There are three things you know about your roof:
- It’s important to have a roof that works and is in good shape;
- A leaking roof can cause damage to your home’s structure, mold, and ruined items.
- Roofs don’t last forever.
So, how do you know when to call a roofing company to replace a roof? Our roofing contractor in New Jersey is going to tell you the signs that it’s time to replace your roof so that you can make an informed choice.
The roof we have now has reached the end of its useful life.
Different roofing materials last for different amounts of time:
- Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 20 years.
- Metal roofs last for more than 30 years.
- Shakes made of wood can last up to 25 years.
- They can last for more than 50 years.
Most roofs are made of asphalt shingles, and if yours is more than 20 years old, you should make plans to have it replaced soon before leaks start to happen.
Your roof is getting worse
Look for these signs that the roof system is starting to break down as proof that you need a new roof.
Roof Leaks Or Water Damage
The clearest sign that you need a new roof is a leaking roof or signs of water damage. Check your attic for water damage if there are yellow, brown, or grayish stains on your ceiling, mold or mildew spots, or peeling paint near or on the ceiling. If only a small part of the roof is leaking, a roof repair may be all you need. However, if the rafters are damp, mold is growing, or there are other signs of leaking, it’s probably time for a roof replacement.
Your roof is getting lower
Most of the time, sagging is caused by a lot of water damage, and it could be a sign of a rotting roof. Water has gotten under the shingles and is now sitting on top of the wooden boards, also called the roof deck. This has caused the wood to rot or decay. Your roof needs to be replaced as soon as possible to keep your home from getting even worse damage.
To find out if your roof is sagging, walk away from your house, like across the street, and look at it from different angles. The roof should look straight and even, and sagging is usually easy to see and a sign that you need a new roof.
Asphalt shingles are getting worse
As we’ve already said, asphalt shingles usually last between 15 and 20 years, but strong storms and other things can make them wear out faster.
Mold and moss on the roof shingles
If you see moss on your roof in shady spots, it’s usually not a big deal, but you should clean it off with a mild detergent and a stiff brush. But moss or mold growth in streaks or large areas is a clear sign that water is getting trapped under the shingles, which can cause rotting and damage. Also, moss growth can make roof damage worse because it can grow under the shingles and hold water, which stops rain from draining off the roof properly.
Curling Shingles
Shingles that are buckled or curling at the edges show that they aren’t attached to the roof correctly. When they curl up, they are more likely to be blown off by strong winds, and rain can get under the shingles and cause leaks in the roof. Even though a few curled shingles can often be fixed, they can be a sign that they weren’t put on right or that they’re getting old, which makes your roof more likely to get damaged in a big way.
Shingles that are missing granules
If your shingles are a strange color or have bare spots or if your gutters are full of granules, you should replace them. Asphalt shingles have a protective coating made of granules. When the granules are gone, UV rays, temperature changes, and water damage will cause the shingle to break down and wear out more quickly.
Problems with the way the roof is built
When a new roof is put on, special care must be taken around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and other structural elements to make sure water doesn’t get in between the roofing. But if the right steps weren’t taken, the damage will happen, and most of the time, a new roof will be needed.
Water and trash near a chimney
If you have a big chimney, it can create a “dam” around the roof that keeps debris and water from getting into your gutters. When it backs up, it can cause the wood to rot and the flashing to rust or crack, which can do a lot of damage to both the roof and the chimney. A chimney cricket should be put on a big chimney to move things off the roof.
This isn’t a sign that you need to replace your roof right away, but rusting holes or leaks around the chimney are.
Kick-Out Flashing Missing
Kick-out flashing should be put in place where the roof meets a sidewall to stop water from running down the roof and into the wall. If the water is not treated, it will rot the wall’s siding, sheathing, and frame. Again, this may not mean that the whole roof needs to be replaced, but if it’s been that way for long enough to cause damage to the wall, there may be other major problems with the roof that needs to be fixed.
Flashing with Tar or Cement
Flashing seals off any cracks around vents, skylights, and chimneys to keep water from getting in. Metal flashing is now the best choice because it can handle UV rays, water, and changes in temperature. If your flashing was made with roofing tar or roof cement, check to see if it is starting to crack or break down. Even though it could be fixed, if your roof is old and the flashing is getting worn, it’s time to get a new roof.
A roofer suggests getting a new roof system.
If you’re not sure if you need a new roof, have a trusted roofing contractor do a professional roof inspection. They’ll look at the roof’s structure, materials, and workmanship to figure out its condition. They’ll look for signs of wear and tear or water damage and give you a professional opinion. If they find something wrong with the current roof, they will tell you that you should get a new one. On the other hand, if your roof is a bit older but still in good shape, they may suggest waiting another year to get the most out of your current roof system.
Most people don’t know enough about roofing materials to know if they need a new roof or not, so it’s always a good idea to get a roof inspection first.
Schedule a free roof replacement estimate today
We can help if you know you need to replace your roof or if you think a roof inspection will help you decide what to do. We work with all kinds of materials for residential roofs, such as metal, tile, and flat roofing. Start by calling our roofing company at (862) 292-9892 or filling out the form below to schedule a free estimate today. We work on roofs in the New Jersey counties of Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Middlesex, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union. We replace roofs, fix roofs, inspect roofs, and more.
