How Can I Tell if My Roof Needs to be Replaced?

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we frequently get phone calls and emails from homeowners asking how they can tell if they need a new roof. It’s actually an excellent question because sometimes the difference between needing a simple repair, and needing a new roofing system is a fine line. Being able to discern this issue correctly in either case can save thousands of dollars.

Here are 6 Tell-Tale Signs You Need a New Roof:

1. Missing Shingles!

This is often the first indication that something might be amiss with your roof. You walk outside and find one or more shingles in your yard. Or, as you pull in the driveway you notice an area on your roof that doesn’t match the rest. While it’s true that a missing shingle may only indicate the need for a simple repair job, it could also indicate something more serious. One thing’s for sure. If you don’t replace the missing shingles soon, you may very well wind up needing a new roof. So don’t take these occurrences lightly! Have your roof inspected by a qualified professional to determine whether you need a simple repair, or a new roof.

2. Peeling or Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper

Another indication that all’s not well with your roof could be the discovery of paint peeling or bubbling on the interior or exterior of your home. This occurs when moisture leaks into the sub-structure causing the surface paint to bubble, and eventually peel off. This may occur on ceilings, walls, or even doors. Peeling or bubbling paint is often a clear indication that the integrity of the roof has been compromised. Similarly, peeling or bubbling wallpaper that should otherwise be adhering to your walls should be investigated for possible roof leakage.

3. Discoloration of Walls or Ceilings

Depending on the construction of your home, initial roof leakage may manifest itself as simple discoloration of building materials inside your home. Some examples would be drywall, plaster, or drop-ceiling. If you spot discolored areas on any of these surfaces that are otherwise unexplainable, get your roof inspected ASAP.

4. Swollen, Warped, or Buckling Woodwork

If the interior of your home features a great deal of wood (instead of visible drywall or plaster) you may find that swollen doors, warped doorways, or buckled paneling is your first red flag that a roof issue is at hand. Again, this is just another manifestation of moisture leaking into the sub-structure of your home due to loss of roof integrity. So get your roof inspected without delay.

5. Roof Surface Granules in Gutters or Downspouts

Another indicator that your roof is getting old is the accumulation of surface granules in the gutters or downspouts. Too many times, homeowners miss this warning sign because they either have someone else clean their gutters for them, don’t clean their gutters at all, or simply aren’t looking for this sign as they perform one of the least-favorite homeowner tasks. If you clean your own gutters, pay attention to what’s coming out of your gutters. If you have someone else do this task for you, ask them to look for roof granules in the gutter debris … or even allow you to inspect the resulting gutter debris yourself. If it includes granular matter from your roof, plan on getting your roof inspected soon.

6. Damaged or Warped Shingles

Once a qualified professional inspects your roof, they may discover damaged or warped shingles. This can happen simply due to age. However, just because your roof isn’t old doesn’t mean you don’t need a roof replacement. Roof damage can occur from a variety of other circumstances including:

• Hail Storms: Hail damage is one of the most common reasons why a roof needs to be replaced. Frequently, if the homeowner was not home at the time the hail storm happened, they may not even be aware that hail damage occurred.
• Other Extreme Weather Events: Hurricanes or even simple severe thunderstorms can generate winds capable of lifting, removing, or damaging shingles. More commonly, these winds may blow debris against the roof surface causing shingle damage.
• Snow Removal: If it has been necessary to remove snow from your roof, it is possible that shingles could have been damaged in the process if it was done carelessly or using implements capable of damaging the roof.

The discovery of damaged or warped shingles in combination with any of the aforementioned signs is a good indication that you should plan on a new roof replacement before any further damage occurs.

Too many times, the need for a new roof is discovered after leaking or other serious damage has already occurred.  This winds up costing the homeowner thousands of dollars in restoration in addition to the expense of roof replacement. It is important to get your roof inspected on a yearly basis by a qualified professional to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people.  If you have any questions about roofing, new roof systems, composite shingles, dimensional shingles, or roof replacement questions of any kind … feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!