Signs That You May Need A Roof Replacement
You worry about your roof. It protects you and your loved ones from wind, ice, snow and more. You may have a tendency to put off roof maintenance, however our Niagara roofing experts recommend that homeowners coordinate regular inspections as delays in making necessary roof repairs could lead to more serious problems with your roof in the future.
As your partner in Niagara roofing services, at Gary Wild we want you to be aware of some key warning signs, such as shingle damage, that may indicate you’re in need of a roof replacement, including:
Shingles are split or cracked.
Split or cracked shingles are frequently caused by wind damage. Shingles which are cracked allow water to seep in more easily and eventually can lead to leaks and expensive water damage. If just a few shingles are cracked, you can replace them. If, however, you have random cracking in many areas of the roof, you may need to consider a roof replacement.
Shingles are curled or cupped.
Shingles can curl in different ways. Cupping means that the edges of the shingles turn up and clawing means that the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up. There are several possible causes of curling shingles. It may be an indication of poor insulation and ventilation in the attic. It may also be caused by ice dams, or the shingles may just be old and deteriorating from weather conditions. Avoid walking on asphalt shingles that are curling or cupping, as this may cause roof leaks.
Moss or algae are growing on the shingles.
You may think that moss and algae are just a nuisance or a cosmetic issue. Actually, the presence of moss or algae can severely damage your roof. Moss often grows in damp environments and holds the moisture against the shingles. It also grows not just on the shingles, but in the spaces between them. The vegetation can lift shingles and cause the growth of mould and bacteria. It can be removed but may grow back, and removal must be done with caution.
Your gutter is full of granules.
Granules, or sand-like grains, are the outer layer of asphalt shingles that help deflect sun off the asphalt. When the granules start to fall off, particularly if it has been 10 years or so, the sun may cause your shingles to deteriorate.
Entire shingles are missing.
Missing shingles can happen because of inclement weather, aging, or it may be a sign of underlying roof damage. Generally, it is easy to replace a few shingles, although it may be challenging to match the colour with your pre-existing shingles. If at some point your roof starts to resemble a checkerboard, it may be time to consider a roof replacement.
You can see daylight from your attic.
This is an obvious sign that your roof has been damaged. Remember, if the light can get in, so can rain, snow, and cold. Check for water stains and active leaks. If present, these could lead to structural damage, so it’s best to consult your professional Niagara roofing company.
Your roof is getting old.
The older your roof is, the more at risk it is. Even though modern shingles are very durable, there are many factors affecting how quickly shingles age. Experts estimate that an asphalt shingle roof should have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Keep an eye on your neighbours. If their homes were built during the same time period and they are getting a roof replacement, it may indicate that your roof requires attention as well. Even if it looks fine, you should have your roof routinely inspected, as proactively repairing smaller problems can extend the life of your roof.
The entire roof is sagging.
The cause may be repairable, however a sagging roof usually indicates a structural problem, such as a failure of the roof supports or the home’s foundation. If your roof is starting to sag, you should contact a professional Niagara roofing company as soon as possible to evaluate the problem.
For more information, or to attain a free estimate on our Niagara roofing services, contact us today. At Gary Wild, we are here to help you navigate through all of your roofing needs.