Wondering whether it’s time to repair or replace your old roof? Here’s how to tell if a roof needs to be replaced: there are several signs to look out for, such as noticing that the wear and tear on your roof is getting worse, or a violent storm came through your area recently and did some damage to local roofs. In many cases, there are visible clues that you need a new roof, but sometimes roof damage can sneak up on you with very little warning. If you suspect that your roof is damaged it’s important to take action and call a nearby roofer at Cenvar Roofing.
Here are 5 signs that you need a new roof that you should pay attention to:
1. Age of the Roof: How Often Should a Roof be Replaced?
How often should a roof be replaced or how long does a shingle roof last all depend on the age and condition of the roof. The age of your roof is a critical factor in determining whether it needs to be replaced. Most roofs are designed to last between 15 and 25 years, depending on the quality of the materials and the installation. As your roof approaches the end of its lifespan, it becomes more susceptible to damage and may require more frequent repairs.
If your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it's important to start thinking about a replacement to avoid costly and potentially dangerous issues down the line.
2. Water Damage and Visible Leaks
One of the most common signs that you need a roof replacement is a leak. Leaks can occur for various reasons, such as worn-out materials or storm damage, and can cause water to seep through shingles and into the house. This can lead to water intrusion and visible puddles during rainstorms. Many times a leaky roof will manifest in the form of interior water damage. This often looks like streaks, stains, or water spots in the attic, or the ceiling or walls of your home.
While small leaks can be repaired by a roofing contractor, they often go undetected until they become larger and require more significant repairs.
If you have persistent leaks or multiple leaks, it may be time to replace your roof. A professional roofing company, such as Cenvar Roofing in Virginia, can inspect the extent of the damage, which may also be indicated by interior water damage, such as streaks, stains, or water spots on the attic, ceiling, or walls. If a roof leak is present, a professional can determine the best solution, which may include a new roof.
3. You Need a New Roof If You Notice Curling, Missing, or Mossy Shingles
If you're wondering how to know when to replace a roof, it's worth noting that in some cases, roof damage is obvious from the ground, and shingles are often the first thing to show signs of wear and tear, so if you notice missing, curling, or cracked shingles when you look at your roof, it’s probably time for a roof replacement. Some of the most common forms of visible shingle damage include:
- Cracked shingles
- Damaged or curled shingles
- Loose or missing shingles
- Damage or discoloration around vents
- Missing granules
- Moss or algae growth
- Damage around chimneys or skylights
It’s also a good idea to check your gutters for shingle debris. Debris in the gutters can indicate that the shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan and beginning to disintegrate. Sometimes you may notice granules from your shingles collecting in your gutters or on the ground, it could be a sign that your shingles are aging and need to be replaced. If you see any signs of damage on your roof, it’s a good indication that it’s time for a roof replacement. Schedule a roof inspection with a roofing professional to help you determine the extent of the damage and the best way to fix it.
4. Sign You Need A New Roof: A Sagging Roofline
Another way to know that you need a new roof would be to look at the shape of your roofline. Your rooflines should be straight and strong. If your roof deck appears to be sagging or drooping, this could be a sign of structural damage and should be addressed immediately. If you notice dipping, curving, or visible sagging it’s important to investigate the cause.
While a sagging roofline could be caused by a framing issue, it can also be caused by a water-saturated roof deck. If this is the case, you may need a new roof to fix the problem. If a sagging roofline is accompanied by visible shingle damage, leaks, or water damage, it’s important to act quickly to fix the problem before it gets worse. In some cases, a sagging roofline can lead to a partial or complete cave-in.
5. Storm Damage
Storm damage is one of the leading causes of roof replacements. This is because heavy storms can wreak havoc on roofs, no matter what condition they are in before the storm. For example, ice storms, rainstorms, tornadoes, or even derecho storms. This is a particular threat to homes in areas prone to tornadoes or hurricanes. For example, high-speed wind can rip shingles completely off of a roof, or lift them, and cause them to crack. As a result, this opens up the roof to leaks and UV damage.
If windstorms are followed by rain or snow, moisture can quickly seep into the roofing system and lead to water damage. Debris carried by the wind can also blow into your roof and puncture the shingles. Whether your roof is aging, you can see signs of damage, or the roof recently sustained a heavy storm, it’s important to act fast when you suspect a problem! Although roof damage can be repaired if it’s caught early, if left alone, it can progress quickly! Scheduling an inspection with a residential roofing company is the best way to determine if a repair will be enough to fix the damage, or if you need a new roof.
These inspections are usually free and don’t require a commitment.
Contact Us on How to Know When to Replace a Roof
If you suspect you need a new roof in Virginia, our team of experts would be excited to help you!
Cenvar Roofing can assess the age and condition of your roof to recommend the best course of action, whether it's repair or replacement. Several factors can influence the longevity of a roof, including regular maintenance and adequate ventilation, both of which play a vital role in extending its lifespan. Conversely, poor installation, harsh weather conditions, lack of maintenance, and ventilation issues can shorten a roof's lifespan. If you're unsure of how to tell if a roof needs to be replaced, consult with a nearby professional roofing contractor at Cenvar Roofing who can help you assess your roof's condition and recommend the appropriate actions.
Cenvar Roofing is a Virginia residential roofing company that specializes in shingle roof replacements, as well as metal and specialty shingle roofs. If you're looking for roof hatches to pair with your new roof, take a look at these galvanized roof hatches. We currently have branches located in Lynchburg, Roanoke, New River Valley, Charlottesville, Richmond, Farmville, Abingdon, and Harrisonburg, VA. We also provide roof repair and gutter installation services to keep your roof functioning well for years to come. Schedule a free estimate today to get started on your new roof!
See What Our Clients Say
“Cenvar was great working around my busy schedule and the weather delays. Once started the workers did a tremendous job, removing old shingles, replacing numerous roof sheets, replaced two vents, and one sky light, and replaced vent boots. Extended ridge vent all the way across the roof ridge. Overall a quick and beautifully done job. Looks much better than the original roof. Christian did a great job keeping me informed as the job progressed and went above and beyond to make sure we are happy with the job they have done. I would highly recommend Cenvar to anyone who wants roofing work done by very skilled and professional roofers. I love the Harbor Blue shingles we chose also.”
Alan G.
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