If your roof is over 20 years old, it’s likely time for a replacement. The average roof lasts for 20 – 25 years and even if it looks fine on the outside, with its age there is a higher risk for problems to occur. If you aren’t sure of the age of your roof but notice your neighbors are getting their’s replaced, it might be time for a new one for you too. The good news is that a new roof can increase the value of your home and make it more aesthetically pleasing while giving you peace-of-mind against the potential for future problems.

If you see shingles curling on your roof, that’s a big warning sign that your roof is older, and showing its age. Shingles can curl in two different ways: cupping and clawing.  Cupping is when the edges of the shingles turn upwards; clawing is when the edges of the shingle stay flat and the middle starts to come up. Both of these indicate roof problems and can lead to leaks. This happens most frequently on the side of the your roof that gets the most direct sunlight, as the UV radiation breaks down the single material.

Cracked shingles are generally caused from wind damage. While you can replace one or two that are cracked, if you have patches of cracked shingles all across your roof you will want to get it replaced- Where a few singles are cracking, more are sure to follow. Cracked shingles can lead to leaking and other roof deterioration.

Looking up at your roof and seeing entire shingles missing is never a good thing. While you can replace one here or there, it can lead to bigger problems down the road. Not only will you have different color patches across your roof, it also increases your chances for leaks and critters getting in. Once you find shingles missing it’s a sign that it’s time to get a new roof to keep your home protected.

Another warning sign that you need a new roof is when you start finding shingle granules in your gutters. Losing granules makes your roof more susceptible to water damage. The granules protect the asphalt from the sun. When they start to fall off and the shingle is more exposed it will start to deteriorate faster. If your roof is older be sure to check the gutters routinely for granules. However, if you just got a new roof and are finding granules in your gutters dont be worried- this is completely normal.  For new roofs, these loose granules are just extra material that normally come loose during the installation.

If you go up to your attic and see streams of light coming through from the outside, you’re noticing a pretty serious problem. If you can see light coming through that means that water, snow, and cold air are coming into your home as well. If you are on your roof and notice that it has a spongy feel to it that’s another sign that there are gaps, and moisture may be coming through into your attic and the laters beneath your shingles. When your roof feels like this it means that your underlying decking is weakened from moisture. You will want to also check for moisture in your insulation.

When you find the light streaming through, or have found soft spots, you should start actively looking for water stains around your home. If you find any, monitor them when it rains to see if their size and shape change. This is an indicator that you have an active leak and that you need to get a new roof.  An easy way to do this is to trace the shape of the stain with a marker- If it gets bigger, you’ll notice right away.

Roof Flashing is also a frequent culprit of leaks, and damaged flashing can be a warning that problems will soon follow. Flashing is commonly found at the base of your chimney. If your flashing is made of roof cement or tar it is more susceptible to degradation and water damage. You will want to consider replacing it with a metal flashing system that is water-tight fitting. This will last longer and help to protect your home.

A Roof Valley is where two parts of your roof meet. This is one of the most common areas for roof damage since it is where snow and rain will flow into the gutters. Check to see if you notice any missing, cracked, or curled shingles in this area. If your your valley is damaged you are likely to start getting leaks.

Noticing growth of Algae and moss is not necessarily a sign that you need a new roof, though it might seem like it at first. Growths like this are just an eyesore on the house and are common in humid climates. You can remove it from your roof if you’d like, but do not do so with a power washer. Power washing can remove granules, damage the roof, and lead to bigger problems. If you can’t stand the sight of it, you can wash it away with a water and bleach mixture or have zinc strips installed on your roof peaks  When it rains, the zinc will gradually wash down the roof face and help reduce the growth. When you do get your roof replaced, many shingles are now algae resistant so you won’t have to worry about this in the future.