3 SIGNS YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF
The first question that might come to your mind when you think about your roof could be; do I need to replace my roof? The next question should be; how do I know that I need to replace my roof? These are the 3 signs you need to replace your composition roof:
1. GRANULE LOSS
Granules are the protective rock layer on your composition shingle. The granules protect the asphalt layer underneath from ultra violet light. Ultra violet light breaks the asphalt layer down. Granule loss is the number one sign you need to replace your roof, and if all you have is granule loss, you should replace your roof. So, what do you look for? Look for the granules in your gutter first. You may find a layer of small rocks in your gutter. Next look at the shingles from the ground. You may find a shine in your roof. This shine is the fiberglass layer of your composition shingles and is a sure sign you have severe granule loss. Also look for black or bald patches if you are able to see the roofing material up close. If you are unsure, contact a roofing contractor for further evaluation.
2. MISSING AND OR BROKEN SHINGLES
Missing shingles may not mean you absolutely need to replace your roof. You may just need some patch work done. However, missing and or broken shingles may be a sign that your roof is failing because the adhesive that keeps the shingles glued together has warn out. There could be missing shingles in one area because of high winds, but it could be a problem across the entire roof. So, what do you look for or consider? The first thing you should look for is an uneven look to your roof. You may find that some shingles look like they are lifted up or buckling. The next thing to look for is flapping shingles. Test the shingles by lifting at the edge. If the shingles lift up with little effort, and is consistent across the roof, you should consider replacing your roof. The final thing you should consider is how old your roof is. If your roof is over 15 years old and you have missing or broken shingles, you should replace your roof.
3. ACTIVE LEAKS
Active leaks, like missing or broken shingles, are not a sure sign that you need to replace your roof. Leaks often show up because of failed components like vents or plumbing boots. New construction homes with original roofs, or less than quality roofing contractors will often use plastic vents and rubber plumbing boots that eventually become brittle and break over years of exposure to the sun and elements. You may just need to replace these components and it could solve your problem. If you have a leak in the field of your shingles, then you should consider replacing your roof. So, what do you look for or consider? Take a look in your attic. Try to pinpoint the leak. A leak in the field of your shingles could be a sign of missing or broken shingles, bad workmanship with the nailing pattern used to fasten your roof to the sheathing, or failing shingles. Finally, consider the age of your roof. If your roof is over 15 years old and you have active leaks, no matter the reason for the leak, you should replace your roof.
These are the 3 signs you need to replace your roof. If you are experiencing all three, you need to replace your roof as soon as you can. If all you have is granule loss, you should replace your roof as soon as you can. If you have missing and or broken shingles, active leaks, or a combination of the two, further evaluation or consideration may be needed.