Roofs require regular repair and replacement in order to keep your home protected from the elements and watertight. But it’s not always easy to tell that the roof is at a stage where it has to be torn off and replaced in its entirety. A roof can look great from the outside, yet be on the verge of failure in terms of its ability to function.
Every homeowner has to keep up with their roof, especially in the Madison, WI, area due to the ever-changing seasons. Weather is a roof’s number one enemy due to the fact that sun, wind, rain, and snow all put pressure on roofing materials. Read on to learn more about the signs that your roof is in need of replacement and why.
1. Age of the roof
Roofs tend to last 20 to 30 years on average before they require replacement, but this time span is also dependent on the materials that were used in the construction of the roof. Your home most likely has asphalt shingles as they are the most durable and capable of lasting up to 30 years in the Wisconsin weather. However, asphalt deteriorates over time, and as the shingles age, they’re less able to do their job. Aging shingles exposes the underlayment and plywood sheeting that covers your home, allowing water to leak into the home.
If you bought your house when it was brand new, you can get an idea of how close your roof is to needing replacement. In the event you bought an older home, the previous owner should have disclosed when the roof was last replaced.
2. Curling shingles
Healthy shingles lay flat on the roof and overlap each other to create a barrier against moisture intrusion. That means your roof is in good condition and doing its job. It’s when you see them curling at the corners (cupping) or pulling up in the middle (clawing) that it may be time for a roof replacement.
When one or more shingles are showing signs of cupping or clawing, it’s a sign that they’re aging and losing their ability to protect your home. In fact, damage may already be happening by the time you spot the issue. However, you won’t know if the roof is in need of repair or replacement until you get a roofing expert out to inspect the problem and determine exactly what’s going on with the shingles.
3. Light is shining through the roof in the attic
Seeing some light shining through the roof in your attic isn’t necessarily a sign that your roof is in need of replacement. Some of the features of the roof, such as the ridge vent, gable, and soffit, will let light in as part of their design and function. It’s when the light is coming in from an area that shouldn’t be allowing it through that you may be in need of a new roof.
Make a close inspection of the area where the light is coming through and look for water stains. If you don’t see any, make it a point to go into the attic during a time of precipitation to see if water is coming in. Also, check for water stains and track to see if the issue changes over time. Ultimately, you should call in a roofing professional to check the hole, as this is usually a sign that the section of the roof is starting to fail.
4. Grit is collecting in the gutters
Asphalt shingles are made using tar and finely crushed stone, known as granules. Weather conditions break down the asphalt through frost and freeze cycles, and the heat of the sun melts the tar. Both of these actions cause the granules to loosen and roll down into the gutters.
When you clean your gutters, you’ll see the granules collecting in the gutters. It’s distinct from the other kinds of debris that make their way into the gutters and lie at the bottom. It feels fine to the touch, almost like sand. This is a clear sign that your shingles are starting to fail and need replacement.
5. Shingles are cracked or missing entirely
Various forces cause shingles to tear, crack, or come off the roof as they age. Hail, ice dams, windstorms, and tree limbs are all forces that damage your shingles. It’s a good idea to take a walk around your home after any one of these events to look for damage and missing shingles, and even more important, if you know your roof is aging. Your roof can only tolerate damaged or missing shingles for so long. Going too long without a repair will result in damage to the interior of your home.
The extent of the damage caused by a weather event will dictate if you need a repair or replacement on a younger roof. An older roof that’s reaching the end of its lifespan will most likely need a full replacement to keep your home safe from the elements.
6. Energy bills are higher than usual
The roof is a major part of what is known as the energy envelope for your home. It holds in the hot or cool air that’s generated by the HVAC system and keeps your home temperate. An aging or damaged roof lets the air escape, even if the attic is fully insulated, and causes your energy bills to increase.
If you’re noticing that your energy bills are much higher than they used to be, it’s time to call in a roofing expert for an inspection. It’s possible that the roof is starting to fail, and you’re in need of a roof replacement. Sometimes, the damage to the roof isn’t as visible as you would think, and a roof inspection can reveal the issues that are starting to form.
Contact Us at Arrow Exterior Design for a Roof Inspection Today
At Arrow Exterior Design, we’re a professional exterior construction company that’s veteran-owned. Give us a call at (608) 283-9039 to schedule an appointment for a roof inspection. We’ll come to your home and go over your roof from inside and out to determine if you’re in need of repairs or a total replacement. Our staff is courteous and polite, and we can help you with an insurance claim for your roof or help you with financing.
