4 Major Signs You Need a New Roof

While roofs are among the most essential components of a home, many homeowners don’t prioritize them, leading to neglect and insufficient maintenance. If not addressed, this causes roof deterioration and other issues that escalate over time when they go unnoticed. Determining whether your roof needs to be replaced isn’t easy, especially if you lack the necessary skills. However, understanding the signs to look for can be helpful. Explained below are four major signs you need a new roof.

1. Leaks

Roof leaks are a big headache for homeowners. They expose your home to water damage, which may accelerate property damage, compromise safety, or lead to expensive repairs if left unattended. Constant water leaks from the roof eventually reach the framing. This damages the framing, leading to wood rot, which jeopardizes its integrity. Rotting wood frames lead to:

• Damaged roof decking
• Deteriorated support beams and posts
• Damage to ceiling joists, rafters, and fascia boards
• Roof collapse

Additionally, if your roof leaks from numerous places, it could be a sign that it has reached the end of its life and may not be able to safeguard your home from inclement weather anymore. While a roof replacement is a substantial investment, it’s more cost-effective than temporary fixes that call for regular repairs.

2. Old age

Roofs deteriorate as they age, causing numerous problems. While repairing an old roof may seem cheaper, it’s only a temporary solution to recurring issues, which get more expensive with each fix. Extreme weather conditions such as rain and strong wind can damage the already weak old roof, compromising your safety and the home’s structural integrity. They can also undo the roof repairs. Getting a new roof is the best solution to an old roof as it enhances safety and security while giving your home better value and curb appeal.

3. Roof sag

Roof sagging is a dip or depression of any part of your roofing system.  It is not just an aesthetic problem; it’s a sign of underlying structural issues that can cause significant roof damage when ignored. Sagging can happen on any part of your roof, including the following:

• Load-bearing components such as trusses and rafters
• Roof deck
• Roof ridge
• Around the gutters

While several things cause roof sagging, not all necessitate a roof replacement. However, if your roofing system’s old age is the reason for sagging, you may need a new roof, especially if the existing one is at the end of its useful life.

4. Missing or cracked shingles

Shingles are critical to the proper functioning of your roofing system. When some are missing or even cracked, it’s a sign of roof damage. Strong winds are the common cause of missing shingles, and hail leaves them bruised or broken, weakening them and eventually causing them to fall off. As your roof approaches the end of its useful life, shingle damage and loss will likely increase.

If your shingles start curling, losing surface granules, or increasingly cracking, it’s a sign that your roof is close to its end. While missing and cracked shingles can be replaced, it wouldn’t be a viable solution if almost all of them need replacing. Opting for a complete roof replacement would be wiser.

Endnote

While some roofing problems are apparent, others aren’t. If neglected, these issues can compromise the home’s structural integrity and your safety. Familiarizing yourself with the signs you need a new roof can help ensure timely replacement, safeguarding your safety and the property’s structure.