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Common Signs Your Roof is Worn Out

Whether you built or bought a new home or purchased an older home, the age and condition of your home’s roof play major roles in ensuring your home remains a warm, dry, and safe haven for you and your family. Some indicators that you may have a roofing problem are obvious; others are not.  Here are 6 signs that your roof has worn out its welcome:

Obvious Signs:

Your roof is sagging. 

This is obviously a big problem that requires a professional roofing inspection.  The issue is most likely structural and could be a problem in the attic or with your home’s foundation supports.  If addressed early enough, you may avoid serious and costly damage.

There’s a light in the attic.

And we don’t mean one that comes on by flipping a switch.  If sunlight is coming in, then the likelihood that rain, snow, and cold air are also entering your home is high.  Check for water damage after the next few rainfalls, and if you see areas that appear to be larger over time, you probably have a leak that requires attention.

Missing, curling, or cracked shingles.

All of these signs indicate weather-related damage that is likely to turn into leaks sooner rather than later but doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the entire roof. If just a few shingles are missing, you may get away with replacing them as needed; but if the majority of the shingles are damaged or missing, you’ll want a complete roof replacement.

Not-So-Obvious Signs:

Your roof is 20 years old or older.

The lifespan of today’s asphalt shingle roofs is 20 -30 years; however, unseen factors like improper roof ventilation can affect the aging of even the most durable shingles, so just because you can’t see a problem, doesn’t mean there isn’t one.  If the homes in your area were built around the same time and you see that your neighbors are replacing their roofs, this is a sign you might want to “keep up with the Joneses!”

You see granules in the gutter. 

This may or may not be obvious.  If your asphalt shingle roof is new and you see some granules in the gutters, don’t worry—that’s normal. However, if your roof is 10-15 years old and you’re finding a large number of granules in the gutters, this means your shingles are losing their protective heat quality and are deteriorating. Only a roof inspection will tell the full story.

Moss and/or algae.

Areas where airborne algae have caused dark steaks or moss has grown (typical in cold and/or moist climates) may give the appearance that your roof is in big trouble, but these unsightly nuisances don’t necessarily mean damage.  Most homeowners will attempt to try to remove the moss or algae streaks themselves by brushing, scraping, or power washing their roof, but in doing so, may actually do more damage to the granules than if they just let the roof alone.  Try to put up with the less-than-lovely look for as long as possible, but if you decide on a roof replacement, consider algae-resistant tiles.