Is it time to repair or replace your old roof? Maybe you’ve noticed signs of wear and tear on your roof are 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 roofer. Here are 5 signs that you need a new roof that you should pay attention to:
Visible Leaks
For example, one of the most common signs that you need a roof replacement is an obvious leak. Unfortunately, roof leaks occur for many reasons, ranging from worn-out materials to storm damage. And as roofing materials weaken, water can seep in through the shingles and into the rest of the house. This leads to water intrusion, and often, visible puddles during rainstorms. Sometimes small leaks can be patched or repaired by a roofing contractor, but in many cases, small leaks go undetected until they are much larger and require a bigger fix. If you have a persistent roof leak, or there are multiple leaks throughout the roof, it’s time to consider replacing your roof. The best way to find out the extent of the damage is to have it inspected by a professional roofing company.
Interior Water Damage
A visible drip isn’t the only sign of a roof leak. For example, 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. Water damage can be caused by other issues, like a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or faulty faucet. If it’s showing up in the attic, on the ceiling, or near the tops of your walls, it is likely caused by a leaky roof.In this case, the best course of action is to hire a professional roofing contractor to check your roof and determine if it's the source of the leak. If a roof leak is present, they will determine the extent of the damage and the best solution. In many cases it will be a new roof.
You Need a New Roof If You Notice Curling, Missing, or Mossy Shingles
In some cases, roof damage is obvious from the ground. Shingles are the gateway to your roofing system, 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. If you see any signs of damage on your roof, it’s a good indication that it’s time for a roof replacement. Schedule an inspection with a roofing professional to help you determine the extent of the damage and the best way to fix it.
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 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.
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.
Think You Need A New Roof? Contact us Today!
So, if you suspect you need a new roof in Virginia, our team of experts would be excited to help you! Cenvar Roofing is a residential re-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!
