Do you need a new roof? Is it time to replace your roof? Living in the Northeast, your roof is subject to extreme fluctuating temperatures, high winds, and precipitation – rain, ice, or snow! Because of this, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your roof. Fortunately, there are ways to tell if it’s time to replace your old roof with a new roof. Below are 8 signs that you need a new roof.
8 Signs You Need a New Roof
1. Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old
The easiest way to tell that you need a new roof is by checking the age of your roof. The average lifespan of a roof is 20-25 years. If your roof is approaching or has already reached this age, it’s time to start thinking about a roof replacement.
If you’re a new homeowner and not sure of the age of your roof, no problem! You can request an age estimate from a roofing professional– they can tell you if it’s time to replace your roof!
2. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof needs replacing. When shingles are missing, it leaves the underlying structure exposed to the elements, which can lead to leaks and water damage.
It’s important to address missing shingles as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your roof and home. In some cases, a simple repair may be sufficient to replace the missing shingles and prevent further damage.
However, if there are numerous missing shingles or the roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, it may be time for a full roof replacement. A roofing professional can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action to ensure the longevity and safety of your roof.
3. Wear and Tear
Another easy way to tell if you need a new roof is if you see signs of wear and tear. Inspect your roof at least once a year. Do you see cracked shingles? Curled Shingles? Broken Shingles? These are obvious signs that it’s time for a new roof or at the very least you need to replace those shingles!
4. Loss of Granules
The granules on the surface of shingles are important for protecting the shingles from UV rays, adding texture, and improving fire resistance. However, over time, these granules can become loose or detached from the shingle’s surface.
If you notice that the shingle’s surface looks bare or uneven or you see granules in your gutters or downspouts, these are clear indications that the shingles are losing their protective layer.
You need to repair or replace your shingles to prevent further damage to your roof and avoid potential leaks or water damage to your home.
5. Gaps on your Roof
If you see gaps on your roof- that is an obvious sign that it’s time to replace your roof. Do you see gaps between the roof and the chimney? What about gaps between the roof and the skylight? Or gaps between the roof and your vents? Or do you see sagging in the middle of your roof? These are signs that you need to repair or replace your roof.
6. Moss or Mold on Your Roof
Moss and mold can grow on the surface of shingles, creating a green or black discoloration that can be unsightly. Moss and mold on the surface of shingles can indicate more significant issues with the roof, such as weakened and deteriorated shingles caused by moisture buildup.
If you notice moss or mold growth on your roof, it’s important to take prompt action to prevent further damage- it’s time to have an expert inspect your roof!
7. Review your Energy Bills
It seems that everyone is taking a closer look at their energy bills this year. If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills, there’s a chance that heat is escaping through your roof and the current material is no longer providing adequate insulation. It could also be a sign that you have a roof leak that’s not visible to the eye.
8. Take a Look around Inside Your House
In the busyness of our day-to-day life, we can often miss some telltale signs inside that something is going wrong outside. Keep your eyes open for water spots on your walls or ceiling, discolored patches on the ceiling, peeling paint around windows and doors, a musty smell, and up in your attic or crawl space, damp insulation, or rotting framework wood.
Make the connection between where your outdoor gutters and rooftop vents are to the exterior walls or your home, and from the inside, be on the lookout for water stains or streaks running in tandem.
If you’ve put a check next to any of these boxes, it’s important to act quickly to get a professional’s opinion and estimate to protect your home, especially during this unpredictable weather time of year. Ask neighbors or friends or turn to local Facebook groups or community message boards like Next Door to find an insured, reliable, and trustworthy roofing contractor.
Trust me when I say we’ve seen it all, and the biggest regret you’ll have is not taking this proactive step and having an issue down the road that is an even bigger headache (and expense!) than just the roof.
About Andrew Prchal
Andrew is the co-founder of Gunner, which he launched with his brother Eddie in 2017, with the core mission of delivering a customer’s vision, while providing exceptional quality of work, unmatched customer experience and utilizing creative technological solutions.
Servicing customers in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, the company provides roofing, siding, gutter and window installation services working with brands including Anderson Windows, Brava Roof Tile, GAF and James Hardie. In 2023, the company launched a new, proprietary platform for online roofing estimates allowing customers to easily shop for and fully purchase (including opting into financing options) a new roof.
Gunner is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, and amongst other associations, certifications, and honors, is part of the elite GAF President’s Club and James Hardie President’s Club, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMasters and Anderson Certified Contractor.