Your roof is an integral part of protecting your home from the elements. You will probably have a record of how you installed the roof and an idea of when it might need to be replaced. If you purchased your house, however, you may not have a complete history of the roof or when it needs to be replaced.

How do you know when your roof is in time for a replacement?

Three signs that your roof needs to be replaced

Roof “Age Spots”

Roofs can show their age in many ways. Older roofs can be vulnerable to damage from wear and tear.

You can often see signs of an old roof from ground level. Sometimes, a second-floor window provides a great view of the shingles. It is best to have professionals such as Roofing Repair Sherborn MA inspect your roof.

Here are seven signs that your roof might be beyond its prime.

• Uneven Shingles. Asphalt Shingles are designed to lay flat without any edges that catch the wind or hinder water runoff. Roofs that are leaking have concave edges, curled edges, or wavy surfaces can all be signs of aging.
• Bald asphalt shingles. A granular coating protects asphalt shingles from the elements such as the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Roof shingles with a loss or reduction in granules can be more susceptible to ultraviolet rays. This detail could lead to them becoming brittle and faster.
• Broken shingles. UV rays from the sun can cause roof shingles to crack over time.
• Color change. This is another sign that your roof is getting older.
• Dark streaks. Although dark spots on the roof are more aesthetic, they can signify algae growth. A mixture of algae and fungus causes lichen growth. It can eventually cause damage to shingles and protective granules. The first thing a homeowner should do is have their roof inspected by a professional to determine the roof’s condition and decide if repairs or re-roofing are necessary.
• Moss. Moss roots are more significant than those of lichens. The loss of granules can be accelerated if there is too much moss. Moss can also hold water, making your roof heavier and keeping it in constant contact. A roof inspection and cleaning, as with shingle discolorations, can help determine the underside moss’s health.
• Time. Although high-quality asphalt roofing shingles protect for up to 30 years, you must replace them every ten years. InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Living Expectancy Chart for Homes shows that architectural asphalt roofing shingles have a life expectancy of 30 years. On the other hand, three-tab asphalt roof shingles can last for 20 years.

Roof Storm Damage

Your home’s roof is your first line of defense against Mother Nature. Some areas of the country are more susceptible to severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Most places experience summer storms that can cause hail and wind damage. The roof’s large surface area and exposed position make it vulnerable to storm damage.

Hailstorms

Hailstones can damage flashing, gutters, and shingles. Roof hail damage can be seen as cracks, loss of granules, and divots. Sometimes roofing shingles can split below their surface from hailstone impact. This leaves your roof vulnerable to water infiltration.

Winds

Straight-line winds can do much damage quickly, especially following a storm. These are straight-line winds, which travel in one direction rather than rotating tornadic wind and can reach speeds of over 100 miles an hour. The National Severe Storms Laboratory considers winds exceeding 50-60 miles an hour dangerous.

Shingles can blow off and leave large areas of your roof exposed to rain or snow. Shingles that are not damaged by wind can lose their waterproof seal. In addition, wind-driven debris such as tree branches could cause shingles to crack, be pulled up by the wind, or knock granules out of place.

Schedule a roof inspection if you have experienced severe weather events or a hailstorm. This action will help you check for visible and hidden damage.

Leaking Water

While homeowners may ignore the signs of an old roof or be unaware of storm damage and other issues, water spots require quick action. Water damage to your roof deck, insulation, drywall, or mold growth can quickly occur if it has lost its ability to repel water from storm damage or aging.

In winter, roofs are also vulnerable to water. If snow melts, it can form ice dams. As a result, moisture can build up under the roof and eventually find its way to your home.

How can you identify leaks?

It can be challenging to find the source of water leaks. It can be difficult to find the source of water leaks. For example, a small hole at the top of your roof could indicate a water spot in your foyer’s ceiling. It would help if you inspected your attic immediately after heavy rain or when the roof is covered in snow.

• Be especially careful around skylights, chimneys, and vents.
• You can use a flashlight to look for dark spots on the wood, mold, or deteriorated insulation.

Find out when it’s time to contact a roofing contractor

Experienced roofing contractors can deal with all types of roof damage and signs and symptoms of an older roof. They can safely navigate roofs with different slopes and know precisely where to look, such as under shingles or around flashings. They will also be able to tell you whether you need a new roof or repairs.

Get a roof inspection done by a professional if your roof shows signs of age, storm damage, or signs of water damage. It’s best to have a roof repaired or a new roof installed as soon as possible to prevent further injury or deterioration to your home.