Do You Need a New Roof? 10 Ways to Tell

Thinking it’s time for a new roof? It may be! As expensive and time-consuming a project like this can be, you don’t want to mess around when it comes to one of the most important elements of your home. A sturdy, strong roof is crucial for keeping your home and loved ones safe and sound, so you want to make sure its able to do its job effectively. And sometimes, a few repairs just aren’t enough. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 ways to tell if you need a new roof.

1) Streaks or Stains

If you notice any stains or streaks running down the walls from your roof or on its underside, it’s a good indication that its leaking and causing water damage. This can be caused by airborne algae, which is more common in humid climates, or simply from an aging and deteriorating roof that needs to be replaced.

2) Shingles are Curling or Cracked

If the shingles on your roof are curling, cracking, or otherwise showing signs of wear and tear, it’s a good indication that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing them is important to maintain the integrity of your roof.

3) Light Coming Through the Attic Roof

Light coming through the boards in your attic is a sure sign that your roof needs to be replaced. This is usually caused by gaps and cracks in the shingles, which allow water and moisture to seep through and cause damage to your home.

4) Granules Falling Off Shingles

Granules are the small, pebble-like pieces that make up the top layer of your shingles. If you notice these falling off, it’s a sign that your shingles are deteriorating and you need some new ones.

5) Rotting Shingles

Rotting shingles may call for a roof replacement.  If you notice any shingles that are soft, spongy, or otherwise look like they’re decaying, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

6) Age

If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. Even if it doesn’t show any of the other signs on this list, an old roof is more likely to experience problems and needs to be replaced more often.

7) Sagging Ceiling or Roof

A ceiling or roof that is sagging is certainly not ideal. This could be caused by water damage, rot, or something even more serious. So, if sagging is an issue, be sure to have it checked out to see if you need a whole new one.

8) Mold or Mildew

Mold or mildew in your home can be a sign of a leaky roof. If it seems to be accumulating on your ceilings and walls, then this can be a major issue, especially considering the damage it can do to your health. Be sure to have your roof replaced if a few minor repairs just won’t do the trick.

9) Damaged or Missing Flashing

Flashing is the metal strips that seal the gaps around your chimney, vents, and skylights. If these have damage or are missing, it’s a sign that water can easily get into your home and cause damage. They’ll need to be replaced as soon as possible.

10) Your Neighbours Are Replacing Their Roofs

If all your neighbours are replacing their roofs, there’s a good chance you need to as well. This could be due to the age of the houses in your neighbourhood or simply because the area experiences a lot of bad weather. Either way, if everyone else is doing it, you probably should too!

The Bottom Line

These are just a few of the signs that you might need a new roof. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, or if your roof is simply old, it’s important to have it replaced as soon as possible. It may be a big investment, but it’s one that’s worth making to protect your home.

Still unsure if you need a new roof? Click here to request a free estimate with Ainger Roofing!