Top 10 Warning Signs You May Need a New Roof

Are you unsure if you need a new roof? Do you think buckets of water need to be coming through your ceiling before you bite the bullet and have a new roof applied?

There is no point in letting interior damage happen. Knowing the warning signs that your roof needs to be replaced can help you prevent costs to fix your interior or damaged wood from prolonged leaking. If you wait too long the roof deck can start to rot and your new roof price will go up considerably if wood needs to be replaced.

Depending on the type of shingles that are on your roof now, the life expectancy of your existing roof could be between 15 years up to 30 years or so.

Tile and slate roofs have a much longer life expectancy than shingles.

Additional costs that can occur from waiting too long to have a new roof installed include:

• Roof deck and rafters
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Fascia boards
• Painting

Warning Signs that you Need a New Roof

1. Leaks in the attic – A  new roof may be needed if you see any leaking in the attic. This can be caused by severe weather that includes wind and rain. Wind can drive the rain into any exposed areas of the roof. Ice may also cause leaking. It can create a wedge between roofing materials and cause severe damage.

The attic is a great place to find evidence of roof leaks, especially if you have already seen potential problems on the roof.

Source: International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

2. Paint that blisters or peels – If you see any paint that blisters and peels this may indicate a new roof is necessary. The water coming into your home may be the cause of the paint coming away from the wall. You may notice this inside or outside, depending on where the water is coming in and going in your home.

3. Interior wall stains – Staining on the walls inside the home can be a sign that moisture is getting into the wall materials. This may mean that you need a completely new roof, or you may just have a missing shingle or small area where the roof is no longer sealed properly to prevent water from getting in. A professional can determine which it is.

4. Mildew or mold growth in the home – If you need a new roof because water is getting into the home then you may notice mold or mildew growth. This can happen anywhere that water can get in. Sometimes this may be hidden in the walls, and it may not be discovered until the wall is opened up when the fungal growth is visible.

…a roof that leaks into the attic might not be discovered until it’s already lead to mold growth.

Source: What Causes Mold in Houses and Homes

5. Shingles that are missing – Missing shingles can mean a new roof, or just a few minor repairs to the existing roof that you have. If the contractor notices numerous missing shingles or the problem is widespread across the roof then it may need to be replaced entirely. If only one or two shingles are missing then these may be replaced fairly easily by a professional.

6. Shingles that are cracked, curling, or broken – Over time the shingle material will start to break down, especially when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or severe weather repeatedly. When shingles start to crack or curl up this is a sign that the roof needs to be replaced.

On a sunny day, use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which are signs that the roof is near its end of life.

Source: ConsumerReports.org

7. Siding or sheathing that decays – Many people do not realize that a new roof may be needed if they have siding or sheathing that decays or rots, but this can be caused by water getting in and coming down from the top of the home.

8. Roof areas that are stained or dark – Dark patches or staining that are visible can mean a new roof is necessary, although this is not always true. Sometimes this may be caused by algae growth, and it may be possible to clean the roof and prevent this problem in the future without replacing everything. Sometimes replacement is needed though, and a professional can help with this decision.

9. High energy costs each month — If you cringe every time you open your utility bills then a new roof may be called for. As this component wears out or becomes damaged then your energy could go through the roof, literally.

10. Water stains on ceilings – If  you start to notice water stains on the ceiling then you could require a new roof, or you may just need some minor repairs instead. An experienced roofing contractor can determine which of these scenarios is the case with your home.

Is it time for you to put a new roof on your home? Which of these signs are you experiencing?