7 Indicators Your Roof Needs Replacing

Getting a new roof doesn’t happen every day or even every decade. Keeping an eye out for the signs of a roof that is on its way out is important. Homeowners in Western, PA don’t want to wait to have a leak before realizing they need a new roof. When a new roof is necessary, remember it’s worth that couple thousand more for a roof that will last 10 to 20 years longer.

1. Shingle Granules in The Gutter

If there are little pieces of dark dirt in your gutters, be sure they aren’t shingle granules. When asphalt shingles start getting older they start shedding pieces of rubbery cement that will end up in the home’s gutters. Another sign of shingles that are shedding is dark or discolored patches on the roof; these are parts where the shingles are wearing away.

2. Daylight Through the Roof Boards

Your roof has holes if there is light coming through your attic. These holes are signs that moisture is in between the layers of asphalt. Check the insulation for wetness and check for spongy, bouncy, or a trampoline-like feeling under your feet when you walk on the roof. The bouncy feeling is from the moisture the roof absorbed. Get this fixed quickly because if you can see light in the attic, pests can see a doorway into your house.

3. Valleys in The Roof

Check the roof valleys. These areas have a high concentration of water and moisture running down them to the gutters. They are the most important parts of the roof, so if there are missing tiles or shingles in these areas, roof leaks could be next.

4. Missing Shingles

Missing shingles are generally not a good sign. Check regularly for missing shingles, and especially after a nasty storm or other inclement Pittsburgh weather.

5. Bucking or Curling Shingles

Shingles that are curling are not supported. This could mean the shingles beneath are deteriorating and becoming weak. It could also be a sign of a bigger problem if the shingles are near the end of their lifetime and have been letting moisture into the structure of the roof. The parts of the roof that will be the most susceptible are the sides that get direct sunlight for the longest amount of time during the day.

6. Chimney Flashing

Older roofs have tar or cement chimney flashing. These are not permanently weather resistant and can start falling apart. The chimney flashing needs to be replaced with a metal flashing system to protect it from the weather.

7. An Old Roof

This is the biggest sign that it is time to get a new roof. Asphalt shingle roofs only last 12 to 20 years, with many repairs and checkups in between. If it is time to get a new roof, consider a more long-lasting a durable roof, such as one of the many metal roofing options.