6 Warning Signs That You Need a New Roof

Typically, household roofing tends to last a pretty long time before a roof replacement is necessary. Because of that, many homeowners will forget all about the age of their roof, and as a result, they’ll end up waiting too long to replace it. Unfortunately, if you make this type of mistake, you’re probably going to regret it, as waiting too long to have your roof replaced can lead to a variety of negative consequences. While your roof probably won’t collapse on your home, there’s a good chance that your comfort, peace of mind, and finances will be affected once it starts to deteriorate. If you want to keep your household functioning smoothly and save money in the long run, you should know the telltale signs that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. That way, you can recognize the indicators and take proactive action before serious problems start to arise.

1. Water Leaks

When your roof’s shingles begin wearing out, they will often start to become less water-resistant. Eventually, significant leaks may start to form. As a result, water will start seeping into the upper part of your home whenever it rains. So, if you notice any signs of water leaks in your attic, it likely means that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Although you may not actually see the water leaking in, it’s always wise to check furniture and other objects on the top level of your house for moisture or water damage. Remember that once your roof starts leaking, it will most likely only get worse until the problem is addressed.

2. Age of the Roof

As a general rule, once your roof reaches a certain age, you should start thinking about replacing it. Typically, a shingle roof will start to decline after around 25 years. Although you don’t necessarily need to pull the trigger on a new roof as soon as yours reaches 25 years, it’s a good time to start monitoring it more closely. As your roof gets closer to the 30-year mark, you’ll want to be on the lookout for any warning signs that it’s deteriorating. The older the roof gets, the less energy-efficient and comfortable your household will become. So, by investing in a replacement roof when yours reaches 25 years old, you can start enjoying the many benefits of having a brand-new roof.

3. Damaged or Missing Shingles

When the condition of your roof begins to truly decline, you may start noticing problems with the shingles. Granted, if you see a couple of missing or damaged shingles, that doesn’t necessarily mean the roof needs to be replaced. However, if there starts to be a trend in which large quantities of shingles are being dislodged or becoming warped, it likely means the entire roof is starting to weaken. At that point, it’s probably only a matter of time before you start experiencing more problems. At the very least, you should have professionals take a look at your roof to figure out why so many shingles are having issues.

4. Light Shining Through

Sometimes, if many of your roof’s shingles are damaged, leaking, or missing, it may create enough open space for light to actually shine through the roof. If you can see a significant amount of light coming through when you’re on the top level of your home, it’s usually a sign that your roofing is in pretty bad shape. In most cases, light shining through your roof will be accompanied by water leaks, so it would also be a wise idea to inspect the top of your home for any moisture or water damage. Either way, you should have your roof professionally inspected to see if it’s time for a roofing replacement.

5. Sagging Roof

One of the clearest indicators that you need to replace your roof is if it starts to visibly sag. When this happens, it’s typically due to a serious structural issue below the roof’s shingles. So, for roofing professionals to fix the problem and install a new roof, they’ll need to get under the shingles as well as the plywood sheathing. Otherwise, replacing your current roof won’t actually remedy the issue. Once you observe that your roof is sagging, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with local roofing experts as soon as possible.

6. Granules in Your Gutter

If your roof features asphalt shingles, they’re covered in granules, which help to protect the shingles from the sun’s UV rays. Over time, these granules will occasionally come off the shingles, and that’s completely normal. However, if you start noticing your gutter filling up with lots of these granules, that’s a worrying sign. For one thing, that many of the granules coming off the shingles could mean that the shingles are deteriorating and in need of replacement. Plus, without the granules, the asphalt shingles will have little protection from the sunlight. So, even if they aren’t already in poor condition, there’s a good chance that they will soon become warped or cracked. Generally, finding lots of granules in your gutter is a clear sign that you need to have your roof checked out by professionals.

Roofing Experts in Downriver

If you’re a homeowner in Trenton or the surrounding Downriver area, you can always count on our professional team at MCM Services for dependable roofing services. Our skilled professionals offer expert roofing repair, restoration, and replacement. We’d be happy to inspect your roof, evaluate its condition, and help you decide whether or not it’s the right time to have it replaced. We’ve been faithfully serving residents of the Trenton area since 1981, and we’re proud to provide reasonable prices, high-quality workmanship, and exceptional customer service. Give us a call at (734) 676-6343 today to learn more or schedule an appointment!