Your roof is one of the most essential aspects of your home. It protects the entire structure from exposure to the elements, preventing mold and ensuring your belongings are safe. A suitable roofing material can help you enjoy an energy-efficient home or ensure you don’t have to deal with pests. However, every homeowner is bound to need roofing replacements as time passes. Knowing the signs you need a new roof ensures you get one promptly, helping you save money and not have to deal with dangerous problems like your roof collapsing. This article will tell you the primary signs to watch out for, including the early signs like granule loss and curling shingles.

1. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof must be addressed immediately; roofing replacements are often called for. This is a sign that the support beams holding up the roof are not adequately supporting the roof. Several issues can cause this. Constant leaks can make the wood weaker, causing it to fail. Heavy roofing materials, such as clay tiles, require additional support. If a company installs them without installing additional support, the tiles will be too heavy for the support beams you have. Companies putting too many layers of shingles on top of each other is another common cause. Roofing replacements are necessary because companies must tear the roof off to fix the support beams and determine the problem. If you don't address this problem, the entire roof will likely collapse.

2. Aging Roof

Many homeowners opt for roofing replacements as their roof ages because it’s nearing its lifespan. It’s more cost-effective to install a new roof instead of dealing with the various issues that go hand in hand with needing a new one. However, knowing how long your roof will last is essential so you don’t get unnecessary roofing replacements. In our experience, asphalt shingles generally last 30-50 years, while metal roofing materials can last up to 70 years. We have also seen that cedar shingles can last up to 50 years, and clay tiles can last the longest at about 100 years. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure that roofs last as long as possible.

3. Constant Repairs

Roof repairs are a constant frustration for homeowners as their roofs age. There seems to be a new leak every time it rains, and the flashing doesn’t seem to stay on quite right, no matter how often it’s repaired or replaced. The constant repairs are typical because the roof is at the end of the road. An aging roof that needs to be replaced will continue to deteriorate slowly. You can replace broken shingles, but you’ll discover you have to make more repairs as time passes because all the shingles are slowly crumbling. It’s best to contact a local company specializing in roofing replacements for a thorough inspection.

4. Roofing Inspection

The roofing business continues to thrive as more people realize the importance of maintenance, such as annual inspections. According to a 2021 industry forecast by This Old House, the worldwide roofing market is expected to have a value of $156 billion by 2030, with an annual increase of 4.3%. You can call plenty of experienced local roofing companies for a yearly inspection. Ask local roofers if they notice any signs you need a new roof, such as curling shingles or granule loss on asphalt roofs. Professionals can tell you how long your roof will last and recommend proper maintenance tips to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible.

5. Significant Damage

Roofs are prone to wear and tear over time and often require repairs after significant weather events. However, sure signs of damage indicate it’s time for roofing replacements. Curling asphalt shingles are a surefire sign that you need a new roof. Shingles curl because they have lost their protective coating and are damaged. Eventually, they will break and crack, exposing your home to the elements. Cracked clay tiles are a sign that they are not as durable as they once were and it is time to replace them. Metal roofing materials must be appropriately coated every few years, or they can rust. Rusting metal roofs cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

6. Losing Granules

Asphalt shingles are coated with something called granules before they are used for roofing. These granules help protect shingles from damage from UV rays and weather. As shingles age, the granules slowly come off. As the granules slowly leak down your roof, you will notice a sand-like texture in your gutters or yard. Once this happens, the shingles will deteriorate significantly faster, leading to curling, cracking, and needing more repairs. However, remember that it’s common to see granule loss immediately after installation. Some shingle companies put extra layers of granules on shingles to ensure there are enough.

7. Temperature Changes

Your roof is insulated when installed, but an improperly installed roof will not help keep your home at the temperatures that you need. Instead, you’ll notice severe temperature fluctuations and extreme temperatures towards the top of the house. A poorly insulated roof will let drafts come into your home, increasing energy usage. While there are several issues that can cause draftiness in a house, holes in the roof and poor insulation are going to cause a lot of issues when it comes to maintaining the temperature of your home. Contact a local roofing company specializing in roofing replacements to determine if you need a new roof or if there is another solution to your temperature problem.

8. Algae Growth

It’s common to see an accumulation of water on roofs that are not working correctly. For example, rainwater will become standing water if it cannot run appropriately down a sloped asphalt roof. The shingles will be moist long after the water is gone, creating the ideal environment for moss, mold, and algae to thrive. The presence of algae signals that your roof remains too wet, which will eventually cause a lot of damage. Wood shingles will rot, asphalt shingles will deteriorate, and metal roofs will be more prone to rust. It’s best to contact professionals as soon as you spot algae. You may also have a problem with your gutter system, and roofing companies can identify that for you.

9. Costly Damage

Several things can cause expensive damage to your roof. Severe hail storms can put several dents in metal roofing. Asphalt shingles can be ripped off the roof during harsh winds. However, you may discover that the cost of a new roof is lower than that of repairs. Repairing a roof requires fewer materials but often calls for longer man-hours inspecting the roof and carefully replacing damaged shingles. Owners with a roof that is getting older usually get a new one because they don’t want to pay for repairs if they need a new one in a few years anyway.

Understanding when you need roofing replacements can help protect your home, belongings, and family. Look for easily visible signs like missing granules and curling shingles. Damaged roofs may require a new roof, depending on the damage severity. Proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your roof, though. Contact Turner & Sons Roofing & Siding, LLC for annual inspections and get repairs as soon as possible to help keep your roof in great shape. Remember, when in doubt, call the professionals to determine whether it’s time for a new one.