Signs Your Home Needs a New Roof

Checking the condition of the roof regularly is good practice. Catching a leak or other forms of damage early may prevent the need of an entire replacement and allow the area to be fixed at a lower cost.

Outdoor:

1. Ceiling Spots- Dark spots on your ceiling typically appear when moisture leaks through the roof.
2. Damaged Flashing – Flashing is a thin layer of waterproof material that prevents moisture from entering your attic. Damage to the flashing may allow this moisture to get through. Flashing can become damaged by improper installation or nailing, drying and cracking on an older roof or settling of the home.
3. Missing Shingles – Exposure to high winds or improper fastening of the shingles during installation may cause the shingle to come loose from the roof leaving the home exposed to weather.
4. Curling – Asphalt, wood or fiber-reinforced shake shingles are prone to curling due to water absorption. This is a sign that they are no longer performing correctly.
5. Blistering – Shingles with blister marks, which also look like bubbles or indentations outward, are caused by moisture or inadequate ventilation through the roof.
6. Algae Growth – If airborne algae lands on the roof and during warm, humid temperatures, it may grow and cause ugly discoloration and streaks on the roof.
7. Missing Granules – Asphalt shingle have granules that may come loose once the shingle begins to deteriorate. These granules can typically be found in the gutters.
8. Buckling – A wooden decking is installed below the roof. Wood expands and contracts, usually due to moisture. The weight of the shingle on damaged decking could cause buckling in the shingles.
9. Rotting – This is a problem that is typical in organic-based shingles. As moisture is absorbed, it can cause the shingle to deteriorate or rot.

Indoor

1. Sagging –If the decking is sagging between the rafters, the decking and the shingles will need replaced.
2. Transparency – Light shining through the roof is an obvious sign that water can get in.
3. Leaks – Dark areas in the attic, around vents, chimney or other holes are obvious signs of active leakage. This could be due to water leaking through the roof, condensation or poor roof ventilation.
4. Test – Test the dark spots with a screw driver. If the area is still wet or is soft these are current problems. If the spot is dry and hard, it is likely the problem is old and has been resolved.