Is It Time for a New Roof?

I think my roof is leaking

Most homeowners don’t worry about replacing their roofs until they see water spots or water damage in their homes. If this is your case and you believe a leaky roof is the problem (rather than a faulty pipe, valve, air handler or other appliance), then you must decide if a roof repair or a roof replacement is needed.

In this situation, how do you know if it’s time for a new roof? Here are a few things you should consider when making the decision.

Is your roof 15 years old or older?

The life of any roof depends on the quality of your roofing materials and the quality of your roof installation, along with the weather your house has been exposed to. In moderate climates, a well-built roof can last 20-years or longer. In general, however, if your roof has lasted 15 years, it might be time to take a closer look to see if it has signs of aging that warrant a complete roof replacement.

On the other hand, if your roof is less than 10 years old and you suspect it is leaking, then a roof repair should fix the problem in most cases.

Is the flashing on your roof visibly damaged?

Flashing is typically the sheet metal you see around chimneys, pipes, vents and other roof penetrations, as well as along other roof joints and intersections. If you notice some areas of the flashing are damaged, corroded, cracked, warped or broken free from the structure it should be attached to, then it’s possible that repairing the damaged flashing could fix your leaking roof problem, and a complete roof replacement may not be needed.

Is your roof missing some shingles?

If your roof has been exposed to severe winds, it is not uncommon to lose a few shingles, regardless of how well-built the roof was. In this case, replacing the missing shingles is a viable option for a roof that is otherwise in sound condition.

However, if you don’t believe wind caused the lost shingles, it is possible that the shingles were improperly fastened. In this case, your next step depends on how extensive the damage is. If you have lost only a few shingles in a small area, then a roof repair may be an adequate solution.

If, however, the shingle loss is widespread throughout your entire roof, it is possible that a majority of the shingles were installed improperly. In this situation, it won’t be long before you begin to see more shingles breaking free and a roof replacement may be the more economical solution in the long run.

Are your roof shingles curling up?

If you see the edges of some shingles curling up, you may have a roof installation issue or a roof ventilation issue. In some cases, adding more roof/attic ventilation can solve the problem and prevent further shingle damage, and a new roof may not be necessary.

If you suspect the curled shingles were installed improperly (nails not driven down completely or improper number of nails), the decision to repair or replace the roof depends on how widespread the problem is.

Are your shingles pitted?

The top of each shingle is made up of a layer of granules that covers the asphalt beneath it. If your shingles are pitted, you will see black spots (asphalt) where the granules have fallen off. This occurs when moisture has gotten trapped between the asphalt and the granules.

Any pitted shingle should be replaced, and if the problem is widespread throughout your entire roof, it may be time for a new roof.

Do you have a roofing company you can trust?

Most homeowners aren’t roofers or well-versed in roofing concepts. You can trust Findlay Roofing to give you an honest, professional evaluation of your roof. We promise to explain all your repair and replacement options thoroughly, so you can make the right decision for your home.

If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your roof, we encourage you to contact us today for a free roof analysis and consultation.