4 Major Signs You Need A Roof Replacement

Nature dictates that nothing lasts forever, and unfortunately, the same applies for your roof. Most roofs will serve their owners for many years – even two decades or three. But ultimately, years of service will wear them down and the roof will need to be replaced. You need to pay attention to your roof in its latter years so you know how to best time your roof replacement project. This will help you avoid unnecessary damage to your home that may result from a worn-out roof. The following are four major warning signs that your roof needs to be replaced: 1. Your roof was installed over 20 years ago A roof that is older than 20 years, especially an asphalt shingle roof, is well on its way to retirement, even if it looks good from the ground.

Paper Trail Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or reshingled. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it's made of) offers insight into how much life it has left. For instance, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles should be replaced after 20 years. Via Bob Vila

2. Worn-out or damaged shingles [caption id="attachment_6933" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Photo by Lance Cheung. Wikimedia[/caption] Shingles in good condition should lie flat against the roof, so any cracks, buckles or curls are an indication that they need to be replaced.

Missing, cracked, or curled shingles If you see that your shingles are dry or practically break when touched, that means they have reached the end of their useful life and it’s time to invest in a new roof. Via GAF

The shingles are curling Shingles can curl in two ways: There's cupping, which happens when the edges of the shingles turn upward; and there's clawing, which is when the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up.  Via Good Housekeeping

3. Your roof is sagging A saggy roof means your roof has already experienced significant damage, so it’s best to replace it leads to more serious damage inside your home. Check the lowest points of the roof for sagging spots.

The entire roof is sagging This is when you should panic. "A sagging roof is typically an indication of a structural issue," explains Graham. There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation. "You're not necessarily in imminent danger, but this is the kind of thing that's a lot easier to take care of when it's small and localized, than when it has progressed." Via Good Housekeeping

4. Sunlight in the attic [caption id="attachment_6932" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Image Courtesy of Flickr[/caption] You don’t just need to check your home’s exterior – check inside as well. If you notice beams of sunlight coming through, this means your roof has holes.

You can see sunlight from your attic You don't need us to tell you that this isn't a good sign … because it's not! If light can get in, so can rain, cold air, and snow. Check for light and also look for water stains. "If you find any, watch them over a few rainfalls and if they change shape or size, that means you've got an active leak,"... Via Good Housekeeping

If you would like professional advice for roof replacement or roof repair in Prince William County VA, contact us today. Featured Image: Image Credit

4 Major Signs You Need A Roof Replacement {Read more on: Roof.net Blog