There are several things that may signal a need to reroof your home:
1. Leaks – The obvious sign that your roof is starting to fail is the development of leaks. These may arise from ice dams, shingles that have blown off, or improperly installed flashing. The leak may not appear as an obvious drip, but moisture will cause spots on ceilings and walls, loosen wallpaper or paint, and unpleasant mildew odors. Water will not always take the most direct route down, as it will sometimes run down rafters and along joists before finding an opening.
2. Hail damage – Winter and spring storms will sometimes bring hail which causes permanent damage to your shingles. The hail knocks off the protective granules on the surface of the shingles, exposing the underlying asphalt layer to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. This will significantly reduce the life of your roof and lead to certain premature shingle failures. If you have had a recent hail storm, you should contact your insurance agent and a roofing professional immediately.
3. Ice damming – The build-up of snow and ice on your roof will sometimes cause a condition known as ice damming. This is created by a temperature difference between the eaves and the attic of your home. This causes permanent damage to the shingles, along with damage to the roof decking and the home’s interior.
4. Shingle defects – Flaws in your shingles that are not a part of the ordinary weathering pattern could be manufacturing defects. Cracks along the reinforcement area of the shingle or missing granules are examples of possible defects and can also cause the premature failure of your roof. If you notice any signs of defects, such as a build-up of granules in your gutters, then contact us to inspect your roof and avoid further problems.
5. Deterioration of your shingles – Shingles begin normal deterioration as soon as they are installed. This process accelerates rapidly over the last third of their lifespan. There are several clues that your shingles are reaching the end of their normal life.
One of the first signs is curling. As the granules on the surface begin to wear away over time, the asphalt layer of the shingle begins to harden and shrink while the reinforcement layer remains stable. This causes the edges of the shingle to curl.
Secondly, as the oils in the shingles are depleted from everyday heat, the shingles become brittle. This causes cracks to form on the surface of the shingle.
Another sign of deterioration is the formation of blisters or raised bubble-like areas on the surface of the shingles. These blisters will open and expose the underlying asphalt layer.
Finally, discoloration in the form of dark brown or black streaks on your roof indicates that your shingles are beginning to fail. These are caused by the build-up of algae growth and are commonly mistaken for dirt, soot, or moss.
Any of these warning signs may indicate that it is time to consider replacing your roof.
6. Appearance upgrade – Your existing roof may be in fine condition, but you would like to improve the look of your home by installing an upgraded shingle. There is any number of selections to choose from, including several architectural styles or metal roofing, that could give your home the distinctive appearance you seek.