When To Replace Your Roof
8 Signs That It’s Time to Reroof
1. Excessive Shingle Granule Loss
When shingles are approaching the end of their useful lifespan they shed large amounts of granules. If you notice lots of asphalt particles, sand-like granules, or debris in your gutters or on the ground around the perimeter of your home, it is a good sign that your shingles are reaching the end of their lifecycle and your home needs to be reroofed.
2. Blistering Shingles
If you notice that your shingles look like they are blistering it is because a buildup of gas or moisture is causing the shingle to bubble up. This blistering—which can be caused by intense sun exposure, an improperly ventilated attic or natural aging—will eventually lead to cracking and holes that will let water seep into the roof flashing and eventually your home. We recommend reaching out to a professional before it gets to that point so you can prevent against further costs.
3. Buckling or Curling Shingles
Shingles that are nearing the end of their life begin to buckle or curl along the edges. Unfortunately, curling or buckling cannot be reversed and will prevent your shingles from creating a watertight barrier. If a majority of your roof’s shingles are curling or buckling, your roof should be replaced.
4. Bald Spots on Roof
If your roof has bald spots that are not the result of high winds, fallen tree branches or a storm, it is an indication that your shingles are wearing out. Simply replacing the missing shingles as they fall off could cost you more in the long run. In most cases, it is more cost effective to address the source of the problem and reroof your house.
5. Algae Growth or Rotting Shingles
Florida’s humidity and rainfall can rot shingles or cause them to grow algae (which can be dark, reddish or greenish). Wooden shingles are most susceptible to rot but asphalt shingles can rot as well. Even if it looks like a small problem, if left unaddressed, the rot or algae will spread. It is important to have a professional look at your roof to access damage. They will let you know if only those shingles needs to be replaced or if the integrity of your roof as a whole is compromised.
6. Rust on Metal Roof
While metal roofs can be very durable, they are prone to rusting especially here in our wet climate. Along with being unsightly, a rusting roof will eventually develop holes. It is important to address this problem as soon as you notice it. This issue can lead to external stains on the masonry or siding of your home in addition to interior water damage.
7. Pinholes of Outside Light Coming in through Roof
If you spend time in your attic on a sunny day and notice that outside light is coming into the room from the ceiling it is an indicator that there are holes in the flashing of the roof. This means that along with sunlight, water can enter your home. Before calling a professional, you should also check for soft spots, water staining and moisture in the surrounding wood.
8. Growing or Continuous Roof Leaks
Growing or continuous leaks when it rains are the most apparent sign that your roof needs to be replaced. The appearance of water spots on the ceiling or walls, especially those closest to the attic, are also signs that your roof is letting water into your home. Water damage can lead to the development of mold and mildew within just 24 hours and can result in incredibly expensive repairs. This is why it is important to act quickly when you notice that your roof is leaking. Patching the leak may temporarily resolve the problem but your home may suffer more water damage in other areas if your roof is not professionally replaced.
8 Signs That It’s Time to Reroof
1. Excessive Shingle Granule Loss
When shingles are approaching the end of their useful lifespan they shed large amounts of granules. If you notice lots of asphalt particles, sand-like granules, or debris in your gutters or on the ground around the perimeter of your home, it is a good sign that your shingles are reaching the end of their lifecycle and your home needs to be reroofed.
2. Blistering Shingles
If you notice that your shingles look like they are blistering it is because a buildup of gas or moisture is causing the shingle to bubble up. This blistering—which can be caused by intense sun exposure, an improperly ventilated attic or natural aging—will eventually lead to cracking and holes that will let water seep into the roof flashing and eventually your home. We recommend reaching out to a professional before it gets to that point so you can prevent against further costs.
3. Buckling or Curling Shingles
Shingles that are nearing the end of their life begin to buckle or curl along the edges. Unfortunately, curling or buckling cannot be reversed and will prevent your shingles from creating a watertight barrier. If a majority of your roof’s shingles are curling or buckling, your roof should be replaced.
4. Bald Spots on Roof
If your roof has bald spots that are not the result of high winds, fallen tree branches or a storm, it is an indication that your shingles are wearing out. Simply replacing the missing shingles as they fall off could cost you more in the long run. In most cases, it is more cost effective to address the source of the problem and reroof your house.
5. Algae Growth or Rotting Shingles
Florida’s humidity and rainfall can rot shingles or cause them to grow algae (which can be dark, reddish or greenish). Wooden shingles are most susceptible to rot but asphalt shingles can rot as well. Even if it looks like a small problem, if left unaddressed, the rot or algae will spread. It is important to have a professional look at your roof to access damage. They will let you know if only those shingles needs to be replaced or if the integrity of your roof as a whole is compromised.
6. Rust on Metal Roof
While metal roofs can be very durable, they are prone to rusting especially here in our wet climate. Along with being unsightly, a rusting roof will eventually develop holes. It is important to address this problem as soon as you notice it. This issue can lead to external stains on the masonry or siding of your home in addition to interior water damage.
7. Pinholes of Outside Light Coming in through Roof
If you spend time in your attic on a sunny day and notice that outside light is coming into the room from the ceiling it is an indicator that there are holes in the flashing of the roof. This means that along with sunlight, water can enter your home. Before calling a professional, you should also check for soft spots, water staining and moisture in the surrounding wood.
8. Growing or Continuous Roof Leaks
Growing or continuous leaks when it rains are the most apparent sign that your roof needs to be replaced. The appearance of water spots on the ceiling or walls, especially those closest to the attic, are also signs that your roof is letting water into your home. Water damage can lead to the development of mold and mildew within just 24 hours and can result in incredibly expensive repairs. This is why it is important to act quickly when you notice that your roof is leaking. Patching the leak may temporarily resolve the problem but your home may suffer more water damage in other areas if your roof is not professionally replaced.
Not sure if it’s time to reroof? We can help.
Our roofing experts can help determine if your roof is in need of replacement and provide top notch, quality reroofing services to protect your home!
Here in Florida where high winds, fierce humidity and regular rainfall are a consistent part of our lives it is especially important to have a healthy roof. Your roof protects your home from serious water damage that can lead to far more expensive repairs. Unfortunately, along with needing to maintain our roofs by replacing missing or damaged shingles after a hurricane or harsh storm, we also need to replace them more frequently than people in other areas of the country because of the elevated amount of wear-and-tear. Many kinds of shingles even have a diminished service life in Florida because of our intense tropical climate. To preserve the integrity and value of your home, it is smart to keep your eye out for these 8 warning signs that your roof is in need of replacing not just repair.
