If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at your roof, you might be wondering how it’s doing. But what do you look for? How do you know if you need a new roof in Northern Colorado? What are the signs that your roof is worn out? It’s not always obvious. Some signs are only visible from on top of your roof, and other signs are visible from the ground. Below are things to look for that might indicate you need a new roof.
Quick Answer: 6 signs you need a new roof are: missing stones or granules, curled or cracked asphalt shingles, extensive missing roofing material, if your neighbors are getting a new roof, and if you have extensive hail damage.
1. Missing Granules
Sometimes you don’t have to go up on your roof to see signs you need a new roof. Sometimes signs are left on the ground. If you see a lot of granules on the ground or in your gutters, that means they’re not on the shingles where they belong.
Granules on asphalt shingles help protect your roof from harmful UV rays. Without these granules, the sun would prematurely deteriorate your asphalt shingle roof. What’s more, missing granules mean there’s exposed fiberglass, and water can pass through onto the roof deck.
2. Curling Shingles
Curled asphalt shingles are easily seen from the ground. A few things can cause asphalt shingles to curl. An improperly ventilated attic can trap moisture in the roof deck, leading to mold, which can cause curled shingles. If the roof installer didn’t use enough nails or didn’t align the shingles correctly, this can also cause the shingles to curl.
Asphalt shingles perform best when they’re completely secured. Secured shingles form an impenetrable layer, preventing moisture from getting to your roof deck. Curled shingles indicate the seal is broken, allowing moisture to bypass the shingles and reach your roof deck. Curled shingles are also vulnerable to winds, as the wind can get under the shingles and tear them off your roof.
3. Cracked Shingles
We see cracks more often in fiberglass-based asphalt shingle roofs. A fiberglass mat that’s too thin lacks adequate tear resistance. Using too strong of an adhesive, which prevents shingles from shifting during temperature changes, can also cause shingles to crack. Cracked shingles allow water to pass straight through to the roofing felt. This felt is there to protect your roof deck should rain get around your shingles. Roofing felt’s main job is to waterproof your roof deck. Cracked asphalt shingles means there’s one less line of defense for your roof. You do not want water to reach your roof deck. Your roof desk is made of wood. Should your roof deck get wet, it can lead to a host of other problems.
4. Excessive Missing Roofing Material
This sign you need a new roof easy. If you’re missing a lot of your roofing material, you need a new roof. That said, if there’s minimal missing roofing material, maybe you just need your roof repaired. What causes your roof to fall off or blow away? The primary culprit we see is excessive wind with a non-high-wind roof or an improperly installed roof. We get strong winds here in Colorado.
Often, those winds exceed 100mph. If a roofer installed shingles designed to withstand only 60mph winds, that roof will get blown off. A 160-mph-rated shingle roof can also be blown off in lower winds if it wasn’t installed correctly. Also, an old, worn-out roof can fall apart or be blown away. Therefore, if you notice much of your roof is missing, you probably need a new roof.
5. Your Neighbors Are Getting a New Roof
A less obvious sign you might need a new roof is if you see your neighbors replacing theirs. A lot of houses in a neighborhood are built at the same time. As of the writing of this article, it’s 2018. If your house was built in 2000 and has the original roof, that means your roof is 18 years old.
The average lifespan of a mid-grade asphalt shingle roof is 20 years. If you know your roof is 15 years old or more, get it inspected. We offer free roof inspections. If we inspect your roof and determine it’s ok, we’ll let you know. We’ll also let you know if we think it’s time for a new one. We don’t want to install a new roof if you don’t need it. We will only recommend a new roof if you actually need one.
To compare the lifespans of the various residential roofing materials or to see which lasts the longest or costs less, check out our Guide to Residential Roofing.
6. Hail Damage
If you just had a hail storm, it probably didn’t damage just a portion of your roof; it probably damaged your entire roof, or enough of it to warrant a roof replacement. Hail damages an asphalt shingle roof when the hail stones cause the granules to bounce off, leaving the asphalt exposed.
Exposed asphalt will dry up quicker. You should have your roof inspected right away if a hail storm has passed through your neighborhood. Especially if the hailstones were decent in size. The good news about a hail storm is that your insurance may cover the cost of a new roof.
The Bottom Line:
If you notice any of the above signs, you might need a new roof. Remember, some signs your roof is worn out aren’t obvious. If you have damage to your roof, it’s best to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Small damages can lead to more costly ones if ignored. We recommend you get onto your roof and give it a quick inspection once a year. If you’re uncomfortable or just don’t want to go up on your roof, we offer free, no-obligation roof inspections in Northern Colorado.