The roof of your home is arguably one of its most important parts. It works hard keeping out rain, snow, wind, and more – when it’s in its prime. If your roof needs to be replaced, however, it could be exposing you or your home to external dangers as well as additional structural damage. Here are some major signs your roof needs to be replaced:

1. It is Missing Shingles

Regularly monitoring your roof is one of the most important roof maintenance tips. When you take a look at your roof, one of the most glaring issues to spot is missing shingles. Having gaps like this in your roofing can allow moisture to collect and can become a serious issue.

After moisture pools beneath other shingles, mildew can set in and leaks can drip right through into your home. You might even hear water running or dripping when nothing that uses water is running, which is one of the house sounds you should not ignore. Missing shingles should be replaced as quickly as possible, and roofs with multiple missing shingles should be checked for underlying damage and potential replacement.

Several missing shingles are often signs your roof needs to be replaced. Not only does repairing shingles or replacing your roof if needed improve your home overall and prevent issues from getting worse, but it is also one of the ways to protect your home from water damage.

2. Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old

A standard roof will typically only last for about 20 to 30 years. Unfortunately, even if immaculate care goes into maintaining a roof, it will show wear over time. There are a lot of damages a new roof helps you avoid that your old roof may be causing in your home.

Weather is brutal, and if it’s been at least 20 years since you’ve last had your roof replaced, it might be time for a new one. If your roof needs to be replaced, there’s no reason to wait and potentially cause damage to your home instead of capitalizing on the benefits of a new roof.

3. It Has Curling and Buckling Shingles

Aside from outright missing shingles, search for shingles curling or buckling on your roof. If you see shingle damage, a professional needs to take a look. Even these gaps in your roof can leave you vulnerable and could be one of the signs your roof needs to be replaced.

Rain will still pool and seep into the layers of your roofing, damaging each layer beneath until it eventually leaks into your home. This is why damaged or missing shingles are common causes of roof leaks.

4. Your Roof is Sagging

Sagging is one of the signs of structural damage you should not ignore, especially if it’s happening to your roof. A sagging roof is a sure sign that there are serious issues and your roof likely needs to be fully replaced.

Once your roof is visibly sagging, you can be sure that there is other damage to your home. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more damage to your home it will cause. And, if left for too long, your roof could even collapse. This is one of the things homeowners should not delay fixing.

5. There is Noticeable Water Damage

If you have an attic and it is leaking, it’s a sure sign that something is wrong with your roof. Even seemingly cosmetic issues can be subtle clues about the condition of your roof. Wallpaper or paint bubbling on your ceiling or walls may be an indicator that your roof needs to be replaced.

In these cases, contact a specialist who will be able to tell you the source of the burgeoning water damage – whether it’s your roof, siding, or gutters. Not only is it a sign that you have a leak and water damage in your home, but it could also be encouraging mold growth in your home.

6. You Have Skylights and They Are Leaking

There are many benefits of skylights in your home. When they are properly installed, they can be a great way to add more natural light to your home. If they are poorly installed, are damaged, or are old, they can cause air leaks and water leaks that can damage your home and your roof. If there are already issues with your roof, even properly installed skylights can leak. In either case, leaking skylights are a sign your roof needs to be replaced

7. Your Roof Was Damaged by Wind or Hail

Storms and harsh weather can cause a lot of damage to your roof. After strong winds, hail, and other heavy storms, make sure you take a look at your roof. If any tree limbs have been blown onto your roof, carefully clear them off and check for damage.

Also, check for loose shingles around the edges of your roof. Wind can cause a lot of damage and wear and tear in these areas. In some cases, the damage can be repaired. One of the benefits of asphalt roofing shingles is that they are easy to replace compared to other roofing materials. Depending on how much damage your roof has sustained and where, it may need to be replaced instead of repaired.

8. There Are Problems With Your Chimney or Roof Vents

There are many reasons why proper roof ventilation is important and that includes your chimney. Your chimney and your roof vents need to be sealed properly and well-maintained. If they are not, they can affect your home and can affect your roof.

Damage to your chimney or bad flashing can easily cause issues with your home and damage to your roof. Poor temperature regulation in your home can be one of the signs you don’t have proper roof ventilation. If your attic becomes too hot because of this, it can damage your roof and cause shingles to crack.

9. Your Gutters Have Issues

Gutters and downspouts are important because they direct water away from your home and help prevent water damage. If there are issues with your gutters and they are not working correctly, water can get into your home and damage it.

This is especially true if your gutter aprons are damaged or missing. Gutter aprons are installed with gutters to help direct water that runs off the roof into your gutters. If gutter aprons are missing or not working correctly, water on your roof from storms can get under the bottom edges of your roof and damage your roof and your home. Over time, this can cause leaks within your home and structural damage to your roof from underneath.

Get a New Roof With Zephyr Thomas

These are some common and serious signs your roof needs to be replaced. The good news is that there are many benefits of a new roof and several great types of roofing available to meet your needs. If you need more information about roof repair and replacement, give Zephyr Thomas a call at 717-399-4708 to start your free quote!

Take a look at this timelapse video of the Zephyr Thomas team replacing a roof!