Your home is likely your biggest investment. In addition to your mortgage, you spend a lot of time and money getting the interior looking just right, with remodeling projects, painting, and new flooring. You probably don’t think about your roof a lot, but you should. Today we’re going to discuss the top signs you may need a new roof, and why it’s a bad idea to delay your roof replacement.

Signs You May Need a New Roof

Knowing the signs you may need a new roof is one of the first steps in deciding if it’s time to replace your roof. We’re going to focus on roofs with shingles because that’s the most common roofing material in the Mid-Atlantic. Let’s jump right in.

Sign #1: Your Home is More than 20 Years Old and Has the Original Roof

The age of your existing roof is a major factor in determining if it’s time for a roof replacement. Most asphalt shingle roofs were designed to last 20-25 years. If your roof is that old, consider replacing it before you have serious problems. You may already see some of the other signs we mention.

Sign #2: Missing Shingles

Aging shingles can crack and curl, which allows a stiff wind to just blow them off your roof. If you see shingles in your yard, it’s time to act. If it’s only one or two missing shingles, you can hire a roofing contractor to do some roof repair. But you will want to start thinking about roof replacement, sooner rather than later. 

Sign #3: Shingles that Lift Up and Down in the Wind

Can you see the shingles on your roof lifting up and down in the wind? That’s a major sign that you need a new roof. This can happen because of nails that have popped out or deterioration of sealants. Yet another reason is your roof wasn’t installed properly. Those shingles lifting allow wind-driven rain to get underneath. You don’t want that.

Sign #4: Lots of Missing Granules

Asphalt shingles are coated in granules that protect shingles from the elements and UV rays. All shingled roofs will lose granules over the years. It becomes a problem when shingles start losing a lot, in a lot of different places. Granule loss may look like bald patches on the shingles. This is usually because the roof is old. The easiest way to see or tell if your shingles are losing a lot of granules is to check your gutters after heavy rain. The granules settle in the gutters. 

Examine Your Roof

If the weather allows, go outside right now and take a good look at your roof from several different angles. Please don’t climb a ladder and climb onto your roof. Instead, go out into the street or a neighbor’s yard to get a good view. If you’re good friends, you might even ask a neighbor if you can go into a second-story room facing your roof and get another look.  You can also ask your chimney sweep or gutter cleaning company to keep an eye out for issues while they’re up on your roof. If you see any of the signs we mentioned, or a service provider tells you about them, don’t delay. Start getting estimates for your roof replacement now.  Why? Because the older your roof gets, the more shingles you lose, and the more shingles flap in the wind, the greater the chance that your roof will start leaking. That can cause major structural damage. And if you’re lucky enough to have a finished attic, a leak could damage some of your belongings as well. RELATED READING

Beautify and Protect Your Home with Roof Replacement

Quality Alexandria, VA roof replacement will protect your home and enhance your curb appeal, but only if you hire a roofing company with the training and expertise to guide you through your options and then complete a flawless roofing installation. Don’t make the mistake of hiring less experienced tradesmen. Hire one of the most experienced, expert roofing companies serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Schedule a call today.