7 Warning Signs that You Need a New Roof

Roofs are one of the most important components of a house. They serve a very important function in protecting the rest of the house from the elements, especially water damage. They can also provide a form of insulation from letting heat out during the winter. Keeping a roof in good shape is an important step to take in protecting the investment you’ve put into your house. Here are some warning signs that could indicate it’s time to have a new roof remodeling.

Water Leaks

It might go without saying, but a water leak is the number one sign that you need to have a new roof remodeling. Water leaks usually start out small, but shortly thereafter, they start to rot the wood that protects your house. The leaks will likely just start staining the roof decking. Then, they’ll progress and start dripping into your insulation. These leaks tend to get worse over time. What once barely stained your insulation will start to leak through your ceiling and cause stains. Wet conditions are a leading source of mold growth, so having a watertight roof could save the cost of mold remediation in the long run, not to mention the structural damage that can come from waterlogged wood.

Old Age

A traditional roof with asphalt shingles should last about 20 to 25 years. This might seem like a long time, but if you bought your house recently, some of those years might have already elapsed. The older a roof is, the more weathered and worn it is likely to be. This is when problems are likely to start to rise up with your roof and make it more likely you’ll need to have a roof replacement or repair. You should check with a professional if your roof is near the end of its life cycle.

Roof Valleys

This will not be a problem if you have a roof with a simple pyramid design. On the other hand, if your roof is more complex because your house has multiple sections, you could run into problems with the valleys on the roof. These valleys are intended to funnel rainwater and snow melt into your gutters. If they start to wear down, the seams in these valleys are places where water is likely to start leaking into your house.

Curling Shingles

Over time, your shingles might start to curl up. This will start to impact the seal that the shingles are supposed to provide for your roof. In the gaps, it’s possible that water will start to leak through. You might be able to stop any leaks from getting worse by simply repairing the curling or buckling shingles before real problems start. Taking care of damage early is always preferable to waiting until it gets extensive. Regardless, curling shingles are a warning sign that you really need to have a professional roofing company check out your roof.

Shingle Granules In Gutters

A few shingle granules in your gutter is likely not a major problem. However, as roofs start to get some age, these granules will start to come off the shingles in increasing numbers. As more granules start to fill up your gutters, it’s a sure sign that your roof is getting to the point it needs replacing.

Missing Shingles

This is not necessarily a sign of an older roof. A major windstorm can literally blow the shingles off your roof whether it’s six months old or 20 years old. Because your shingles are the main layer of protection your roof has against the elements, it’s important to replace any missing shingles as soon as possible. If the roof is relatively new, a patch job might work. On the other hand, it might be a good idea to just go ahead and replace a roof that’s near the end of its life cycle.

Light Shining Through Your Attic

There should not be light coming into your attic unless it is coming through the a vent that allows for air flow. Light shining through your roof is a sure sign that there’s a gap somewhere. A light to moderate rain is all that will be necessary to have water coming into your attic at this point. Any gaps in your roof are likely to cause the plywood that makes up your roof decking to start rotting. In addition to needing a new roof remodeling, spongy and rotting wood will need replacement and add cost to your home repair.

If you find that you have any of the scenarios listed above, it’s time to check with a roofer to see how you can remedy the situation and get your roof up to code. KNS Remodeling is a leading roofing company in Stokesdale, NC, and we serve the entire Triad area. We’d be more than happy to come out to your home or business to assess your situation. Contact us at KNS Remodeling to get an estimate whether you need a quick repair or you’re in the market for a complete roof replacement.