6 Signs Your Roof Should Be Replaced
It can be tough to know if you need a new roof, especially if you’re unsure how old it is. But other than age, there are many telltale signs that it’s time for roof replacement in Manassas VA. Check out these top six signs that your roof should be replaced. Remember: proactive maintenance is the best way to avoid premature roof replacement.
1. Light is Shining Through Your Attic
Head upstairs to your attic. If you spot light coming through the beams, it may be time for a new roof. Keep in mind, it’s normal to see bits of light in some spots, such as at gable, ridge, and soffit vents, because they circulate air in your attic. If you see just a little bit of light, check for water stains and keep an eye on them to see if they get bigger over time.
Large water stains and significant light shining through may mean it’s time to call a professional roofer for further evaluation.
2. Your Roof is Older Than 30 Years
Most asphalt shingle roofs last right around 25 years. You may get 30 out of it if you have been taking good care of the roofing system. If you had installed a new roof over an existing layer of shingles, it may be time for replacement after just 20 years. Not sure the exact age of your roof? Call a roofer. They’ll be able to determine its approximate age.
Heed these tips to try and determine its age on your own:
- Ask the previous owner. Get in touch with the seller’s real estate agent to connect you with the previous owner. If that’s not possible, the age of the roof should be contained in the seller’s disclosure document.
- Contact the roofer who did the work. Reach out to the roofing contractor who replaced your roof the last time. They may have a record of a date of service.
- Search for a building permit. Finding the date a roof permit was filed will help you estimate its age.
- Assess roof condition. Sometimes just looking at the roof will tell you what you need to know. Look for chipped or broken tiles, missing or curling shingles, and loose granules.
3. Your Shingles Have Started to Curl
If your asphalt shingles are curling at their edges or in the middle, you will need a new roof soon. Shingles tend to curl in two main ways: at their edges (known as cupping) or in the middle (known as clawing). Warped shingles are never good news, as they put your home at risk for leaks. Those leaks can cause other property damage to walls, support beams, ceilings, floor beams, and joists. When you first notice curling, it’s a good bet you will need replacement within a few years.
4. Your Gutters Are Filled With Granules
When cleaning your gutters, you may come across an accumulation of tiny black granules, especially when you roof is more than 10 years old. Granules make up your asphalt shingles, and they are bits of crushed stone and other materials designed to protect your roof from sun damage. As shingles age, they shed those granules, losing their protective qualities.
5. Your Shingles Are Cracked or Missing
Inspect the roof for missing, cracked, or damaged shingles, especially after a big storm that brings hail or wind. Ice dams can also cause shingle damage as they prevent snow and water from properly running off your roof, damaging your roof’s shingles in the process. While you can have a few damaged shingles repaired or replaced, you will likely need a full replacement if the damage is widespread.
6. You Spot Moss or Algae
If your roof has a green tinge to it, this indicates the presence of moss or algae. As long as there is no water damage, this doesn’t warrant an immediate replacement. However, moss will damage your roof over time due to the fact that, for long periods, it keeps the surface damp. This in turn increases the chances of water getting underneath the shingles.
Today’s modern shingles are resistant to moss and algae, but if you have an older roof, this could become a problem.
If you have spotted any of these problems on your roof, you may need a replacement. What should you do? The first step is to call a trusted Virginia roofer to inspect the situation and determine the best course of action.
Book Your FREE Inspection Today!
If you suspect it’s time for a roof replacement, or even if you’re not quite sure, contact us to book a free inspection. NVB Contracting provides comprehensive roofing services throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, including roof replacement.