New Year, New Roof: Is it Time to Replace?

Missing Shingles

Roof shingles are designed to stay put but can loosen over time and wear out. It's easy to overlook them when you aren't paying close attention. The presence of missing shingles indicates that your roof may have reached its maximum life and should be addressed as soon as possible. Any area of your roof left exposed to the elements can allow water to enter your home and result in expensive leak repairs.

Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic

Not all roof replacement indicators come from outside. Be sure to address moisture marks, brown, yellow or grey stains, and peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings. More often than not they indicate a damaged, leaking roof. Make sure to also peek into your attic and scope it out. If you see damp rafters or leaks, you can bet it's coming from your roof.

Cracked or Curling Shingles

Curled or buckled shingles indicate that they're no longer properly sealed and have been damaged. In most cases, this is caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. The right amount of heat can cook an egg or worse yet, crack or curl your shingles. Whenever it storms, the curved surface can be caught by a strong wind, leading to further damage. There are times when a qualified roof repair company can replace specific shingles, but the problem can become more serious.

Roof Has Outlived its Lifespan

Do you know how old your existing roof is? A roof's lifespan can range from 20 to 50 years, depending on the quality of the materials and installation. Knowing when your roof was installed can help you estimate its lifespan. If you're not sure how old your roof is, request an inspection from a qualified roofing professional. Here are some general ranges of lifespan by material:

• Asphalt shingles tend to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years in North Carolina.�
• Metal roofs are more expensive but require fewer repairs and last 30 to 50 years.�
• Clay tiles also fare well in North Carolina and last 40 years on average.�

Your Neighbors Are Getting a New Roof

Isn't that common sense? Well, you'd be surprised. Your home was likely built around the same time as your neighbor's and has been subjected to the same amount of damage, storms, etc. Make sure to get an inspection from a professional roofer in your local area.

Moss and Mold Growth

When you live in a neighborhood shaded by large trees, you may notice leaves and other organic buildup on your roof. The buildup can seem minor but over time, it can cause moisture to build up underneath it, resulting in a damaged roof. The best way to prevent this is to keep the roof free of organic debris. Contact a roofing professional to get the expert help you need.

Sagging Roof

Sagging is a sign that trapped moisture has rotted away boards under the roof. In order to prevent further damage to your house, droopy, sagging roofs need to be replaced as soon as possible. Be sure to inspect the roof for signs of trapped moisture, rotting boards or sagging spots.

Granules in Your Gutters

Most roof shingles are covered with coarse, sand-like material called granules. These granules help block harmful ultraviolet rays from getting to the fiberglass and asphalt base of your shingles. In North Carolina, the hot summer sun and strong thunderstorms can weaken and wash away these granules, and they often end up in gutter downspouts and the driveway. Excessive granule loss is terrible for your roof and is usually a sign it's time for a replacement.

Start the New Year Right with Summit Roofing of NC

Take control of your home's safety and longevity. Get ahead of your roof damage. It may be beyond repair, but we hope our inspection tips equip you with the knowledge necessary to take action. And, we hope you think of us.

It is time to replace your roof? Need an inspection in the greater Raleigh area? Contact our team today