic ventilation traps moisture in the attic and condenses it on the rafters. Then, it drips onto the insulation and reduces its effectiveness. With damaged insulation, your heater and air conditioner have to work extra hard to maintain the temperature in your home. … And you’ll see a big increase in energy costs.icon-energy

Not Sure? Get a Residential Roof Inspection from the Professionals

These problems aren’t necessarily a death toll for your current roof. But they are important warning signs that could mean your roof is starting to fail.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you need an expert to inspect the roof and determine the extent of the damage. They will be able to advise you about whether you need repairs or a roof replacement.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore these warning signs if you see them! The costs you will pay to fix the problem – even if it requires a full-blown roof replacement – are nothing compared to the costs you will pay if your roof fails and more of your home’s infrastructure is damaged.

>> Herb Lodde Roofing provides professional residential roof inspections, repairs, and replacements. We’ll make sure your roof is safe and secure! Contact us today.

Serving homeowners in Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines, and the Niagara region.

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