HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF?

Your roof plays a big role in maintaining the overall integrity of your home, keeping you and your family protected from the elements, and helping control your heating and cooling costs. But, like everything else in the world, a roof doesn’t last forever.

A typical roof with asphalt shingles will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, but most homeowners will squeeze out a few extra before making the investment in a replacement.

Years of constant exposure to the elements will eventually take their toll on your roof. Missing shingles, streaking, water stains, and fluctuations in indoor temperature—all these signs point to roofing problems. It’s important to keep an eye out for these red flags and act before the problem can worsen.

Here are some common issues you can look for to know if its time to call a professional:

  • Water Stains in the Interior

  • Excessive Granules in Your Downspouts

  • Hail or Storm Damage

  • Dark Streaks on the Roof

  • Missing Shingles

Water Spots in Your Interior

Roof leaks are problematic because most homeowners don’t realize they have one until they see obvious damage in their home—by which point the leak has reached an advanced stage. The source of a leak is often in a totally different part of your home from where you see water damage, which can further complicate the problem. Water typically travels along your roof panels before dripping onto your insulation, leaving telltale water spots on your ceiling. While water spots in your interior don’t always mean you have a roof leak, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection to make sure.


Excessive Granules in Your Downspout

On a newly installed roof, granules in the gutters are not a cause for concern, as they’re just loose granules that fell off during installation. However, if you have an old roof that’s shedding granules, this could be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating. Your granules protect your shingles from the sun’s harmful UV rays, so when they start falling off, your shingles can become brittle and eventually crack. If you notice that your gutters have been inefficient lately, there might be granules and other debris blocking the flow of water. Turn to us for a professional roofing inspection.

Hail or Storm Damage

The easiest way to spot hail damage is to look for dark spots, called “bruises”, where the granules have been knocked off. You can also look for signs of shingle damage in your yard, such as pieces of asphalt shingles on the ground or granules in the gutters and on walkways surrounding the house. Whether it’s damaged roofing or siding, it’s important to discover it early and get it fixed quickly. Leaving damage for extended periods of time can lead to water leaks, mold and mildew growth, and damage to the underlying structure of the roof or walls of your home. Storm damage including wind and hail, can also be covered by your homeowner’s insurance if it is caught in time.

If you think your home may have been damaged by wind or hail, schedule a free appointment to allow one of our storm team members to inspect your property for damages.

Learn More About Storm Damage Claims

Dark Streaks on the Roof

These unsightly streaks may look like dirt, mold, or soot, but it's actually an algae-like bacteria called gloeocapsa magma. It's commonly found living on asphalt roofs because it can use the crushed limestone found in most asphalt shingles as a food source.

After time, it can cause the protective UV granules that cover your shingles to come off, eventually drying them out and/or leading to hard-to-remove lichen/moss putting down roots. What looks like something out of a fairy tale may actually be keeping your roof damp due to roots, causing your shingles to fail 10+ years sooner than expected.

Make sure to check the shingle manufacturer website for cleaning suggestions. Cleaning it yourself may void any roof warranties or homeowner's insurance policies. And NEVER use a power washer, even on low as this can damage the granules even further.

Missing Shingles

Dark, patchy areas on your roof can be a sign that some of your shingles are missing. This can either be due to small animals running up and down your roof or a damaged sealant strip. Shingles usually have sealant on their underside that holds them in place. Once they become old and brittle, the sealant starts to fail and your shingles can come loose.

If you observe any of these problems, contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Gutters and spouting also play an important role in the performance of your roof. As part of the free roof inspection we offer you, we will examine these and, if needed, make recommendations for replacement.