9 Signs You Need A New Roof

Homeowners should check their receipts and improvement records for the date their roof was last replaced. Typical asphalt shingle systems have lifespans of 20 to 25 years. If that time window has passed, most homeowners can start planning for a new roof.

Note: If the shingles were installed on top of an existing layer of shingles, then they might not last as long. Twenty years is typical for these kinds of applications.

For homeowners in developments and subdivisions, the sound of roofing nailers in the neighborhood might be a sign. Most developments grow a few houses at a time, meaning that many of the homes in the neighborhood are relatively close in age. And since these houses often use the same materials purchased by the builder at a bulk rate, the roofs should deteriorate at a similar rate. So, if everyone’s replacing their roof, maybe you should too.

Missing shingles are never a good sign. This occurs when the shingle itself weakens, and the adhesive holding the bottom in place starts separating from the course below. At that point, all it takes is the right gust of wind for a shingle to fall off.

However, just one or two missing shingles isn’t the end of the world. In some cases, the cause could be improper installation. A relatively quick repair could have the roof back in top shape, though the shingle color might not be an exact match.

Some telltale signs that a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan are cupping, curling or clawing. Cupping and curling look very similar, with the ends of the shingles peeling away from the courses below them and beginning to point upward. Clawing occurs when the center of the shingle lifts while the ends stay in contact with the roof. Neither condition is a good sign, and they can be the result of extreme temperatures, improper installation, poor ventilation or age.

Asphalt shingles have grit or granules embedded in their surface, and these granules create a barrier between the sun and the shingle. It’s normal for a bit of grit to loosen up and fall off (especially when the roof is new). But if more and more granules are collecting in the gutters every fall, there might be a problem. Without the grit, the sun will bake the shingles and cause them to warp, cup or deteriorate.

From the ground, it may be possible to see what appear to be cracks sprawling across two or three shingles. Those aren’t cracks, though. They’re actually tears that come from prolonged thermal expansion and contraction cycles. As the sun rises and heats the roof, the shingles expand. As the temperatures drop, they contract. Over time, these tiles tear and become the prime location for leaks and structural damage.

Shingles don’t always fall off in full strips. For deteriorating roofs, it can be just as typical to see small chunks of shingles in the yard, and it’s not always easy to see where they’re coming from. Homeowners that notice small pieces of shingles in their yards after a few different windstorms should consider getting a closer look at their roof or calling in a pro to inspect it.

A sagging roof is one of the most telltale signs that you need a new installation. Sagging happens when there is a structural issue below the shingles, such as severe water damage or a broken rafter. In either case, a contractor will need to remove the shingles and plywood sheathing underneath to get to the bottom of the problem.

Apparent water damage inside the home is a fairly straightforward sign that the roof is no longer doing its job. This damage could be the result of ice dams, compromised shingles, deteriorated flashing or poor installation techniques. Whatever the case may be, leaks don’t get better on their own, and homeowners should look into replacing or repairing their roof in short order. A leaky roof can lead to mold and attract pests like carpenter ants.