5 Ways to Identify When a Roof Goes Bad

By Quarrix. 

What contractors look for when inspecting roofs and when it’s time to have your roof replaced. 

Many people think that the age of their roof determines when it’s time to have it replaced. However, it largely depends on the climate in which you live, the type of material on your roof and how it has been maintained over the years. As the seasons change and adverse weather events occur, damage is commonplace for roofs no matter how old they are and what they are made of, leading to telltale signs that the roof needs replacing. Here are five common signs contractors look for when inspecting a roof and when to know it’s time to have your roof replaced.

1 - Curled or cracked shingles 

Shingles are designed to protect your roof from the elements, but even they can only take so much. Shingles can be damaged by snow, ice, hail, excess heat and other seasonal weather. Thankfully, damaged shingles are easy to spot. Unless you just experienced a major storm though, it’s not always clear what is causing the shingles to deteriorate. Shingles may curl if they weren’t installed properly, and cracking can happen naturally as shingles age. But these can also be signs of larger problems. For example, if you have poor ventilation in your attic, moisture and excess heat can accumulate there, which in turn may cause shingles to curl. When contractors assess your roof, they pay close attention to the state of your shingles, especially if your roof is past or approaching 20 years old. 

2 - Bald spots from missing granules 

As shingles age, they tend to lose some of their granules, much like a tree shedding its leaves in fall. And just like fall leaves, you may find those granules piling up in your gutters. This is a sure sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life cycle. You may also be able to spot bald patches on your shingles where the granules have worn away. These will be marked by inconsistent and often darker colored spots on the shingles. 

3 - Sagging 

If your roof is sagging, you more than likely have a serious problem on your hands. You may notice this either from the outside where you see a dip in the roof line, or inside where the roofing material is bowing into your attic. In most cases, a sagging roof line is an indication that moisture has seeped into your roof system. At the very least, you’ll likely have to have some shingles replaced, and in a worst-case scenario, you may need to take on a whole roof remodeling project. 

4 - Dark streaks 

Dark streaks on your roof can appear for a number of reasons, some much more serious than others. For example, the streaks may be caused by a buildup of algae, which is no threat to your roof and can be washed away fairly easily by a professional. They may just be an indication of where moisture tends to accumulate or where the roof receives the most direct sunlight, but the streaks could also be caused by water damage, in which case, you could have a serious problem. Hire a professional to take a closer look at your shingles, and make sure to do an interior check as well. If you find dark streaks on the underside of your roof in the attic, it’s likely water damage and will need to be repaired. 

5 - Moss 

In the forest, moss can point the way north. But on your roof, it only points to potential problems. Moss and algae growth on the roof is often a sign that your roofing materials are retaining moisture, and more moisture usually means a shorter roof life. If you do see moss or algae on your roof, hire a professional to have it washed away, that way you don’t damage the shingles underneath. If it comes back within a month or two, it might be time to take a look at your attic ventilation. 

Not every roof needs to be replaced. Regularly checking your attic, seasonal roof checkups and hiring a contractor to assess roof damage after major storms can help prolong the life of your roof. However, sometimes a roof naturally reaches the end of its useful life. 

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Original article source: Quarrix