5 Signs That Your Roof Is In Need Of Replacement
Not all warning signs that your roof needs replacement will be as obvious as water leaking into your home each time it rains. Learning to spot the need for roof replacement before you experience this type of major issue can save you a ton of money on the additional repairs that come along with water damage inside your home.
The Presence Of Wildlife In Your Attic
Have you experienced issues with wildlife such as birds and squirrels making their way into your attic or crawl space? If so, this could be a good indication that it is time for a roof replacement. While your roof may not have begun leaking into your home quite yet, the presence of this wildlife means that there are, in fact, cracks in your roof, and there is a good chance that your roof is actively leaking moisture into the interior structure of your home, where it much harder to detect.
Roof Debris In Gutters
If you find pieces of broken shingles, loose granules, or other debris from your roof inside your gutters, this is a sign that your roof either needs replacement or repairs. You should also be sure to check your roof's downspout for the presence of this type of debris, as smaller pieces can make their way through the gutter and into the downspout especially in heavy rain.
Curled Shingles
If the edges of your asphalt shingles have begun to curl, this is a sign that the shingles are aging and will soon need to be replaced. While this type of damage may not result in any immediate problems, it is important to take advantage of this early warning sign to replace your roof before the shingles begin to fail. Waiting until these aging shingles fail can result in significant damage to the interior of your home, as moisture is able to get under the shingles and cause leaks.
Presence Of Algae Or Moss
If moisture has begun to get trapped below damaged shingles, you will often notice the growth of algae or moss on your roof. This damage will usually appear as dark spots on your roof. While you can remove the algae or moss using a water and bleach solution, simply removing this plant life will not undo the damage that caused it to grow in the first place.
Cracks In Shingles
Cracks in your shingles can occur as the result of old age or weather-related damage. If just a few shingles are cracked, you may be able to have this isolated area of your roof repaired. However, if there are cracked shingles in multiple locations on your roof, you will want to opt for a roof replacement, rather than repairs.
